News Jan. 2016-April 2016

Kentucky State Senate honors the late Senator Georgia Powers with plaque

 

 

 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 15, 2016) – The Kentucky State Senate today honored the late Senator Georgia Davis Powers by affixing a bronze plaque to her desk in the Senate chambers.

Georgia Powers plaque 041516-1Earlier this session, the Senate adopted Senator Gerald A. Neal’s Senate Resolution 100 honoring Powers and calling for a bronze plaque to be placed on her desk. The plaque serves as a commemoration of her service to the Senate and the profound legacy of service, compassion, and courage she leaves behind.

Speakers who reflected on Senator Powers’ legacy included Senator Neal (D-Louisville), Senator and former Governor Julian Carroll (D-Frankfort), Senator Reggie Thomas (D-Lexington), and Senator Robin Webb (D-Grayson).

Powers was the first African American and the first woman to serve in the Kentucky Senate.

To view the commemorative ceremony and speeches on Kentucky Educational Television’s YouTube page, click here.

 

 

Nolin RECC in Elizabethtown presented Governor’s Safety and Health Award

 

Employees worked 500,000 hours without a lost time injury or illness in two years

 

 

 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 13, 2016)Kentucky Labor Cabinet Deputy Secretary Mike Nemes visited the Nolin RECC in Elizabethtown today to present a Governor’s Safety and Health Award for its dedication toward workplace safety.

“Nolin RECC has now amassed 500,000 hours over two years without a lost time injury or illness,” Dep. Sec. Nemes said. “On behalf of Governor Bevin and the Kentucky Labor Cabinet, I am privileged to congratulate all 98 employees on this significant achievement and wish to thank them for the priority that they place on maintaining a culture of safety.”

Right to left: Nolin RECC Compliance Coordinator, Randy Meredith; Nolin RECC President and CEO, Mickey Miller; Labor Cabinet Deputy Secretary, Mike Nemes; Nolin RECC Vice President of System Operations, Vince Heuser; and Nolin RECC line technician, Nathan Yates.
Right to left: Nolin RECC Compliance Coordinator, Randy Meredith; Nolin RECC President and CEO, Mickey Miller; Labor Cabinet Deputy Secretary, Mike Nemes; Nolin RECC Vice President of System Operations, Vince Heuser; and Nolin RECC line technician, Nathan Yates.

Nolin RECC is a Touchstone Energy Cooperative serving electricity to about 34,000 members living in Hardin, LaRue and portions of seven surrounding counties.

“Our highest priority at Nolin RECC is to work safe so that we can all go home to our families at the end of each day,” said Mickey Miller, President and CEO of Nolin RECC. “When you work around 7,200 volts of energized electricity, safety has to be foremost. Holding regular safety meetings and training throughout the year helps us to maintain a safe work environment and mindset, and Nolin RECC and its employees are extremely proud to accept this award.”

Senator Dennis L. Parrett (D-Elizabethtown) offered his praise.

“Congratulations to the employees at Nolin RECC. Their hard work, dedication and commitment to safety allowed the company to achieve this milestone,” Parrett said. “All those who work at Nolin RECC should take pride in this award. I wish the company and all of the employees continued safety and an injury-free workplace.”

The Kentucky Labor Cabinet presents the Governor’s Safety and Health Award to highlight outstanding safety and health performance in Kentucky’s workplaces. A business may qualify for the award if its employees achieve a required number of hours worked without experiencing a lost time injury or illness. The required number of hours is dependent upon the number of employees.

For more information on the Governor’s Safety and Health Award, click here.

Follow the Kentucky Labor Cabinet on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates.

 

Brianna Taylor Act heads to Governor to become law

 

Senate Bill 56 will strengthen penalties for habitual drunk drivers

 

 

 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Mar. 29, 2016) – The Brianna Taylor Act expanding the “look back period” in habitual drunk driving convictions is headed to the governor to be signed into law.

Senator Dennis Parrett, D-Elizabethtown, (right) was joined by David Taylor and Rep. Kelly Flood, D-Lexington, during testimony before a House committee. Taylor is the father of Brianna Taylor, the 17-year-old killed by a habitual DUI offender for whom the bill is named. Rep. Flood carried the bill in the House. Senate Bill 56, aka the Brianna Taylor Act, is headed to the governor’s desk.
Senator Dennis Parrett, D-Elizabethtown, (right) was joined by David Taylor and Rep. Kelly Flood, D-Lexington, during testimony before a House committee. Taylor is the father of Brianna Taylor, the 17-year-old killed by a habitual DUI offender for whom the bill is named. Rep. Flood carried the bill in the House.

“I am glad to see this bill clear all the hurdles in the legislative process and now on the fast track to becoming law,” said Parrett, D-Elizabethtown, sponsor of Senate Bill 56. “I want to thank Brianna Taylor’s parents, David and Tonya Taylor, for bringing this issue to me and sticking with me for the past two years as we worked on gaining backing in the legislature to get this bill through the process. Their support and guidance has been constant and invaluable.”

Parrett’s bill, named for the Hardin County 17-year-old killed in 2014 by a habitual DUI offender, broadens the window that allows for stronger penalties for repeat drunk driver offenders. It increases what is known in legal circles as the “look back period” for prior offenses from five to 10 years.

In Kentucky, the fourth DUI conviction in a five-year period is treated as a felony. By increasing the look back window, DUI convictions remain on a person’s record longer, which allows that behavior to be considered during sentencing.

Parrett says that the first DUI can be a mistake, but he does not see subsequent DUIs in the same light. “The second one is not a mistake,” he explained. “The third, fourth and the fifth are big problems – big problems that need to be dealt with and that is the intent of this bill.”

SB 56 contains an emergency clause so that it will go into effect with the governor’s signature – eliminating a waiting period.

Alcohol was a factor in nearly a fifth of Kentucky’s traffic fatalities last year – a number that Parrett hopes this legislation will help decrease.

“I am happy that this bill is finally headed to the governor’s desk,” said Parrett. “We can never bring back Brianna or the other victims who have had the misfortunate to share the roadways with a drunk driver, but we can make the roads safer and perhaps prevent future tragedies.”

 

 

Joyful Heart Foundation applauds passage of Kentucky bill to implement comprehensive rape kit reform

 

 

NEW YORK (Mar. 28, 2016) – The Joyful Heart Foundation, a leader in the effort to provide cities and states with the resources they need to address their backlog of rape kits, today applauded the passage of Kentucky’s SB63, sponsored by Sen. Denise Harper Angel, D-Louisville, which takes meaningful steps to address the backlog of untested rape kits in the state.

DNA evidence is an invaluable investigative tool. When tested, rape kit evidence can identify an unknown assailant, confirm the presence of a known suspect, affirm the survivor’s account of the attack, connect the suspect to other crime scenes, and exonerate the wrongly convicted. Yet too often the decision is made not to test these kits. Right now, there are hundreds of thousands of untested rape kits sitting in police and crime lab storage facilities across the country.

SB63 builds on the Kentucky State Auditor’s inventory of untested rape kits in the state – the most comprehensive review in the entire nation thus far – which uncovered more than 3,000 untested kits in custody.

Below is a statement from Ilse Knecht, Director of Policy & Advocacy for the Joyful Heart Foundation:

“The Joyful Heart Foundation is proud to stand with Senator Denise Harper Angel and our advocacy partners who fought for the passage of SB63, to provide survivors of sexual assault with the justice they deserve. There is no excuse for complacency on the processing of rape kit evidence – and we join experts in calling for the mandatory submission and testing of every rape kit booked into evidence and connected to a reported sexual assault.

“Every untested kit represents a missed opportunity to bring justice and healing to a survivor and increased safety to a community.

“We stand with every survivor who has taken the courageous step of reporting the crime to the police and endured an invasive examination in search of DNA evidence left behind by the attacker.

“Kentucky has now joined the growing number of states that have passed laws requiring sexual assault kit audits or some type of mandatory submission guidelines. These laws will expand what we know about the true extent of the number of untested rape kits and will result in thousands of cases for law enforcement to investigate and prosecute.

“They will result in long overdue justice.

“Joyful Heart will continue to advocate for federal funds to help states implement comprehensive reform, and stands ready to provide assistance to any community working to address its untested kit backlog.”

For background and further information on the rape kit backlog, go to: ENDTHEBACKLOG.org.

The mission of the Joyful Heart Foundation is to heal, educate and empower survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse, and to shed light into the darkness that surrounds these issues.

 

 

 

Sen. Harper Angel’s Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence (SAFE) Act 2016 passes House

 

 

 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Mar. 25, 2016) – Legislation, sponsored by Senator Denise Harper Angel, to establish policies and procedures for the swift and proper handling of sexual assault evidence kits was approved today on the floor of the Kentucky House of Representatives and is headed to the Governor’s desk for his signature.

“I am so pleased that we were able to get this very important piece of legislation through the legislative process,” said Harper Angel, D-Louisville. “This bill is about victims and survivors who have been waiting for justice, and we just told them they will wait no more.”

Under Senate Bill 63, known as the Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence (SAFE) Act 2016:

  • Each law enforcement agency will need to develop a written policy and procedure manual related to sexual assault kits;
  • All sexual assault kits shall be taken into custody from the collecting facility within five days;
  • All sexual assault kits shall be submitted to the Kentucky State Police (KSP) Crime Lab within 30 days;
  • All sexual assault kits submitted to a law enforcement agency shall be tested;
  • Law enforcement agencies shall be prohibited from destroying any sexual assault kits, and
  • All victims shall be notified of the progress and results of the testing.

The measure also requires the average completion date for assault kit testing not to exceed 90 days by July 1, 2018 and not to exceed 60 days by July 1, 2020.

Currently, it takes about eight months for a sexual assault kit to be tested once it is submitted to the lab. Harper Angel said that the time it takes to test these kits is too long.

SB 63 is in response to a legislative-ordered audit that found there are 3,090 untested sexual assault examination kits in Kentucky.

“During the long but very important process of developing this bill, the working group put together legislation that ensures swift justice for victims of sexual assault, takes criminals off our streets, and protects future generations,” said Harper Angel, who sponsored Senate Joint Resolution 20 during the 2015 Legislative Session that called for the audit. “This bill is step two to ensure that victims receive swift justice.”

Harper Angel represents the 35th senatorial district, which includes a portion of Jefferson County.

 

 

Brianna Taylor Act passes House

 

 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Mar. 23, 2016) – Senator Dennis Parrett, D-Elizabethtown, was present Wednesday as Rep. Kelly Flood, D-Lexington, introduced Senate Bill 56 on the floor of the House (shown in photo).

parrett032316SB 56, named the Brianna Taylor Act for a Hardin County teenager killed by a drunk driver, expands the “look back period” in habitual drunk driving convictions.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Parrett, is headed back to the Senate for its agreement on a committee substitute added by the House.

“The sub does not change the intent of the bill,” said Parrett, D-Elizabethdown, sponsor of Senate Bill 56, adding that the bill should gain passage in the Senate and go to the Governor for his signature.

The News-Enterprise reported on the bill’s passage. To read the story, click here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senator Harper Angel’s PVA bill passes House

 

 

 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Mar. 23, 2016) –Legislation, sponsored by Senator Denise Harper Angel, to clarify the language in KRS defining reasonable fee in the property valuation administrator (PVA) office and align the fee schedule with the Kentucky’s Open Records Act was approved today on the floor of the Kentucky House of Representatives.

“This language is in agreement with the language used in developing the original fee schedule in 1993 and codifies the earlier legislation,” said Harper Angel, D-Louisville, a former Jefferson County PVA. “I am glad to see this measure make it through the legislative process for the PVAs across the state.”

There would be no monetary changes resulting from Senate Bill 64.

SB 64 is headed to the Governor to be signed into law.

Harper Angel represents the 35th Senate District, which includes a portion of Jefferson County.

 

 

Kentucky Senate and House recognize Tuskegee Airmen (1941-1949) on 75th anniversary

 

 

 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Mar. 22, 2016) – The Kentucky State Senate and House of Representatives today adopted resolutions recognizing the 75th anniversary of the Tuskegee Airmen (1941-49), America’s first black military airmen, considered at the time to be an experiment.

Frank Weaver (center), a member of the Tuskegee Airmen was on the Senate and House floors when each chamber recognized the country’s first black military airmen.
Frank Weaver (center), a member of the Tuskegee Airmen was on the Senate and House floors when each chamber recognized the country’s first black military airmen.

Accepting the challenges of the Jim Crow era, these men served as pilots, aircrews and ground support personnel in the military at a time when most people thought that blacks lacked the intelligence, skills, courage and patriotism to serve.

Approximately 1,000 cadets graduated from Tuskegee Army Airfield and received their commission and pilot wings. More than 17,000 were trained as ground support personnel. The Tuskegee Airmen flew more than 1,200 missions for the 99th, 100th, 301st and 302nd Fighter Squadrons under the 12th and 15th Air Forces. In total, the 99th Fighter Squadron and the 332 Fighter Group had over 112 aerial victories during WW II. Through their successful bomber escort missions, many bomber crews felt safe under their protection.

Upon orders from the Commander of the 15th Air Force, the airmen painted the tails of their planes red, thus, the nickname “Red Tails” was coined. Bomber crews applied a more effusive label, the “Red Tail Angels.”

Despite fighting for freedom and justice for all, they returned to the U.S. to face continued racism and bigotry.

The term “Documented Original Tuskegee Airmen” or “DOTA” was adopted to include vetted personnel who trained or were stationed at Tuskegee Army Airfield and other designated unites or locations between 1941-49.

In 2007, the Tuskegee Airmen were recognized by President Bush and Congress with the Congressional Gold Medal for their outstanding service to help defeat the Axis powers and overcome racism.

Present in both chambers today for the adoption of the resolutions was Frank Weaver, a member of the DOTA.

The Senate approved Senate Resolution 188, sponsored by Senator Reginald Thomas, D-Lexington, and the House approved House Resolution 229, sponsored by Rep. Reginald Meeks, D-Louisville.

When the Senate and the House adjourned today, both chambers did so in honor of the 75th anniversary of the Tuskegee Airmen.

 

 

Big Rivers Electric Corporation-Wilson Station presented Governor’s Safety and Health Award

 

 

 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Mar. 22, 2016) – Kentucky Labor Cabinet Secretary Derrick Ramsey announced today that the 100 employees of Big Rivers Electric Corporation–Wilson Station have earned a Governor’s Safety and Health Award for their 1.7 million hours of work without a lost time injury. Deputy Secretary Mike Nemes visited the facility today to congratulate employees on behalf of Sec. Ramsey.

“The hardworking men and women of the Wilson Station have gone nearly nine years without a serious injury on the job,” Sec. Ramsey said of the Wilson Station’s 14th award of this kind. “This coal-fired facility has generated over 29 million megawatt-hours during this same time period and it is only fitting that they are recognized for their efforts. On behalf of Governor Bevin and the Kentucky Labor Cabinet, I’m proud to help them celebrate not only their hard work and dedication toward a safe workplace, but for all that they do to power the homes and businesses of Kentucky.”

Sen. Dorsey Ridley (D-Henderson) also offered his praise.

“I want to offer my heartfelt congratulations to the employees at the Wilson Station,” Sen. Ridley said. “Their hard work, dedication and commitment to safety allowed the company to achieve this milestone, and they should all take pride in receiving this award.”

Based in Henderson, Ky., Big Rivers Electric Corporation is comprised of three cooperatives: Jackson Purchase Energy, Kenergy Corporation, and Meade County RECC. Together, they serve 114,000 members over 22 counties, including: Carlisle, Ballard, McCracken, Graves, Marshall, Livingston, Lyon, Crittenden, Caldwell, Union, Webster, Hopkins, Henderson, McLean, Muhlenberg, Daviess, Ohio, Hancock, Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade, and Hardin counties.

“The safety and health of our employees is the top priority in everything we do at Big Rivers,” said Bob Berry, President of Big Rivers Electric Corporation. “This distinguished award reflects the hard work and dedication of the Wilson Station employees and I applaud the leadership of IBEW Local 1701, as well as the employees and management who contributed to this remarkable achievement.”

“Working over 1.7 million man hours without a lost time incident is an incredible achievement for the Wilson Station employees,” Wilson Station plant manager Keith Scott said. “This celebration marks a milestone accomplishment that is part of a journey that dates back to 2007. This journey is not over today, as there will be more important safety milestones to come. I am very proud of this accomplishment and I am equally as proud of the employees who achieved it.”

The Kentucky Labor Cabinet presents the Governor’s Safety and Health Award to highlight outstanding safety and health performance in Kentucky’s workplaces. A business may qualify for the award if its employees achieve a required number of hours worked without experiencing a lost time injury or illness. The required number of hours is dependent upon the number of employees. The Wilson Station employees have worked 3,207 days injury free. Overall, this is the Big Rivers Electric Corporation’s 40th Governor’s Safety and Health Award.

For more information on the Governor’s Safety and Health Award, click HERE.

 

 

 

Senator Clark recognizes refugees on floor of Senate

 

 

 

 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 16, 2016) – Senator Perry B. Clark, D-Louisville, today recognized refugees visiting the state Capitol on the Senate floor. In order to promote awareness of the refugee program, today was Refugee Day at the Capitol and Senator Clark was the opening speaker at a rally in the Rotunda earlier in the day.

Senator Perry Clark was the opening speaker at the Refugee Day at the Capitol. He also sponsored a resolution recognizing refugees in Kentucky that was later approved by the full Senate.
Senator Perry Clark was the opening speaker at the Refugee Day at the Capitol. He also sponsored a resolution recognizing refugees in Kentucky that was later approved by the full Senate.

“A refugee, according to the Geneva Convention on Refugees, is a person who is outside their country of citizenship because they have well-founded grounds for fear of prosecution because of their race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, and who is unable to obtain sanctuary from their home country,” said Senator Clark, who sponsored Senate Resolution 205 recognizing Refugee Day.

More than 25,000 refugees have made Kentucky their new home over the last 10 years after fleeing persecution and violence in their homelands. Community and faith-based organizations in Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green and Owensboro continue to welcome refugees arriving in Kentucky.

“The refugees come to Kentucky with the promise of freedom, hope and opportunity in a new country and become contributing members in our communities,” said Senator Clark. “These new Kentuckians are workers, students, business owners, parents, neighbors, and community leaders.

“Our refugees have escaped war, escaped persecution, have escaped torture,” said Senator Clark, noting the horrors of being a refugee and the losses and suffering they experience.

Refugees are able to become naturalized citizens and voters after living in the U.S. for five years.

Senator Clark said his wish for these men and women is the same as for all god’s children – “to have safe food, warm homes and peace.”

SR 205 unanimously cleared the Senate.

 

Bill advances to quicken sex assault exam kit testing

 

 

 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 16, 2016) – The state Senate unanimously approved a bipartisan measure today to eliminate a backlog of sexual assault examination kits dating back to the 1970s.

harper angel 031616-2Known as Senate Bill 63, it would establish policies and procedures for the swift and proper handling of the kits, said Sen. Denise Harper Angel, D-Louisville.

“During the 2015 legislative session, I sponsored Senate Joint Resolution Bill 20 which required all law enforcement agencies to report the number of untested assault kits to the Auditor of Public Accounts,” said Angel, who sponsored SB 63. “The resolution passed unanimously through both chambers and the audit revealed 3,090 untested kits. Throughout the 2015 interim, I held meetings with stakeholders from various law enforcement agencies and Senate Bill 63 is the result.”

Specifically, SB 63 would require Kentucky’s more than 300 police departments and 120 sheriff’s departments to pick up sexual assault kits from hospitals within five days’ notice from a hospital that the evidence is available, submit the kits to the state crime lab within 30 days, prohibit the destruction of any kits and notify victims of the progress and results of the tests.

The measure would also require the average completion date for kits tested not to exceed 90 days by July 2018 and not to exceed 60 days by July 2020. It currently takes about eight months for a kit to be tested once it has been submitted to the lab. The progress of the testing would be reported annually to the Legislative Research Commission and state auditor’s office.

Sen. Whitney Westerfield, R-Hopkinsville, said SB 63 was amended to provide the state crime lab relief from the testing deadlines if it does not receive additional tax dollars to cover the added work. He said the governor’s proposed budget includes $4.5 million needed to do the additional testing, but the General Assembly has yet to approve a budget.

“The objective is to make sure we do not have another backlog like this again,” Westerfield said of SB 63.

The measure now goes to the state House of Representatives for consideration.

 

 

 

Senate honors Superintendent Webb for receiving the 2016 F.L. Dupree Award

 

 

 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 16, 2016) – The Kentucky State Senate today adopted Senator Johnny Ray Turner’s resolution honoring Floyd County Superintendent Dr. Henry Webb on being the 2016 recipient of the F.L. Dupree Award. Webb was presented the award during the Kentucky School Boards Association conference recently in Louisville.

Floyd County Superintendent Henry Webb (right) looked on as the Senate considered Senator Johnny Ray Turner’s resolution honoring Webb for receiving the 2016 F.L. Dupree Award.
Floyd County Superintendent Henry Webb (right) looked on as the Senate considered Senator Johnny Ray Turner’s resolution honoring Webb for receiving the 2016 F.L. Dupree Award.

“Henry is an individual who makes a difference in the lives of Floyd County’s students and is very deserving of this prestigious award. His leadership and dedication have proven that outstanding things can happen when great people work together,” said Turner, a retired educator of the Floyd County Schools.

The F.L. Dupree Outstanding Superintendent Award is co-sponsored by the Kentucky School Boards Association and the Dupree family. For 45 years the award has gone to a superintendent who has shown exemplary work in areas of school finance, facility management, student engagement, community involvement, and advocacy.

Webb has been an employee of the Floyd County School District since 1995 and has served as superintendent since 2007. Webb was lauded for his commitment to improving the lives of students in eastern Kentucky and for serving as an inspiration to so many Floyd Countians who have benefited from his vision and his desire to do “Whatever it takes” to improve the schools in his district.

Webb was also honored for taking Floyd County from 86th to 12th place in the state accountability system, for securing record amounts of grant funding for his district, and for pushing his district’s teachers to be involved in state and national opportunities that have helped Floyd County become a District of Distinction.

“Today I stood on the floor of the Senate to brag on the young man that is largely responsible for making the Floyd County School District a top district in the state,” Turner said. “As with any organization, a school system can only grow as much as its leader will allow and Henry sets high expectations for the Floyd County students, administrators, teachers and classified employees, and these expectations have enabled them to become a top school district in the state.”

“I am very proud of Henry and the Floyd County School System and wish them the best of luck in the future,” Turner added.

During consideration of Senate Resolution 202, Turner told his colleagues on the Senate floor that he knew early on that Henry was going to be very successful in whatever he did in life. Webb was the varsity point guard on Turner’s Turner’s 1988 and 1989 McDowell High School basketball teams. “His hard work and dedication on and off the court molded him into the person he is today. I am very proud of Henry and wish him luck in future endeavors.”

 

‘Hair braiding’ bill heads to Senate floor

 

 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 15, 2016) – Obstacles preventing hair braiders from practicing their trade and even opening businesses of their own today cleared the Senate Licensing, Occupations and Administrative Regulations Committee on its way to the Senate floor.

Senator Perry B. Clark was joined by Kine Gueye at the L&O Committee meeting to testify in support of Senate Bill 269, which would remove barriers for practicing hair braiding.
Senator Perry B. Clark was joined by Kine Gueye at the L&O Committee meeting to testify in support of Senate Bill 269, which would remove barriers for practicing hair braiding.

Senate Bill 269, sponsored by Perry B. Clark, D-Louisville, exempts hair braiding, which is particularly popular among African-American and African immigrants, from being licensed by the Board of Cosmetology.

“This is good legislation,” said Senator Clark. “It simply removes barriers for individuals who want to practice hair braiding as a vocation.”

Hair braiding involves intricately twisting, pulling, shaping, and braiding hair and is often taught and passed down within families.

Currently, Kentucky law prevents hair braiders from working “outside the shadows,” requiring them to be licensed by a certified Board of Cosmetology. However, the group of braiders attending the committee meeting to show support and testify for Senate Bill 269 said they want to move out of the shadows. They want to open businesses and start paying taxes.

If the bill becomes law, Kentucky will join 16 other states that do not require licenses through the Board of Cosmetology to practice hair braiding.

SB 269 now goes to the Senate floor for further consideration.

 

 

 

Sen. McGarvey’s legislation on death in line of duty passes committee

 

 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 14, 2016) – The Senate Judiciary Committee today passed Senator Morgan McGarvey’s bill relating to death in the line of duty benefits. Senate Bill 203 would provide that the beneficiaries of a deceased member awaiting a decision regarding death as a result of an act in the line of duty shall still be eligible to receive death benefits.

If a final determination results in a finding of eligibility for in the line of duty benefits, then the benefits shall be recalculated. The bill would also provide that a spouse of a deceased member awaiting a decision regarding whether the death was as the result of a duty-related injury shall still be eligible to receive death benefits. If a final determination results in a finding of eligibility for duty-related benefits, then the benefits shall be recalculated.

SB 203 now moves to the floor of the Senate for further consideration. If SB 203 gains final approval, it would be retroactive to any matter pending before the Kentucky Retirement Systems or on appeal upon passage. Since there is an emergency clause on the bill, it would go into law with the governor’s signature.

 

 

Bill would make Bible literacy classes an elective

 

 

 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 14, 2016) – Public school students would get the option to take Bible literacy classes under a measure that passed the state Senate today.

Senator Robin Webb, D-Grayson, testifies on her Bible literacy bill before the Senate Education Committee. Senate Bill 278 today cleared the Senate and goes to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
Senator Robin Webb, D-Grayson, testifies on her Bible literacy bill before the Senate Education Committee.

The measure, known as Senate Bill 278, would allow Bible literacy courses to be taught in public schools as a social studies elective. The bill would require that the “course provide students knowledge of biblical content, characters, poetry, and narratives that are prerequisites to understanding contemporary society and culture, including literature, art, music, mores, oratory, and public policy.”

SB 278 came to a floor vote after being unanimously approved by the Senate Education Committee on March 10 after several senators spoke in favor of it.

“This bill would not have a religious connotation as much as a historical connotation,” bill sponsor Sen. Robin L. Webb, D-Grayson, said while testifying before the committee. “As you know, I’ve practiced constitutional law about 30 years now … and I certainly feel like this bill passes constitutional muster on any neutrality issues that would arise.”

Webb added that she took a “Bible as literature” course when she attended East Carter High School.

Committee member Sen. Reginald Thomas, D-Lexington, said he didn’t believe the U.S. Supreme Court intended to prevent all discussion of religion in public schools.

“I think we have reached a point … in our society where we have become afraid to talk about religion and faith in our schools,” he said. “I do think it is important and pertinent to talk about theology and talk about different religions and talk about the Bible. The Bible isn’t something we should run away from.”

Another committee member, Sen. Gerald A. Neal, D-Louisville, said he found a college course he took on western religions intellectually stimulating.

“I think this brings values and roundness to the educational experience,” he said of SB 278.

The measure now goes to the state House of Representatives for further consideration.

 

Senator Thomas’ legislation to remove barriers to breastfeeding is signed into law by Governor

 

 

 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 11, 2016) – Senate Concurrent Resolution 9, sponsored by Senator Reginald Thomas, D-Lexington, that removes barriers for breastfeeding was signed into law today by Governor Matt Bevin.

scr9 bill signing-2SCR 9 is about healthy babies, healthy moms, and healthy families – at no cost, said Senator Thomas.

“It removed impediments for mothers to breastfeed their children,” he said.

Ranking 42 out of 50 in breastfeeding rates with only 31 percent of our infants still breastfeeding at 6 months, Kentucky falls well below both the national baseline. Kentucky is also below the Healthy People 2020 goal to increase the proportion of infants who are ever breastfed to 82 percent.

Children fed mainly breastmilk for the first six months of life are 22 percent less likely to be overweight by age 14. With Kentucky ranking first in the nation for obsess high school students, according to the 2014 Robert Wood Johnson’s Trust for America’s Health Report. Research also shows that human milk and breastfeeding provide advantages with regard to general health, growth, and development while significantly decreasing the risk of a large number of acute and chronic diseases such as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, asthma, allergies, diabetes, viral and bacterial infections, and childhood obesity.

There are also health benefits to the mother. Breastfeeding releases the hormone oxytocin, which helps the woman’s uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size and may reduce uterine bleeding after birth. It also also lowers her risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service estimates that at least $3.6 billion in medical expenses could be saved each year if an increase of at least 50 percent of children breastfed for at least six months.

SCR 9 encourages all state agencies that administer programs providing maternal or child health services to provide information about breastfeeding to program participants, and to encourage and support program participants’ choices to breastfeed.

 

Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence (SAFE) Act 2016 clears Senate Judiciary Committee

 

 

 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 10, 2016) – The Senate Judiciary Committee today unanimously passed Senator Denise Harper Angel’s bill to establish policies and procedures for the swift and proper handling of sexual assault evidence kits.

harper angel 031016Under Senate Bill 63, known as the Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence (SAFE) Act 2016:

  • Each law enforcement agency will need to develop a written policy and procedure manual related to sexual assault kits;
  • All sexual assault kits shall be taken into custody from the collecting facility within five days;
  • All sexual assault kits shall be submitted to the Kentucky State Police (KSP) Crime Lab within 30 days;
  • All sexual assault kits submitted to a law enforcement agency shall be tested;
  • Law enforcement agencies shall be prohibited from destroying any sexual assault kits, and
  • All victims shall be notified of the progress and results of the testing.

The measure also requires the average completion date for assault kit testing not to exceed 90 days by July 1, 2018 and not to exceed 60 days by July 1, 2020.

Currently, it takes about eight months for a sexual assault kit to be tested once it is submitted to the lab. Harper Angel said that the time it takes to test these kits is too long.

SB 63 is in response to a legislative-ordered audit that found there are 3,090 untested sexual assault examination kits in Kentucky.

“During the long but very important process of developing this bill, the working group put together legislation that ensures swift justice for victims of sexual assault, takes criminals off our streets, and protects future generations,” said Harper Angel, who sponsored Senate Joint Resolution 20 during the 2015 Legislative Session that called for the audit.

SB 63 now moves to the full Senate for further consideration.

 

 

Senator Webb’s Bible literacy course bill headed to Senate floor

 

 

 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 10, 2016) – Bible literacy as an elective social studies course could be offered in public schools in Kentucky — if the General Assembly approves Senator Robin Webb’s legislation that passed out of the Senate Education Committee today.

Senator Robin Webb, D-Grayson, testifies on Senate Bill 278 today in the Senate Education Committee.
Senator Robin Webb, D-Grayson, testifies on Senate Bill 278 today in the Senate Education Committee.

Senate Bill 278, sponsored by Webb, would require the Kentucky Board of Education to set up the administrative framework to establish an elective course on the Hebrew Scriptures, Old Testament, New Testament or a combination of the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testaments.

Recalling a Bible literacy course from her own school days, Webb, D-Grayson, noted the historical significance of the Bible and the benefit of offering such a class.

“This course would not be offered in a religious context, but in an historical context,” Webb said. “The Bible is valuable in itself as a cornerstone of this country and its influence on our literary works and our culture. This class would not be to teach the Bible, but rather to teach about the Bible as it relates to history.”

SB 278 requires that the course provide students with knowledge of biblical content, characters, poetry, and narratives that are prerequisites to understanding contemporary society and culture, including literature, art, music, mores, oratory, and public policy. It also permits students to use various translations of the Bible for the course.

The bill directs the Kentucky Board of Education to formulate the guidelines for the course.

Senator Webb represents the 18th senatorial district that includes Boyd, Carter and Greenup counties.

 

 

Democratic Floor Leader Jones meets with officials in Frankfort on Martin County water issues

 

 

 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 9, 2016) – Senate Democratic Floor Leader Ray S. Jones II, D-Pikeville, today held a meeting in Frankfort on the serious and persistent water problems in Martin County.

Attending the meeting were Peter Goodman, Director of the Division of Water, Stephanie Bell and Aaron Greenwell with the Public Service Commission (PSC), William Haney and Joe Hammond with the Martin County Water District, Haley McCoy with the Environment and Energy Cabinet, and Martin County Magistrate Victor Slone.

Senate Democratic Floor Leader Ray S. Jones II, D-Pikeville, held a meeting today in Frankfort on the Martin County water issues.
Senate Democratic Floor Leader Ray S. Jones II, D-Pikeville, held a meeting today in Frankfort on the Martin County water issues.

Jones relayed all of the concerns and issues expressed by the Martin County residents who contacted him about the problems they experienced with the Martin County Water District. He provided the attendees with copies of all the photos and documentation that he received from concerned residents.

Jones was informed by officials from the PSC that a formal investigation into some of the issues raised by the citizens of Martin County is eminent.

“I have pledged to do what I can to help. My role is not to place blame, but to work with state officials to address and fix the problems,” Jones said. “We will look to determine if there are any state and/or federal funds available that might aid in making improvements to the water system.”

Due to the need for a specific and well developed plan to resolve the serious problems that face the Martin County Water District, the group determined there should be a public meeting moderated by officials from the Kentucky Division of Water held in Inez to hear from citizens concerning the ongoing water issues. Jones anticipates the PSC will have representatives available to attend the meeting.

The senator’s office is working to set up the public meeting in Martin County. Details will be announced once the meeting date and time are finalized.

Senate Democratic Floor Leader Ray Jones sponsors job-training bill for unemployed miners

 

SB 303 would help unemployed coal miners get jobs while helping reduce low-income families’ power bills

 

 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 8, 2016) – Senate Democratic Floor Leader Ray S. Jones II, D-Pikeville, filed legislation to stimulate eastern Kentucky’s economy by helping unemployed coal miners find jobs, while helping low income families reduce their power bills.

“Kentucky has lost thousands of coal jobs,” said Jones, the grandson of a coal miner. “Eastern Kentucky is the hardest hit region of the state. Every day in my hometown, I see the hardships created by these job losses. My region is hurting – families are leaving, businesses are suffering and schools are in crisis.”

jones010616Senator Johnny Ray Turner, D-Prestonsburg, the primary co-sponsor of the bill said that more than 6,000 jobs in the coal industry were lost in 2015 alone.

“Since 2011, more than half of all Kentucky coal jobs have been eliminated and many of those layoffs are in eastern Kentucky,” he said. Adding support to his colleague’s statement, Turner added, “Many of us have family, friends and neighbors who once had good jobs with the coal industry, but are now unemployed and, unfortunately, do not have the skills to compete for the few jobs that are available. This is where we can help them.”

Senate Bill 303 proposes to help unemployed coal miners by making available the education and job retraining needed to reenter the workforce.

“The folks who lost their jobs because of the downturn in the coal industry do not want the government to take care of them,” said Jones. “They just want to be able to find work that will allow them to support their families.”

The Education and Workforce Development Cabinet could capitalize on state and federal workforce development funds to develop and implement the newly developed jobs programs. Among the funding sources is the Reclaim Act of 2016, sponsored by U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers, which is to provide $1 billion in funding to assist coal communities hit the hardest by the downturn of the coal industry through economic development and job creation.

SB 303 also gives preference points to a coal miner’s score for classified employment positions within state government to help miners reenter the workforce.

Additionally, SB 303 provides specialized training in energy auditing and energy efficiency contracting certification for displaced coal miners through Kentucky Community Technical College System (KCTCS). That training would then be utilized in making home energy-efficiency improvements.

SB 303 diverts 1% of the coal severance tax earmarked for the General Fund to finance the specialized energy job training and the subsidies and low-interest loans for home energy-efficiency improvements.

“This would allow us to offer new job opportunities to replace lost coal mining jobs, while providing a boost to the housing construction market,” said Jones. “This measure would assist low-income households, which often receive low-income heating assistance, to better control their energy usage and costs. It is a long term solution for both of these problems.”

“The people who can least afford higher energy costs are the ones paying them,” he explained. “The low-income and very low-income households are the homes with the poorest energy efficiency. Energy-efficiency improvements will help those on fixed incomes to spend less on utility bills.”

The decline in coal as an energy source over the past few years has resulted in skyrocketing power bills. Jones said SB 303 would help thousands of families – those hit the hardest by the downturn in the coal industry — with reductions to their power bills.

“It is time for us to get the economic engine of eastern Kentucky working again by giving them the tools to help themselves,” said Jones. “This legislation is a step in the right direction.”

 

Senator Ridley and Reps. Watkins and Miles honor Judge Executive Hugh McCormick

 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 2, 2016) – Senator Dorsey Ridley, Rep. David Watkins and Rep. Suzanne Miles honored the life and career of Henderson Judge Executive Donald “Hugh” McCormick Jr. – a dedicated public servant to Henderson County for 25 years – yesterday on the Senate and House floor.

Judge Executive McCormick died unexpectedly Thursday, Feb. 18.

Before serving as county judge executive, he also was a Henderson County magistrate.
Joining Senator Dorsey Ridley, D-Henderson, on the Senate floor today to honor the late Judge Executive Donald “Hugh” McCormick Jr. was his wife, Tina McCormick, and his uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Biggs.
Joining Senator Dorsey Ridley, D-Henderson, on the Senate floor today to honor the late Judge Executive Donald “Hugh” McCormick Jr. was his wife, Tina McCormick, and his uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Biggs.

“Hugh was someone that I could always visit with in regards to what the needs were in the community,” said Ridley, D-Henderson. “He did a great job in communicating those needs. He was a humble man, who knew how to lead.

“Hugh had an agenda that was progressive and forward thinking, and the best thing for us to do is continue that process,” said Ridley, sponsor of Senate Resolution 145.
“Hugh gave 25 years of his life to this community,” said Watkins, D-Henderson, co-sponsor of House Resolution 161 along with Rep. Suzanne Mills, R-Owensboro, who also represents Henderson. “He always had the best interest of this community in mind, even when things weren’t the most popular. We’ve got to take care of our people and our county, and that’s the most important thing. I think Hugh did that more than anything.”
“I was honored to welcome Hugh’s family with a resolution on the House floor today. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Hugh was a fellow public servant who I shared the concerns of Henderson County with, and I will miss his service as judge executive,” said Rep. Miles.
Among his achievements, McCormick was instrumental in working toward a solution for the 2015 budget crisis, revamping the 911 system, and improving the county’s ambulance service.
“He did not let his ego get in the way of progress, but rather was always willing to work with others to achieve the result that was in the best interests of Henderson County,” added Ridley. “He was known for his willingness to find common solutions for Henderson County’s problems, and for his ability to work with the county’s magistrates and officials in nearby communities to that end. He was a devoted public servant. He will be missed by our entire community.”
McCormick was the son of the late Donald Hugh McCormick Sr. and Patricia Biggs McCormick and was the husband of Tina McCormick. He is survived by daughters, Kristin McCormick, Jessica Tippy, Jessica Nevitt, and Lauren Rodgers; sisters, Cathy McCormick and Elizabeth Waldrop; and grandchildren, Ava Elizabeth Tippy, Mason Hugh Thomas Tippy, and Lillyan Nicole Nevitt.
“Hugh’s life was centered on his wife, his family and our Henderson community,” said Sen. Ridley. “He was an innovator who always saw opportunities and was aggressive with bringing those opportunities to fruition. He was a fiscally responsible leader, but he always kept his community agencies, such as the volunteer fire departments, humane society, Riverview School and many others, funded for the betterment of the community. What a legacy he leaves for us to remember.”
“The good memories we have of Hugh will live long after his untimely death,” said Senator Ridley. “He was my friend, as he was with many others from all over this great commonwealth, and he will be missed.”
When the Senate and House adjourned Wednesday, it did so in honor and loving memory of Donald “Hugh” McCormick Jr.

 

Sen. Neal appears on KET’s “Kentucky Tonight”

 

 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 1, 2016) – Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Gerald Neal, D-Louisville, appeared on KET’s “Kentucky Tonight” to the discuss the budget process, state pensions, Medicaid, and other issues in the General Assembly. He appeared with three other legislators, including House Democratic Caucus Chair Sannie Overly, D-Paris.

To view the episode, click here.

 

Logging waste prompts family to found The Wood Mill to produce pallets, railroad ties in Union County

 

Company locates new, 30-employee operation in former lumberyard in Sturgis

 

 

 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 29, 2016) – Appalled by forest waste left on their land after logging and with no local facility to process it, Union County family members decided to open a zero-waste sawmill to produce railroad ties, pallets and other wood products.

Governor Matt Bevin announced today that a $1.1 million investment by Hutchison and Hopper family members will transform a five-building former lumberyard in Sturgis into The Wood Mill, Inc., a 30-job manufacturing venture.

“Thanks to the entrepreneurial spirit of Kentucky families like the Hutchisons and the Hoppers, people around the world continue to recognize the Commonwealth as a manufacturing hub,” said Governor Bevin. “Even though they already own multiple companies, these entrepreneurs identified a need in the market, a source for local raw materials and the resources to start a new business. I encourage Kentuckians around the state to emulate this kind of kind of business ingenuity.”

Production at The Wood Mill could start in June following renovations to existing lumberyard buildings and installation of equipment. In addition to pallets and railroad ties, the facility will produce heat-treated firewood, saw dust for sale to local farms and crafted wood specialty products.

The owners plan to log their own land and purchase logs from local individuals and companies.

“We are excited about this new business venture and being able to locate in Sturgis. We would like to thank Union County First, Kyndle and the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development for their assistance in this project,” said Amy Hutchison.

She and her husband, Jim, along with his brother Matt, their uncle Perry Hopper and cousin Michael Hopper, own the new venture. The group already knows the logging industry – they co-own H&H Timber – as well as a scrap-metal business Hutchison & Hopper, LLC.

Amy and Jim also own Hutchison Trucking, which primarily hauls for local coal companies.

Last fall they hired a logger to cut trees on their land.

“We had to deal with all the waste and it really made us sick,” Jim Hutchison said. “I had an excavator out there and piled up a bunch of logs to burn but we couldn’t stand to. There aren’t any sawmills close to us so we decided to look into that.”

The Wood Mill will produce pallets for the coal industry and use a hammer mill to process smaller branches for chips and fiber. Larger branches will get split into firewood and heat treated to meet certifications for out-of-state transport.

“We just wanted to use the whole tree,” Jim Hutchison said.

Sen. Dorsey Ridley, of Henderson, applauded the new venture.

“Our community looks forward to the success of The Wood Mill, its economic impact and the new jobs it will bring. The community is ready to fill new positions with skilled workers. Hutchison Trucking has been a good corporate partner and we look forward to building on that relationship as The Wood Mill grows and prospers,” Ridley said.

Rep. Suzanne Miles, of Owensboro, said she appreciates the family’s commitment to expanding in Union County.

“We look forward to other opportunities to employ more skilled workers in the region,” Miles said.

Brad Schneider, CEO of Kyndle, the economic development agency for Henderson, McLean, Union and Webster counties, said when established companies consider adding different products and business lines, they often find new markets and rewarding ventures.

“It’s always exciting when existing companies explore new ways to help their businesses prosper and grow, and The Wood Mill is a great example of that,” Schneider said. “Kyndle is proud to help these courageous entrepreneurs create new jobs for Union County, and we look forward to assisting them in the future.”

Union County Judge-Executive Jody Jenkins said he looks forward to the opportunity and possibilities that The Wood Mill Inc. could bring to the community.

“Manufacturing diversity is healthy for our local and regional economy, as is the indirect impact that it will have. We look forward to working in any way we can with The Wood Mill Inc., now and in the future,” Jenkins said.

To encourage investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved The Wood Mill for tax incentives up to $460,000 through the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based incentive allows a company to keep a portion of its investment over the agreement term through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting job and investment targets.

In addition, The Wood Mill is eligible to receive resources from the Kentucky Skills Network. Through the Kentucky Skills Network, companies are eligible to receive no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job training incentives. Last year, the Kentucky Skills Network trained more than 84,000 employees from more than 5,600 Kentucky companies.

For more information on the new company, visit The Wood Mill on Facebook.

A detailed community profile for Union County can be viewed here.

Information on Kentucky’s economic development efforts and programs is available at www.ThinkKentucky.com. Fans of the Cabinet for Economic Development can also join the discussion on Facebook or follow on Twitter. Watch the Cabinet’s “This is My Kentucky” video on YouTube.

 

More Than A Bakery plans to employ 310 with facility in Versailles

 

Family-owned Indiana company selects Woodford County for third location nationally

 

 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 25, 2016) – Today, Governor Matt Bevin announced that More Than A Bakery, LLC, an extension of a century-old family business based in Indiana, plans to build a $57.1 million facility in Versailles.

More Than A Bakery, affiliated with Richmond Baking Co., would employ 310 people and produce cookies, crackers and other items by contract for major food brands and retailers.

“We celebrate the news that More Than A Bakery plans to make a significant economic impact in Woodford County and create a substantial number of jobs with its investment in a state-of-the art facility,” Gov. Bevin said. “I have a special appreciation for multi-generational family companies like Richmond Baking that built themselves from modest beginnings, and I am personally grateful to the Quigg family for this tremendous vote of confidence. Kentucky offers the business climate, infrastructure, resources and personalized services necessary for companies like theirs to succeed.”

More Than A Bakery shared its plans for a 250,000- to 300,000-square-foot building in Versailles with construction expected to start this summer and the facility operational by the end of 2017. The facility would be located on more than 100 acres to allow for future expansion. More Than A Bakery would represent Richmond Baking’s third world-class bakery and distribution operation.

“The company has needed this kind of additional space for some time now,” said Bill Quigg, president and member of the fourth generation of family ownership. “The Richmond plant is bursting at the seams and isn’t easily adapted for current production methods, and the Georgia facility has had 200 percent growth in two years. We want this new facility and our new employees to help us create a unique culture that will help everyone succeed both personally and professionally.”

The Quigg family purchased a neighborhood bakery in Richmond, Ind. in 1902 which produced cookies, breads and cakes. The bakery traces its beginnings back to 1855 with the opening of David Hoerner’s bakery. The Quiggs grew the company nationally adding operations in Richmond, Ind. and Alma, Ga. employing nearly 350 workers.

Throughout the decades, the company gained expertise in breading systems, dessert crumbs, ice cream inclusions, contract baking and packaging services. Richmond Baking’s customers include Fortune 100 food brands, grocery and convenience store chains, school cafeterias and national food-service companies.

“I am pleased that the Richmond Baking Company is adding a new facility in Versailles, which will create new job opportunities and provide a boost to the local economy,” said Sen. Julian M. Carroll, of Frankfort. “I welcome the company and look forward to a long and successful corporate partnership.”

“This is great news for our community and is poised to provide a major boost to our local economy,” said Rep. James Kay, of Versailles. “I have been proud to work with our state and local leaders to foster a business climate that makes investment like this a possibility. This speaks volumes about all that we and our workforce have to offer, and it is another example that Woodford County is open for business.”

“We have been working for a while to get these jobs into Versailles, and I am certainly pleased that we have reached this point, because this company has a great reputation of being family and community friendly,” said Versailles Mayor Brian Traugott. “I am committed to doing all I can to move this project forward and hope we can announce a groundbreaking soon.”

“We are delighted to be working with More Than A Bakery, LLC who wants to bring many jobs to Woodford County,” said Woodford County Judge-Executive John Coyle. “This project’s been over two years in the making and we believe Woodford County is the perfect location for their operations and families! We look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with this new company.”

To encourage the investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) preliminarily approved the company for tax incentives up to $8 million through the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based incentive allows a company to keep a portion of its investment over the agreement term through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting job and investment targets.

Additionally, More Than A Bakery was preliminarily approved by KEDFA for $700,000 in tax incentives through the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act (KEIA). KEIA allows approved companies to recoup Kentucky sales and use tax on construction costs, building fixtures, equipment used in research and development and electronic processing.

More Than A Bakery also is eligible to receive resources from the Kentucky Skills Network. Through the Kentucky Skills Network, companies are eligible to receive no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job training incentives. Last year, the Kentucky Skills Network trained more than 84,000 employees from more than 5,600 Kentucky companies.

For more information on More Than A Bakery, visit www.MoreThanABakery.com and for Richmond Baking Company, visit www.RichmondBaking.com.

A detailed community profile for Versailles (Woodford County) can be viewed here.

Information on Kentucky’s economic development efforts and programs is available at www.ThinkKentucky.com. Fans of the Cabinet for Economic Development can also join the discussion on Facebook or follow on Twitter. Watch the Cabinet’s “This is My Kentucky” video on YouTube.

 

Sen. Thomas’ resolution recognizing importance of removing barriers for breastfeeding awaits governor’s signature

 

 

FRANKFORT (February 17, 2016) – Senator Reginald Thomas’ resolution recognizing the importance of removing barriers to breastfeeding in Kentucky passed the House of Representatives today and heads to governor for signature.

thomas021915Currently, only 31 percent of Kentucky infants are still breastfeeding at 6 months of age, giving the Commonwealth the ranking of 42 out of 50 for breastfeeding rates among all states. As outlined in Senate Concurrent Resolution 9, Kentucky falls well below both the national baseline and the Healthy People 2020 goal to increase the proportion of infants who are ever breastfed to 82 percent.

Children fed mainly breastmilk for the first six months of life are 22 percent less likely to be overweight by age 14. According to the 2014 Robert Wood Johnson’s Trust for America’s Health Report, Kentucky ranks number one in the nation for high school students that are obese. Research shows that human milk and breastfeeding provide advantages with regard to general health, growth, and development while significantly decreasing the risk of a large number of acute and chronic diseases such as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, asthma, allergies, diabetes, viral and bacterial infections, and childhood obesity.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service estimates that at least $3.6 billion in medical expenses could be saved each year if the number of children breastfed for at least six months increased to 50 percent.

Under SCR 9, the Senate would strongly encourage all state agencies that administer programs providing maternal or child health services to provide information about breastfeeding to program participants, and to encourage and support program participants’ choices to breastfeed.

 

State association of nonprofits recognizes legislators’ commitment to nonprofit sector

 

FRANKFORT (February 17, 2016) – Kentucky Nonprofit Network, Kentucky’s state association of nonprofit organizations, presented five member organizations, seventeen legislators and two government officials with awards as part of its eleventh annual Kentucky Nonprofit Day at the Capitol event in Frankfort on February 17. The annual event provides nonprofit organizations statewide with the opportunity to meet with legislators and support Kentucky Nonprofit Network’s (KNN) advocacy program to advance the sector.

The awards presented include the Nonprofit VOICE Awards, recognizing KNN members for their demonstrated excellence in public policy during the 2015 General Assembly, and the Nonprofit Advocacy Partner Awards, recognizing legislators and government officials for their support of the KNN members’ efforts.

Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs and the Kentucky Coalition Against Domestic Violence, both of Frankfort, were recognized for their partnership on House Bill 8, which expands protective orders to include protection for victims of dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. The organizations recognized John Tilley, Secretary of the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet and former State Representative and Senator Whitney Westerfield, both of Hopkinsville, with the Nonprofit Advocacy Partner Award for their support.

Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs (KASAP) was also honored for its work on House Bill 149, House Bill 515 and Senate Joint Resolution 20.

Senator Denise Harper Angel, D-Louisville, was honored for passing Senate Joint Resolution 20 to expedite the testing of sexual assault kits.
Senator Denise Harper Angel, D-Louisville, was honored for passing Senate Joint Resolution 20 to expedite the testing of sexual assault kits.

House Bill 419 created a tax refund check-off for a Rape Crisis Center Trust Fund on Kentucky income tax returns. The Fund will be used for sexual assault prevention programming in a continued effort to reduce the incidences of perpetration of sexual assault. Representative Chris Harris of Forest Hills was recognized for his support of this legislation.

House Bill 515 combats the demand for child trafficking by removing age as a defense to buyers and sellers of child victims. Representative Sannie Overly of Paris was recognized with the Nonprofit Advocacy Partner Award for her support.

Senate Joint Resolution 20 required an audit of the number of untested rape kits creating a backlog in the investigation of sexual crimes in Kentucky by the State Auditor, resulting in a report entitled Victims Matter. The audit identified more than 3000 untested rape kits in Kentucky, which allowed the Kentucky State Police Lab to apply for grant funding to test the kits in the backlog and create a system to prevent future backlogs and create an improved system of justice for rape victims. Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs recognized Senator Denise Harper Angel of Louisville for her support.

Kentucky Horse Council of Lexington was honored for its work on House Bill 312 to address stray equine and cattle, including posting requirements. Kentucky Horse Council recognized Representative Tom McKee of Cynthiana and Senator Robin Webb of Grayson with the Nonprofit Advocacy Partner Award for their support.

The Kentucky Horse Council nominated Senator Robin Webb, D-Grayson, for the award for her work on the stray and abandoned horse bill.
The Kentucky Horse Council nominated Senator Robin Webb, D-Grayson, for the award for her work on the stray and abandoned horse bill.

Kentucky Oil and Gas Association of Frankfort was honored for its work on Senate Bill 186, which created new sections of the law related to oil and gas production and reclaiming. Senator Julian Carroll of Frankfort, Representative Rocky Adkins of Sandy Hook and Representative Jim Gooch of Providence were all recognized with awards for their support.

Special Olympics Kentucky was honored for its work on House Bill 178, which created a tax check-off option to support their mission on Kentucky income tax returns. Representative Martha Jane King of Lewisburg was recognized with the Nonprofit Advocacy Partner Award for her support.

Kentucky Nonprofit Network of Lexington recognized Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes, Representatives Jody Richards of Bowling Green, Thomas Kerr of Taylor Mill, Chris Harris of Forest Hills, Dean Schamore of Hardinsburg, Linda Belcher of Shepherdsville and Senator Whitney Westerfield of Hopkinsville with Nonprofit Advocacy Partner Awards for their support of House Bill 440. The legislation modernized a number of laws governing nonprofit organizations in Kentucky, including guidance on the use of technology in nonprofit governance.

Kentucky Nonprofit Network also recognized Representatives Addia Wuchner of Burlington, Arnold Simpson of Covington and Brent Yonts of Greenville with awards for their support of House Concurrent Resolution 89. HCR 89 established the Government Nonprofit Contracting Task Force charged with exploring ways to streamline state government contracts with nonprofit organizations to encourage efficiency and cost savings for both state government and nonprofits. The Task Force’s recommendations are due this fall.

Secretary of State Allison Lundergan Grimes spoke at the Rally to promote her partnership with KNN and the nonprofit sector on House Bill 367, which continues work to modernize the laws governing Kentucky’s nonprofit organizations. The bill was introduced a few weeks ago by Representative Jody Richards of Bowling Green.

Partnering with Kentucky Nonprofit Network to host Kentucky Nonprofit Day at the Capitol were the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence, the Homeless and Housing Coalition of Kentucky, OWL Foundation, Bart Baldwin Consulting and the Center for Nonprofit Excellence. The event was sponsored by AT&T Kentucky.

Kentucky Nonprofit Network is the state association of nonprofit organizations working to strengthen and advance Kentucky’s nonprofit community. With nearly fifteen years of service, KNN provide nonprofit organizations with a unified public policy voice, professional development opportunities and resources, and various member benefits.

 

Sen. Neal appears on KET’s “Kentucky Tonight” to discuss education issues

 

 

FRANKFORT (February 16, 2016) – Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Gerald Neal, D-Louisville, appeared on KET’s “Kentucky Tonight” on Feb. 15 to discuss education issues and legislation involving education in the current General Assembly.

To watch the broadcast, click here.

 

Co-editors of the Kentucky African American Encyclopedia honored at 13th annual Black History Month Celebration

Dr. Smith and Dr. Dupont bring message on ‘Symbolism and Reality’

 

 

FRANKFORT (February 10, 2016) – Dr. Gerald Smith, Karen Cotton McDaniel and Dr. John A. Hardin, co-editors of the Kentucky African American Encyclopedia, were recipients of the 2016 Legacy Award today at the 13th annual Black History Month Celebration at the Kentucky State Capitol in Frankfort. This year’s event, hosted by the Kentucky Black Legislative Caucus, focused on the theme “The Unfinished Business of Kentucky: ‘Symbolism and Reality.’”

Dr. Carolyn Dupont was presented framed House and Senate Resolutions to recognize the efforts of her and the other 71 professors who requested that the Jefferson Davis statute be removed from the Capitol Rotunda to a more suitable historical place. We honored them with House and Senate Resolutions. From left to right are Rep. George Brown Jr., D-Lexington, Senator Gerald Neal, D-Louisville, Dr. Dupont, and Senator Reggie Thomas, D-Lexington.
Dr. Carolyn Dupont was presented framed House and Senate Resolutions to recognize the efforts of her and the other 71 professors who requested that the Jefferson Davis statute be removed from the Capitol Rotunda to a more suitable historical place. From left to right are Rep. George Brown Jr., D-Lexington, Senator Gerald Neal, D-Louisville, Dr. Dupont, and Senator Reggie Thomas, D-Lexington.

“African Americans have made significant contributions to our state and to our nation,” Senator Gerald A. Neal, D-Louisville, said. “As we celebrate those accomplishments, it is only fitting that we honor those who have made significant contributions by acknowledging those achievements. Black History Month allows us to reflect on the resilience and spirit of the African-American community and the unmatched influence its leaders have had on the American fiber.”

Dr. Smith, associate professor at the University of Kentucky, delivered the keynote address on “The Unfinished Business of Kentucky: ‘Symbolism and Reality’” to a standing room only crowd in the Capitol Rotunda. Dr. Smith spoke just a few feet from the Jefferson Davis statute that was the symbolic focus of his presentation. Dr. Carolyn Dupont, associate history professor at Eastern Kentucky University, set the stage for Dr. Smith by opening with some of Kentucky’s history and arguments for the removal of the statute from the Rotunda.

“The work by Dr. Smith, Ms. McDaniel and Dr. Hardin is a major step in preserving the accomplishments of African American leaders,” said Senator Neal. We were honored to have acknowledged them by bestowing our highest recognition, the Living Legacy Award. Today, we also see the scholarly insight into the experience and efforts of Dr. Dupont and the other 71 professors who requested that the Jefferson Davis statute be removed from the Capitol Rotunda, a place of honor, to a more suitable historical place. We honored them with House and Senate Resolutions.

Senator Gerald Neal, D-Louisville, speaking during the 13th annual Black History Month Celebration today in the Capitol Rotunda.
Senator Gerald Neal, D-Louisville, speaking during the 13th annual Black History Month Celebration today in the Capitol Rotunda.

“Just last week, we gathered in the Capitol Rotunda and celebrated the life of one of Kentucky’s great African-American leaders, Sen. Georgia Powers,” said Governor Matt Bevin. “In an interview on the occasion of her 90th birthday, Sen. Powers told a reporter ‘I did what I was supposed to do in life.’ As we celebrate Black History Month and remember those who, like Sen. Powers, were strong and colorful threads in the tapestry of Kentucky history, let us also remember that every single one of us can make a lasting contribution to the fabric of our communities by doing what we are each ‘supposed to do in life.’”

Along with Senator Neal, the Kentucky Black Legislative Caucus is composed of Senator Reginald Thomas, D-Lexington and Representatives George Brown Jr., D-Lexington; Jim Glenn, D-Owensboro; Derrick Graham, D-Frankfort; Reginald Meeks and Darryl Owens, both D-Louisville, and Arnold Simpson, D-Covington. Several other members of the caucus joined Neal in speaking on the significance of the Black History Month celebration. Graham led the Legislative Roll Call.

“This is not just a celebration of African American history,” Neal explained, “This is a celebration of American history. Black History Month presents us an opportunity to remember the important legacy of African Americans in Kentucky and the nation – much of which would have been lost over the years if not for this special time of remembrance. It is important that we know and honor many of the notable citizens who have contributed to our history as well as pay respect to the many, many others whom history has forgotten. I encourage all Kentuckians to join me as we observe Black History Month.”

 

Award Recipients

Dr. Gerald Smith is a professor of history and the holder of the Theodore A. Hallam Professorship (2015-17) in the department of history at the University of Kentucky. He is author, editor and coeditor of three books and other publications on history.

Karen Cotton McDaniel is professor emeritus at Kentucky State University, where she was a tenured full professor and director of libraries. She has more than 20 publications on black Kentuckians, including book chapters, articles and encyclopedic essays. She has also taught at Eastern Kentucky University and Berea College.

Dr. John A. Hardin, a professor of history at Western Kentucky University, is the author of two books, several major articles and numerous book reviews on Kentucky African American history. He has taught at KSU and Eastern Washington University and has served as adjunct faculty at the University of Louisville and University of Kentucky.

Other Participants in BHM Program

The Kentucky State Ensemble, directed by Dr. Carl Smith, performed the Black National Anthem and other musical selections. Miss Kentucky Clark Janell Davis also performed a musical selection.

The Rev. Linda Brown, pastor of St. Paul AME Church in Lexington, lead the invocation and benediction. Governor Matt Bevin, Senate President Robert Stivers, House Speaker Greg Stumbo and Chief Justice John D. Minton delivered greetings.

The Kentucky Supreme Court held a reception immediately following the program on the second floor of the mezzanine.

Black History Month

Black History Month dates to 1926, when Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the son of former slaves who worked in a Kentucky coal mine as a child, proposed and then launched a weeklong celebration of individuals and occasions having a significant impact on African-American history in America. In 1976, the celebration was extended to the entire month of February. From the initial event, the primary emphasis has been on encouraging the coordinated teaching of the history of American blacks in the nation’s public schools.

 

House, Senate committees unanimously pass Sen. Jones’s, Speaker Stumbo’s “Noah’s Law”

 

 

FRANKFORT (February 10, 2016) – Two identical bills that have one goal – helping a Pike County boy and as many as 200 other children who have been denied the same health benefit – cleared a major hurdle today when separate House and Senate committees unanimously approved the legislation within minutes of each other.

Senate Democratic Floor Leader Ray S. Jones II, right, and House Speaker Greg Stumbo, left, prepare to testify on behalf of “Noah’s Law,” legislation they filed that would have insurance companies extend coverage for therapeutic food to help citizens like nine-year-old Noah Greenhill, who is pictured at the table with his father, Eddie Greenhill.
Senate Democratic Floor Leader Ray S. Jones II, right, and House Speaker Greg Stumbo, left, prepare to testify on behalf of “Noah’s Law,” legislation they filed that would have insurance companies extend coverage for therapeutic food to help citizens like nine-year-old Noah Greenhill, who is pictured at the table with his father, Eddie Greenhill.

Senate Bill 146, which is sponsored by Senate Democratic Floor Leader Ray S. Jones II, and House Bill 353, which House Speaker Greg Stumbo has filed, call on insurance companies to cover a special type of formula needed by those whose medical condition precludes them from eating most foods.

The two legislative leaders filed their bills after learning about the plight faced by Eddie and Stephanie Greenhill and their nine-year-old son, Noah. Until Noah was five, doctors could not diagnose why he was ill, and he weighed only 25 pounds at the time. In 2010, he was diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis, a condition that attacked his organs and ultimately required him to have a feeding tube installed.

He now receives an amino acid-based elemental formula four times a day, at a daily cost of more than $40. The family’s insurance company, however, has denied coverage for that, despite being required to provide similar benefits for other illnesses.

“It was appalling to me that the insurance company would deny the coverage,” Sen. Jones of Pikeville testified. House Speaker Stumbo of Prestonsburg, who filed his bill after learning about the issue from Sen. Jones, later added that it was “amazing insurance companies have turned their backs” on families like this.

During his testimony, Eddie Greenhill said the denial caused his family to take money from their own retirement and to receive help from their parents. “Amino acid-based elemental formulas have made Noah better – and because they are medically necessary, insurance companies should be required to cover them,” he said.

Sen. Jones and Speaker Stumbo testified together with the family before the two committees: Senate Health and Welfare and House Banking and Insurance. Following suggestions by committee members, the legislative leaders said they would seek to tweak the bills so they would take effect immediately and potentially expand to cover a group of citizens facing similar conditions.

The bills will now go before their respective chambers, where they are expected to be approved in the coming days. Once Noah’s Law, as the legislation will be known, clears the House and Senate, it will be sent to Governor Bevin to be signed into law.

WLEX-TV in Lexington reported on the legislation. To read their article, click here.

Leader Jones also discussed Noah’s Law with EKB News. To watch that broadcast, click here.

 

Sen. Webb’s bicycle safety bill clears Senate

 

FRANKFORT (February 9, 2016) – A bicycle safety bill, sponsored by Senator Robin Webb, D-Grayson, is gaining momentum in the Kentucky Legislature and attention across the state.

The Kentucky State Senate today passed Senate Bill 80, which has garnered interest from cyclists from the eastern to the western and the northern to the southern regions of the commonwealth.

webb020916SB 80 relates to motorists passing cyclists on the roadway. This measure would require cyclists to travel on the right side of the highway and not be required to travel on the shoulder of the highway. It specifies that motorists should allow a distance of three feet when passing a cyclist on the left. It also allows motorists to cross the double yellow line when passing, if it is safe, to ensure the three feet.

“This is a clarification and codification of what people should already be doing,” said Senator Webb. “It is what we learned from our driver’s manual. This simply codifies safe roadway behavior that motorists and cyclists should already be practicing.”

Cycling is a growing sector of transportation in the urban and rural areas for recreation, health and necessity. Cycling is also a component of the Kentucky Trail Town initiative and will benefit cities like Olive Hill, Morehead and others that are so designated.

The Kentucky Trail Town initiative is designed to help connect communities to trail systems and assist in developing sites as tourist destinations. The goal is to create an environment that is inviting to travelers, entrepreneurs and economic development.

“Motorists need to be mindful that this sector is growing, not only for convenience and recreation, but also sometimes out of necessity,” Senator Webb said, adding that these trails are becoming more and more important to the region and state’s tourism.

“When they travel through our communities, cyclists spend money,” she said. “We want to do everything we can to attract them and make them safe when they are in our communities.”

SB 80, which has the support of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the Kentucky Bicycle and Bikeway Commission, is now headed to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

Senator Webb represents the 18th senatorial district that includes Boyd, Carter and Greenup counties.

WEKU reported on the legislation. To read their article, click here.

The Portsmouth Daily Times also reported on the legislation. To read their article, click here.

 

Sen. Harper Angel’s PVA bill passes in Senate

 

FRANKFORT (February 9, 2016) – Senator Denise Harper Angel’s bill to clarify the language in KRS defining reasonable fee in the property valuation administrator (PVA) office and align the fee schedule with the Kentucky’s Open Records Act today passed on the floor of the Kentucky State Senate.

Senator Harper Angel captures the vote count as her PVA bill passes out of the Senate.
Senator Harper Angel captures the vote count as her PVA bill passes out of the Senate.

There would be no monetary changes resulting from Senate Bill 64.

“This language is in agreement with the language used in developing the original fee schedule in 1993 and codifies the earlier legislation,” said Senator Harper Angel, D-Louisville and a former Jefferson County PVA.

“I am glad this measure has moved to the House of Representatives for action and look forward to its passage in that chamber,” she added.

SB 64 will be heard in a House committee before it can advance to the full House for a vote.

 

 

 

 

 

Sen. Jones, Speaker Stumbo file “Noah’s Law” to help Pike Co. boy with rare condition

 

 

FRANKFORT (February 9, 2016) – Hoping to help a young Pike County boy with a rare medical condition, Kentucky House Speaker Greg Stumbo and state Senate Democratic Floor Leader Ray S. Jones II have filed identical bills that would extend health insurance coverage to include the treatment he and others with similar illnesses need.

The legislation would benefit Noah Greenhill, the nine-year-old boy who has been diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis and whose plight was featured on EKB-TV. The condition attacks his esophagus, making it extremely difficult for him to eat any food beyond nine items doctors have found he can tolerate. As a result, he has to administer an amino acid-based formula into a feeding tube four times a day, at a daily rate of more than $40. His insurance does not cover that cost.

The legislation – House Bill 353 and Senate Bill 146 – would change that by including this formula among the therapeutic food that health plans are already required to cover by law for other metabolic and genetic conditions.

“After I heard about Noah, and learned about Senator Jones’ bill, I pledged to join with him and move that cause forward in the House,” Speaker Stumbo said. “This is a sensible clarification that needs to occur. I’m confident we can do this and have Noah’s Law on the books by the end of the legislative session in April.”

“We would never allow an insurance company to deny insulin for a juvenile diabetic, so why would we allow an insurance company to deny amino acid-based elemental formula that is needed for these children to live,” added Jones. “I look forward to working with Speaker Stumbo to see this become law for Noah and other children like him.”

The House and Senate legislation is based on Illinois’ model law. According to Noah’s family, 17 other states mandate this type of coverage.

Both bills are set to be heard in committee at 10 a.m. tomorrow, Feb. 10th. Speaker Stumbo’s will be in the House Banking and Insurance Committee, which meets in Room 149 of the Capitol Annex, while Sen. Jones’ bill will be heard in the Senate Health and Welfare Committee, which meets in the Annex’s Room 131.

 

Sen. Thomas appears on “Kentucky Tonight” to discuss minimum wage

 

FRANKFORT (February 9, 2016) – Sen. Reggie Thomas, D-Lexington, appeared on KET’s “Kentucky Tonight” to discuss minimum wage legislation.

To view the broadcast, click here.

 

Senate pays tribute to the late Sen. Powers

 

 

FRANKFORT (February 4, 2016) – The Kentucky State Senate today passed Senator Gerald A. Neal’s resolution honoring the late Georgia Montgomery Davis Powers, a former Kentucky senator and civil rights leader who passed away Saturday.

With the passage of Senate Resolution 100, a bronze plaque will be placed at Senator Powers’ desk in the Senate chamber commemorating her service to the Senate and the profound legacy of service, compassion, and courage she leaves behind.

Several senators took to the floor after a memorial service for Powers in the State Capitol Rotunda to pay tribute to the late senator.

Neal, D-Louisville, who succeeded Powers as the Senator from the 33rd district said that Senator Powers is an iconic figure that represents the continuing fight for justice, equality, and a better community and state for us all.

“She was a focused and furious warrior at the federal, state and local levels – and has left a legacy that has given guidance to us all,” Neal added.

Powers worked alongside giants of the civil rights movement. She helped bring Dr. Martin Luther king Jr., Jackie Robinson and other civil rights leaders to Kentucky for what became known as the 1964 March on Frankfort. A little over two years later, Kentucky became the first state south of the Mason-Dixon Line to pass a civil rights bill.

Fifty years later Powers served as the keynote speaker at the 50th anniversary of the civil rights Movement in Frankfort.

Powers went on to become the first African American to serve in the Kentucky Senate when she was elected in 1967 to serve the 33rd Senate District in Louisville.

During her 21 years in the Senate, she sponsored bills prohibiting employment discrimination, prohibiting sex and age discrimination, and mandating statewide fair housing.

The resolution states that throughout her time in the General Assembly, she remained consistent in her vision for a Kentucky that was equal for all and committed to the ongoing pursuit of human dignity.

When the Senate adjourned today, it did so in honor and loving memory of the Senator for the 33rd district, Georgia Montgomery Davis Powers.

 

Sen. Ridley’s proposed bill hopes to increase organ donations

 

FRANKFORT (February 3, 2016) – State Sen. Dorsey Ridley has introduced legislation in the 2016 General Assembly that would facilitate organ donations in Kentucky.

Senate Bill 139 continues legislation started when Senator Ridley was part of passing the Kentucky Circuit Court Clerks’ Trust for Life in 1992. This measure would put into policy the procedure for medical examiners and coroners to follow to expedite information on an individual who died outside a hospital that is a registered organ and tissue donor.

Sen. Ridley (13)“This strengthens current law,” Ridley said. “Occasionally, the procurement organizations are not notified of organ and tissue donations when a death takes place outside of a hospital. This measure directs the medical examiner or coroner to make the call.”

SB 139 would be known as Courtney’s Law for Courtney Flear, a 19-year-old Caldwell County teenager who died as a result of injuries from a car wreck. Courtney had registered as an organ and tissue donor through the Kentucky Circuit Court Clerks’ Trust for Life when she renewed her driver’s license. Because there was no procedure in place, no procurement organizations were notified.

“I have worked closely with Courtney’s parents, Briggett and Gary Flear in drafting this legislation,” Ridley said. “Her parents, especially Mrs. Flear, have really taken the lead in this issue so that the wishes of registered organ donors are followed in Kentucky. The family sees it as a way they can make a positive out of a tragic loss.

“This legislation is just putting into policy the steps that need to be taken in such tragedies,” he added.

SB 139 has been assigned to the Senate Health and Welfare Committee. The Kentucky Association of Circuit Court Clerks is in support of the legislation and will work with Senator Ridley to help pass it.

Senator Ridley represents the 4th Senatorial district that includes Caldwell, Crittenden, Henderson, Livingston, Union and Webster counties.

 

Custom Resins to create 40 jobs with Henderson plant expansion

Project would double plant size, increase output using sustainable, bio-material

 

 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 3, 2016) – In a project expected to bring 40 new jobs, Custom Resins Inc. plans to double the size its plant in Henderson and increase capacity with an investment of up to $12 million, Governor Matt Bevin announced today.

Custom Resins produces specialty nylon resins used for molded parts including automotive components. The company plans to build a 100,000 square-foot addition to house up to eight compounding extruders and peripheral equipment. Construction could start later this year.

“These 40 new jobs being created by the Custom Resins expansion are a powerful boost to the local economy in Henderson County. Manufacturing jobs are the economic backbone of America, and we want the world to know that Kentucky is the perfect place to make quality products. Northwest Kentucky should be proud of maintaining a pro-jobs atmosphere that encouraged one of its long-time employers to expand,” Gov. Bevin said.

Custom Resins General Manager Herb Rawlings said Kentucky’s and the local region’s advantages of location, infrastructure, cost of energy and labor market played into the decision.

“With the help of Kyndle and state economic development agencies, we were able to make this project happen,” Rawlings said. “Custom Resins has been making specialty nylon resins at the Henderson site for nearly 60 years. With this expansion we will be able to reach new markets and make new resins from sustainable, bio-based raw materials. We are excited to be able to expand on our commitment to our customers and the Henderson community.”

With about 35 million pounds of annual production capacity, the Custom Resins plant operates 24-7. By adding new reactors and other equipment, the plant will be able to polymerize newly developed nylon resins using sustainable raw materials.

Its parent company, Polymeric Resources Corporation, also operates facilities in Wayne, N.J. and Ontario, Canada. Together, its facilities produce nylon resin for further processing into residential and commercial carpet, packaging, injection-molded products, wire and cable sheathing and lawn, garden and power tool products.

Sen. Dorsey Ridley, of Henderson said he is glad to see Custom Resins succeeding.

“I look forward to the expansion, especially because of the resulting new jobs. Our community welcomes this growth and is ready to fill any new positions with skilled workers,” Ridley said. “Custom Resins has been a good corporate partner and we look forward to building on that relationship as the company continues to grow and prosper.”

“This is great news for our community, especially for those who work – or soon will – for Custom Resins,” said Rep. David Watkins, of Henderson. “I’m hoping news like this will lead other companies to join them in similar expansions.”

Kyndle CEO Brad Schneider said Custom Resins, long a stalwart of the Henderson County corporate community, has been a terrific employer.

“That company leadership would reaffirm its commitment and appreciation for Northwest Kentucky by investing in and expanding their local facility is truly gratifying,” Schneider said. “We are proud that Custom Resins calls Henderson County home.”

“To see a local industry expand is a real shot in the arm. Custom Resins has been a viable company in Henderson County for many years,” Henderson County Judge-Executive Hugh McCormick said. “The fact they are investing another $12,250,000 into our community and adding 40 new jobs shows their business is going strong and will be around for many more years to come. As County Judge-Executive I am looking forward to working with them during and after the expansion.”

To encourage the investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) preliminarily approved the company for tax incentives up to $700,000 through the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based incentive allows a company to keep a portion of its investment over the agreement term through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting job and investment targets.

Additionally, Custom Resins was preliminarily approved by KEDFA for $200,000 in tax incentives through the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act (KEIA). KEIA allows approved companies to recoup Kentucky sales and use tax on construction costs, building fixtures, equipment used in research and development and electronic processing.

In addition, Custom Resins is eligible to receive resources from the Kentucky Skills Network. Through the Kentucky Skills Network, companies are eligible to receive no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job training incentives. Last year, the Kentucky Skills Network trained more than 84,000 employees from more than 5,600 Kentucky companies.

For more information on Custom Resins, visit www.nylene.com.

A detailed community profile for Henderson County can be viewed here.

Information on Kentucky’s economic development efforts and programs is available at www.ThinkKentucky.com. Fans of the Cabinet for Economic Development can also join the discussion on Facebook or follow on Twitter. Watch the Cabinet’s “This is My Kentucky” video on YouTube.

 

GLI backs Sen. McGarvey’s expanded gaming amendment

 

 

FRANKFORT (February 2, 2016) –Speaking with bipartisan support on Tuesday at the Capitol, Greater Louisville Inc. once again urged support for an amendment to the Kentucky Constitution that would allow for expanded gaming.

“Every year the Commonwealth continues to see hundreds of millions of dollars flow across state lines in gaming revenue: $546 million to be exact,” said GLI President and CEO Kent Oyler. “These are dollars that could be going toward our state deficit and our significant pension obligations.”

Sen. Morgan McGarvey, D-Louisville, speaks at a press conference in behalf of his co-filed gaming amendment ballot measure.
Sen. Morgan McGarvey, D-Louisville, speaks at a press conference in behalf of his co-filed gaming amendment ballot measure.

GLI is backing an amendment introduced by Senator Morgan McGarvey (D-Louisville) and co-filed by Senator Julie Raque Adams (R-Louisville) on Tuesday in Frankfort.

“When it comes to gaming reasonable minds can differ, but gaming is already here. 80% of Kentuckians live within an hour of a casino,” Sen. McGarvey said. “We just have to choose if we want to benefit from it.”

The measure puts expanded gaming on the ballot and dedicates 90% of revenue raised in the first ten years to unfunded pension liabilities for the Kentucky Retirement Systems and Kentucky Teachers’ Retirement System. The remaining 10% of the fund would go towards purses for Kentucky’s horseracing industry.

GLI’s position continues to be that expanded gaming could be a catalyst for economic growth.

“This is a plan that has bipartisan support in the Senate right now and could significantly grow our state’s economy through business attraction, job creation, and tax revenue. Our Commonwealth is cash-strapped. We know the financial challenges Kentucky is facing,” Oyler said. “There is a real opportunity within this amendment to create positive economic growth in our Commonwealth.”

Tuesday’s press conference was also attended by several retired teachers. Tom Denton who taught for 33 years in Perry and Jefferson Counties spoke about his perspective on the pension crisis.

“My concerns today are that after years of service to my community that there will be no resources there to take care of me when I need them,” Tom Denton, a recently retired teacher from JCPS, remarked. “I’m also worried about the message that leaving the pension system unfunded sends to current teachers and those considering entering the field of education. We cannot create the great thinkers and doers of tomorrow without bright, confident teachers in our schools. If the state cannot put the dollars behind the promises it’s already made, then who would want to enter work environment with such an uncertain future.”

The Louisville Courier-Journal filed a report on the amendment. To read the article, click here.

 

Sen. McGarvey appears on “Kentucky Tonight” to discuss state budget

 

FRANKFORT (February 1, 2016) – Senator Morgan McGarvey, D-Louisville, appeared on KET’s “Kentucky Tonight” with three other legislators, including Rep. Rick Rand, D-Bedford, to discuss the state budget.

To view the broadcast, click here.

 

 

 

Sen. Jones’s bill to return 100 percent of coal severance revenue to coal producing counties gaining support

 

 

 

FRANKFORT (February 1, 2016) – Senate Democratic Floor Leader Ray S. Jones’ legislation to require 100 percent of revenue from the coal severance tax return to Kentucky’s coal producing counties is gaining support in the Kentucky State Senate. Senator Chris Girdler, R-Somerset, has signed on as a co-sponsor to a bill Jones says would help create jobs and boost the economy in the state’s coal producing counties.

“This is not a democrat or republican issue,” said Jones, D-Pikeville. “This is a jobs issue. Senator Girdler and I agree that the bill must be amended to limit its use for economic development to create jobs.”

headshot-jonesUnder Senate Bill 21, 100 percent of coal severance revenues would be distributed among the coal-producing counties on the basis of the tax collected on coal severed or processed in each respective county.

The coal severance tax is approximately five percent levied on every ton of coal mined in Kentucky.

In the past, 50 percent of revenue from the coal severance tax has been prorated for expenditures in coal producing and coal affected counties. However, with the declining tax receipts, Jones said all the tax revenue need to go to these counties to allow them to focus on creating jobs – the original intent of the tax.

“The coal severance revenue should be allocated for improvements to the infrastructures to better equip these counties to attract new business and industry,” he said. “Better roads and bridges, modern water and sewer lines/facilities, and enhanced public safety are components necessary for developing an area and making it a viable place for new businesses and industry to locate. We need them to come to eastern Kentucky and we need them to bring more jobs. Jobs are the lifeblood of our community’s success and we need to create more of them to address the deficiency in our job market.”

Jones’ legislation mandates that all the revenue return to the coal producing counties.

“With mining communities suffering, we must take a more aggressive stance in creating new jobs,” said Jones, who represents the 31st district that includes Elliott, Lawrence, Martin, Morgan and Pike counties. “As a lifelong resident of a coal-producing region, this Pike Countian can tell you unequivocally that we cannot afford to lose any more jobs in our coal producing counties. Now, perhaps more than ever, all the coal severance tax revenue needs to return to the counties from where it generated. And, truthfully, this legislation is long overdue.”

Jones said that he is pleased that several county judge executives from the coal producing counties support the legislation and agree on its impact and importance in creating more jobs.

Senator Johnny Ray Turner, D-Prestonsburg, signed on as a co-sponsor when Jones filed the bill in October.

SB 21 will be considered during the 2016 legislative session.

 

Rape kit testing legislation gets boost from Gov. Bevin’s proposed budget

 

 

FRANKFORT (Feb. 1, 2016) – Legislation sponsored by Sen. Denise Harper Angel, D-Louisville, designed to eliminate the backlog of untested rape kits in Kentucky received support from Gov. Matt Bevin’s proposed budget during his State of the Commonwealth Address .

Sen. Angel had already filed a bill this session seeking $5 million to assist the Kentucky State Police and changes to ensure that the backlog of untested rape kits never returns to the state.

Harper Angel’s bill calls for the dollars to be transferred from the Kentucky Law Enforcement Foundation Program Fund in order to increase personnel and equipment with crime lab. The bill also calls for systemic changes to ensure victims receive swift justice.

The legislation and budget assistance was reported by cn|2’s Nick Storm on Jan. 29. To read his article, click here.

 

Sen. Jones discusses proposed budget to media outlets

 

 

FRANKFORT (Jan. 28, 2016) – Senate Democratic Floor Leader Ray S. Jones, D-Pikeville, voiced his opinion on the proposed budget from Gov. Matt Bevin this week to KET and to the Legislative Research Commission’s media department.

To watch Sen. Jones’s Jan. 28 interview with KET’s Renee Shaw, click here.

To listen to Sen. Jones discuss his concerns about higher education funding cuts in Gov. Bevin’s budget plan, click here.

 

Sen. Thomas’s SCR 9 gets unanimous vote of support from Senate

 

FRANKFORT (Jan. 28, 2016) – The Kentucky State Senate voted unanimously today in support of Senate Concurrent Resolution 9, which would recognize the importance of removing barriers to breastfeeding in Kentucky.

thomas012816Speaking on the Senate floor, the bill’s sponsor, Senator Reggie Thomas, D-Lexington, said this measure is about healthy babies, healthy moms, and healthy families – at no cost.

SCR 9 encourages all state agencies that administer programs providing maternal or child health services to provide information about breastfeeding to program participants, and to encourage and support program participants’ choices to breastfeed.

SCR 9, Senator Thomas’ first bill to pass out of the Senate, now heads to the House for further consideration.

 

 

Gov. Bevin, Mayor Fischer announce FarmedHere to locate at West Louisville FoodPort, create 40 jobs

Vertical farming operation to lease 60,000 square feet, invest about $23.5 million

 

 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 28, 2016) – Governor Matt Bevin and Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer today announced that FarmedHere, the country’s largest and longest-running vertical farm, will locate a year-round indoor farm and food processing facility in the West Louisville FoodPort, creating 40 jobs with a $23.5 million investment.

“Agriculture is one of the Commonwealth’s signature industries and we are excited to welcome a company that will help us build upon that success,” said Governor Bevin. “FarmedHere’s unique approach provides an opportunity to boost Kentucky’s local produce output and distribution. We are pleased to welcome FarmedHere to Kentucky and anticipate their fruitful partnership with the West Louisville FoodPort.”

FarmedHere plans to lease 60,000 square feet in the FoodPort for its vertical farming operation and use half the space for up to 10 rows of vertically stacked grow beds. The company will dedicate the remaining space to sorting and packaging leafy greens and processing herbs and other plants for inclusion in salad dressings, baby food and additional value-added products.

The facility’s location will help FarmedHere quickly deliver freshly harvested, USDA-certified organic and pesticide-free produce. FarmedHere also plans to hire veterans and second-chance employees including refugees and ex-offenders.

“Louisville is an ideal location for a FarmedHere vertical farm as it enables us to deliver healthy, local, organic produce 365 days a year to the approximately 18.2 million people living within a 200-mile radius of the city,” said Matt Matros, CEO of FarmedHere. “We are thrilled to partner with Seed Capital Kentucky, the West Louisville FoodPort, the state, Governor Bevin, Mayor Fischer and Louisville Forward as we work to make this new facility a reality and give back to the Louisville community.”

“FarmedHere’s sustainable practices and compassionate hiring policy make it an ideal community partner in west Louisville,” Fischer said. “The addition of this innovative company to the West Louisville FoodPort affirms our commitment to giving every citizen an opportunity for a healthy lifestyle by making locally grown food easily accessible.”

FarmedHere opened its first vertical farm in Chicago in 2010. The company works closely with local vendors to get produce from harvest to store within 48 hours, and to ensure distribution remains within 200 miles of the operation. FarmedHere currently sells to many large grocery stores in the Greater Chicago area, including Whole Foods and Mariano’s, a division of Kroger.

The company expects to work with traditional farmers, rather than compete with them, by growing produce in seasons when traditional farmers cannot, and by offering produce not supported by the Kentucky climate. FarmedHere’s vertical growing technology and local distribution methods help reduce time to market, energy use and overall costs. By growing entirely indoors with complete control of all variables, FarmedHere eliminates many of the obstacles traditional agriculture faces, including bugs, diseases, pesticides and weather.

FarmedHere is one of several businesses to commit to operating at the FoodPort. Other businesses include The Weekly Juicery, Piazza Produce and Just One Organics. Construction is expected to begin in August and businesses will begin their operations roughly 14 months later.

“I am pleased FarmedHere has chosen Louisville to locate its new facility, which will create new job opportunities and provide a boost to the local economy,” said Senate Minority Caucus Chair Gerald A. Neal, of Louisville. “The fresh, healthy food availability also will be good for us and will attract others to the area. I welcome FarmedHere and look forward to a long and successful corporate partnership.”

“The announcement of FarmedHere partnering with FoodPort is exciting news and will capitalize upon our efforts to bring employment, investment and healthy food production and consumption to West Louisville,” said Rep. Darryl Owens, of Louisville. “This is an innovative agriculture initiative and a vital economic boost as it will focus on hiring veterans and second chance employees to staff the facility.”

“This is a fantastic affirmation of the promise of the FoodPort,” said Caroline Heine, co-founder and project director of Seed Capital KY, the group developing the FoodPort. “FarmedHere sees the value of this integrated, public-private-nonprofit partnership, and has chosen to expand its business here, bringing investment, jobs and relationships, and offering a year-round supply of healthy, locally-grown food for our community. We could not be more excited.”

To encourage the investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved FarmedHere for tax incentives up to $400,000 through the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based incentive allows a company to keep a portion of its investment over the agreement term through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting job and investment targets.

In addition, FarmedHere can receive resources from the Kentucky Skills Network. Through the Kentucky Skills Network, companies are eligible to receive no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job training incentives. Last year, the Kentucky Skills Network trained more than 84,000 employees from more than 5,600 Kentucky companies.

To learn more about FarmedHere, visit www.farmedhere.com.

More information about the West Louisville FoodPort is available here.

A detailed community profile for Louisville (Jefferson County) can be viewed here.

Information on Kentucky’s economic development efforts and programs is available at www.ThinkKentucky.com. Fans of the Cabinet for Economic Development can also join the discussion on Facebook or follow on Twitter. Watch the Cabinet’s “This is My Kentucky” video on YouTube.

 

Sen. Neal files for re-election to 33rd district senate seat

 

FRANKFORT (January 25, 2016) – Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Gerald A. Neal, D-Louisville, filed today for re-election to his 33rd senatorial district seat.

image003“I am honored to represent the people of the 33rd district,” said Neal, who has served in the Kentucky State Senate since 1988. “I want to use my experience and seniority to work for improvements in health and welfare, education, job creation, economic development and criminal justice reform.”

Neal, an experienced and respected legislator, was the second African American elected to serve in the Kentucky State Senate. The senator is the longest serving member of the Senate. He was elected Senate Democratic Caucus Chairman in 2014, becoming the first African American elected to a leadership position in the history of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

During his tenure in the Senate, Neal has been a strong voice for senior citizens, youth, the disadvantaged and minorities. He is a strong advocate for education, economic development, healthcare and penal code reform.

 

Veterans committee passes Sen. Jones’ resolution to protect 2nd amendment rights

 

 

 

FRANKFORT (January 21, 2016) – Senate Democratic Floor Leader Ray S. Jones’ legislation urging the Governor of Virginia and the Virginia Attorney General to restore reciprocal recognition of concealed carry weapons licenses from Kentucky is making its way through the legislative process.

jones012116-1Senate Joint Resolution 36, which is the result of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s recent decision to cease recognition of concealed deadly weapon licenses from Kentucky and 24 other states, was passed today by the Senate Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection Committee.

Jones, D-Pikeville, said that law abiding citizens should have a way to protect themselves.

SJR 36 now moves to the full Senate for further consideration.

 

 

 

Sen. Parrett’s bill to strengthen penalties for habitual drunk drivers passes the Senate

 

 

FRANKFORT (January 20, 2016) – Senator Dennis Parrett’s bill to broaden the window that allows for stronger penalties for habitual drunk drivers continues to make its way through the legislative process.

parrett012016Senate Bill 56, which would expand what is known in legal circles as the “look back period” for prior offenses from five to 10 years, today passed the Senate.

Senator Parrett, D-Elizabethtown, said this is an important move because in Kentucky, the fourth DUI conviction in a five-year period is treated as a felony.

The bill also changes the days that a report must be filed with the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) to 180 days from 90.

SB 56 now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration. If the bill gains final approval, it will be known as the Brianna Taylor Act, in honor of an Elizabethtown teenager who lost her life due to a drunk driver.

 

Sen. Carroll to seek re-election

 

 

 

FRANKFORT (January 20, 2016) – Senator Julian M. Carroll, D-Frankfort, citing a history of public service and a record of working for public employee benefits, significant progress in roads, education, and protection for senior citizens, filed for re-election yesterday in the Secretary of State’s office.

Carroll, who represents Anderson, Franklin, Gallatin, Owen and Woodford counties, has been a member of the State Senate since 2005. In 2014, his colleagues elected him Senate Democratic Caucus Whip. However, his record of public service spans more than four decades, including a term as governor from 1976-1980. When he sought the governor’s office, Carroll won the race by the widest majority of any governor in state history, carrying all congressional districts.

Carroll also served in the Kentucky House of Representatives from 1962-72, was Speaker of the House from 1968-1972, was lieutenant governor from 1972-75 — winning that race by the widest majority in history — and served as chairman of both the Governors and Lieutenant Governors National Conferences.

“Serving the people of the 7th district has allowed me to apply my experience and leadership on behalf of my constituents,” Carroll said. “I want to continue to use my seniority and position to work for our state employees and for improvements in health care, education, job creation and for our most vulnerable citizens.”

Carroll currently serves on the following committees: Licensing Occupations and Administrative Regulations; Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection; Committee on Committees, and Rules. He also serves on the Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee and the Government Contract Review Committee. As a member of leadership, he has a seat on the Legislative Research Commission.

“I have a long record of service with the state of Kentucky and I will continue that work during the 2016 Session,” he said. “I will be a voice for our state employees, our teachers and all the citizens of the Commonwealth.”

Carroll, 84, earned his law degree from the University of Kentucky in 1956. He is a retired attorney and a resident of Frankfort.

The Frankfort State-Journal reported on Sen. Carroll’s announcement. To read the article, click here.

 

Sen. Clark to seek re-election to 37th district

 

 

FRANKFORT – Senator Perry B. Clark, D-Louisville, filed for re-election to the 37th senatorial district seat on Monday, January 11 in the office of the Secretary of State.

“It has been my great honor to serve the 37th district in the Kentucky State Senate,” Senator Clark said. “There are critical issues facing Louisvillians, such as the need for adequate health care and for quality education. With the support of my constituents, I am eager to continue my efforts in these areas and others that are important to move Kentucky forward.”

Senator Perry Clark, D-Louisville, files for re-election with the Secretary of State’s office. Assisting him is Mary Sue Helm.
Senator Perry Clark, D-Louisville, files for re-election with the Secretary of State’s office. Assisting him is Mary Sue Helm.

Senator Clark pledges to continue to work toward creating jobs and helping small businesses; getting adequate funding for the schools; standing up for organized labor; working for better benefits for veterans and military families, and protecting Louisville’s seniors and other vulnerable citizens.

The Senator also has strong backing from his district on public policy that he is sponsoring, including the legalization of medical cannabis and more recently the Cannabis Freedom Act.

“I feel that my job in Frankfort is not yet complete,” said Senator Clark. “I still have work to do for the people in the South End of Louisville and will continue to be their voice in the Kentucky General Assembly.”

Senator Clark has served in the State Senate since 2006. He was a member of the House of Representatives from 1995-2006. He currently sits on the Senate Economic Development, Tourism and Labor; Judiciary, and Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection committees. He is also a liaison member of the Budget Review Subcommittee on Economic Development and Tourism, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection.

There are always challenges before members of the General Assembly, but the Senator says he is ready to work toward solutions.

“I am honored by the trust the residents of our district have placed in me, and I never take that for granted,” Senator Clark said. “I continue to make the needs and concerns of our constituents my priority.”

A native of Louisville’s South End, Senator Clark is a University of Louisville employee and a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He and his wife of 35 years, Sheila, have a son, Martin who is currently serving in the U.S. Navy and a daughter, Angela who is librarian. He remains active in the community working with the Boy Scouts of America as a merit badge counselor and with the neighborhood associations.

 

Kentucky Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus hears Second Amendment issue at first meeting

 

 

 

FRANKFORT (January 19, 2016) – The Kentucky Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus held its first meeting of the 2016 Legislative Session this week in Frankfort. The caucus, co-chaired by Senator Robin Webb, D-Grayson, and Rep. Tommy Turner, R-Somerset, is composed of almost 100 legislators representing the interest of Kentucky’s hunters and anglers.

At Tuesday’s meeting, representatives from Knife Rights, Inc. — Chairman Doug Ritter and Director of Legislative Affairs Todd Rathner — talked about the need to strengthen Kentucky’s knife laws.

The Kentucky Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus held its first meeting of the 2016 Legislative Session this week in Frankfort. Pictured left to right are: Daniel Hall, NRA representative; Doug Ritter, Chairman of Knife Rights, Inc., Rep. Tommy Turner, R-Somerset; Senator Robin Webb, D-Grayson, and Todd Rathner, Knife Rights, Inc. Director of Legislative Affairs.
The Kentucky Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus held its first meeting of the 2016 Legislative Session this week in Frankfort. Pictured left to right are: Daniel Hall, NRA representative; Doug Ritter, Chairman of Knife Rights, Inc., Rep. Tommy Turner, R-Somerset; Senator Robin Webb, D-Grayson, and Todd Rathner, Knife Rights, Inc. Director of Legislative Affairs.

“One of our roles as a caucus is to protect our Second Amendment rights,” said Senator Webb. “Knife rights fall under the Second Amendment and some of us fear that those rights are at risk.”

Approximately 60 legislators and others interested in sportsmen issues, including Daniel Hall with the National Rifle Association and Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Greg Johnson, attended the bi-partisan meeting.

“I am honored to serve as co-chair of the Kentucky caucus, along with Rep. Turner,” said Senator Webb. “When I speak out in support of an issue – or Rep. Turner speaks in support of an issue – we are only one voice. As a caucus, we are many voices and we are able to spread our message farther. As a group, we are not only able to reach more people, but we can share ideas and work together to reach common goals.

“The caucus allows us to come together as sportsmen and women – not as Democrats or Republicans. We leave our political affiliations at the door so that we can focus on what is best for Kentucky’s sports enthusiasts,” added Webb.

“We, as sportsmen, must stand united now more than ever, as our rights to hunt and fish are constantly under attack,” Rep. Turner said. “I am honored to serve as co-chair with Senator Webb and look forward to what our caucus will accomplish.”

 

Sen. Parrett’s bill to strengthen penalties for habitual drunk drivers passes out of Judiciary Committee

 

Brianna Taylor Act heads to Senate floor for vote

 

 

FRANKFORT (January 14, 2016) – Senator Dennis Parrett, D-Elizabethtown, is continuing the fight to broaden the window that allows for stronger penalties for habitual drunk drivers.

Senate Bill 56, which he pre-filed this summer, passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee today and is headed to the Senate floor for a vote.

Senator Dennis Parrett, D- Elizabethtown, testifies in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee today on the Brianna Taylor Act. His legislation, Senate Bill 56, expand what is known in legal circles as the “look back period” for prior DUI offenses from five to 10 years.
Senator Dennis Parrett, D- Elizabethtown, testifies in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee today on the Brianna Taylor Act. His legislation, Senate Bill 56, expand what is known in legal circles as the “look back period” for prior DUI offenses from five to 10 years.

The bill would expand what is known in legal circles as the “look back period” for prior offenses from five to 10 years. Senator Parrett said this is an important move because in Kentucky, the fourth DUI conviction in a five-year period is treated as a felony. By increasing the look back window, DUI convictions remain on a person’s record longer, which allows that behavior to be considered during sentencing.

“I am pleased that this significant legislation is moving forward,” said Senator Parrett, who filed similar legislation last session. “It is gaining momentum early and I feel optimistic it will make it through both chambers this session to be signed into law by the Governor.

“This measure will save lives,” he added. “It is important that we change the look pack period so that we can be tougher on habitual drunk drivers.

“As I told my colleagues last year, I don’t want to lessen the severity for anyone, but one DUI – though it is still very serious — could be a mistake. Two DUIs are not a mistake. Three, four and five DUIs are big problems.”

Senator Parrett has had strong support for SB 56 from David and Tonya Taylor. Their daughter, Brianna, was 17 and had recently graduated from Elizabethtown High School, when she lost her life due to a drunk driver. The teenager was heading home when she had the tragic misfortune to share the roadway with 35-year-old Michael Hilton. After the fatal accident, Hilton was charged with driving under the influence, two counts of assault and murder. Senator Parrett said that this was the sixth time Hilton had been charged with driving under the influence. Because his last drunken-driving conviction had happened more than five years before the accident that cost Brianna her life, the last charge was considered Hilton’s first under the legal definition of Kentucky’s current criminal statutes.

“This is a slap in the face to Brianna Taylor and all those killed by habitual drunk drivers,” Senator Parrett said. “This law needs to change. Six DUIs are not mistakes and offenders need to face tough penalties for their actions.”

Another provision of the bill, brought to Senator Parrett’s attention by Hardin County Attorney Jenny Oldham, would help to alleviate a reporting issue by county attorneys. It changes the days that a report must be filed with the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) to 180 days from 90. Senator Parrett said that he has heard from several county attorneys that this is necessary because of the time it takes to get lab testing done.

If Senator Parrett’s legislation becomes law, it will be known as the Brianna Taylor Act. Once it is passed by the whole Senate, SB 56 will head to the House for Representatives for further consideration.

The bill contains an emergency clause so that it would go into effect with the Governor’s signature – eliminating a waiting period.

The Northern Kentucky Tribune reported on Senator Parrett’s legislation. To read the article, click here.

 

Sen. Neal to seek re-election

 

 

 

FRANKFORT (January 12, 2016) – Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Gerald A. Neal, D-Louisville, announced yesterday that he will file for re-election to his 33rd senatorial district seat.

During his tenure in the Senate, Neal has been a strong voice for senior citizens, youth, the disadvantaged and minorities. He is a strong advocate for education, economic development, healthcare and penal code reform.

neal web1Neal, an experienced and respected legislator, was the second African American elected to serve in the Kentucky State Senate. He was first elected in 1988 and has since been re-elected in the last seven consecutive elections.

The senator is the longest serving member of the Senate. He was elected Senate Democratic Caucus Chairman in 2014, becoming the first African American elected to a leadership position in the history of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

“Serving the people of the 33rd district has been one of the most important opportunities in which I’ve been able to apply my experience and leadership on behalf of my community,” Neal said. “I want to continue to use my seniority and position to work for improvements in health and welfare, education, job creation, economic development and criminal justice reform.”

He currently serves on the Senate Education; Transportation; Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection; Transportation; Committee on Committees, and Rules committees. The senator sits on the Public Pension Oversight Board. He also serves on the Budget Review Subcommittee on Education; Budget Review Subcommittee on Primary and Secondary Education, and Education Assessment and Accountability Review Subcommittee. As a member of leadership, he has a seat on the Legislative Research Commission.

In the Senate over the years, he has passed critical legislation. Some of his legislation has:

  • Implemented Kentucky’s portion of the federal Children’s Health Insurance Program – KCHIP. Thousands of working families with children have benefited from this program.
  • Created the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage and outlined its board membership.
  • Created the Lead Hazard Reduction Subcommittee of the Health and Welfare Committee to investigate and propose policy to reduce the hazardous use of lead.
  • Created firm deadlines, public disclosure and continued monitoring to push schools and the state to aggressively address the academic gaps that have been identified among students in racial, economic, disability and gender groups.
  • Set up a database to enforce the state’s two loan, $500 maximum on payday loans. The bill also put a 10-year moratorium on new payday lending stores.
  • Requires a minority member on school-based decision making councils in schools with eight percent of more minority student enrollment.
  • Required the Education Professional Standards Board to develop a strategic plan for increasing the number of minority teachers.
  • Generates about $4.3 million every year for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund as a result of a moderate increase in fees on deeds and certain other documents.
  • Created the Kentucky Economic Opportunity Zone (KEOZ) program which focuses on the development of areas with high levels of unemployment and poverty by encouraging businesses to locate within a KEOZ. He sponsored the first legislation of its kind in Kentucky and is currently working on a targeted incentive program for low income communities to encourage relocation of companies to create more jobs in these areas.
  • Prohibits racial profiling by law enforcement agencies.
  • Prohibits the execution of a person when evidence shows racial bias in prosecution or sentencing.

Among the many honors he has received, are his induction into the Kentucky Civil Rights Hall of Fame and the Gallery of Great Black Kentuckians.

Neal has an extensive background in law and government. He is a practicing attorney with Gerald A. Neal and Associates, LLC. He served as assistant director of Public Health and Safety for the City of Louisville, was a hearing officer for the State Workers’ Compensation Board and worked as a juvenile probation officer.

Neal and his wife, Kathy Cookise, have two adult children, Brandon and Kristin. They reside in Louisville.

 

 

News outlets report on Sen. Harper Angel’s legislation to expedite rape kit testing

 

 

FRANKFORT (Jan. 8 and Jan. 11, 2016) – Lawrence Smith of WDRB-TV in Louisville and Ryland Barton of Kentucky Public Radio reported on a bill filed on Jan. 6 by Sen. Denise Harper Angel, D-Louisville, that would expedite the testing of a backlog of rape kits in Kentucky.

The bill would speed the collection and testing of rape kits to less than four months. It builds on legislation sponsored by Sen. Harper Angel during the 2015 General Assembly.

To read the WDRB-TV report, click here.

To read Kentucky Public Radio’s report on WEKU’s website, click here.

 

News-Enterprise reports on Sen. Parrett receiving award from MADD

 

 

ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. (Jan. 8, 2016) – The News-Enterprise in Hardin County filed a story today about Sen. Dennis Parrett, D-Elizabethtown, recently receiving the 2015 Legislator of the Year Award from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).

To read the News-Enterprise article, click here.

 

Sen. Jones files resolution to honor WWII veteran

 

 

 

FRANKFORT (Jan. 7, 2016) – Senate Democratic Floor Leader Ray S. Jones II, D-Pikeville, filed a joint resolution yesterday designating a bridge on Kentucky Route 3414 in Pike County in honor and memory of Private Clyde Bentley.

headshot-jones“Private Clyde Bentley paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country and left us with a debt we can never repay,” said Jones, the son of a U.S. Marine Vietnam combat veteran. “However, we can honor this hero and remember the gallant sacrifice he made for us.

“Though we can never show our true appreciation, it is my hope that this small measure will be a daily reminder of the costs that come with freedom,” Jones added. “As the son of a veteran, I learned early in life the value of the sacrifices of our service men and women.”

Clyde Bentley was born on Dec. 3. 1924 to Simon and Flossie Bentley. The Bentley family lived on the Left Fork of Long Fork.

Bentley volunteered to serve his country during World War II in October of 1943. On July 11, 1944 he was killed in action in France.

“In times of national crisis, individuals as well as their families are asked to make sacrifices,” Jones said. “The family of Private Clyde Bentley made the ultimate sacrifice in losing their son.”

If Joint Resolution 30 is adopted, the Transportation Cabinet will designate the bridge on Kentucky Route 3414 in Pike County, near Petty’s Fork on the Left Fork of Long Fork as the: “Pvt. Clyde Bentley Memorial Bridge Casualty of WWII.”

Within 30 days of the effective date of this resolution, the Transportation Cabinet will erect the appropriate signage.

The resolution will be considered during the 2016 legislative session.

 

Sen. Jones’ resolutions rename roads in honor of veterans

 

 

 

FRANKFORT (Jan. 7, 2016) – Morgan County’s senator, Senate Democratic Floor Leader Ray S. Jones II, D-Pikeville, filed Senate joint resolutions yesterday to rename sections of three roads in Morgan County to honor local veterans.

Speaking on floorThe veterans are Private First Class David Michael Sowards, Private First Class Ralph Paul Terry, and Lance Corporal Joe Roger Melczek. All three Morgan County veterans were killed in action during the Vietnam War.

“These three men paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country and left us with a debt we can never repay,” said Jones, the son of a Marine Vietnam combat veteran. “However, we can honor these heroes and remember the gallant sacrifice they made for us. Though we can never show our true appreciation, it is my hope that this small measure will be a daily reminder of the costs that come with freedom.

“As the son of a Vietnam veteran, I learned early in life the value of the sacrifices of our service men and women,” Jones added.

Senate Joint Resolution 32 designates a portion of Kentucky Route 191 in Morgan County in honor and memory of Lance LCpl Melczek. SJR 33 designates a portion of Kentucky Route 191 in honor and memory of PFC Terry. The third joint resolution, SJR 31, designates Kentucky Route 3345 in honor and memory of PFC Sowards.

  • LCpl Melczrk joined the U.S. Marines during the Vietnam War and served as a rifleman. He began a tour in Vietnam serving with K Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Division. He was killed in action from artillery rocket or mortar fire on April 16, 1968 while in the Quang Tri Provine in South Vietnam. He was 20 years old. LCpl received the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was a native of Insko in Morgan County.
  • PFC Terry enlisted in the U.S. Army, also during the Vietnam War. He began a tour of duty on December 7, 1968. He served with the 1st Cavalry Division, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry, C Company as a light weapons infantryman. He was killed in action from injuries sustained from small arms fire while on combat operations with his unit in the Phuoc Long Providence. He was 21. PFC Terry was the son of Thorton and Hazel Prater Terry.
  • PFC Sowards also joined the U.S. Marines during the Vietnam War. He was a rifleman with the 1st Marine Division, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, F Company. He was killed in action from small arms fire on September 12, 1968 while in the Quang Nam Providence of South Vietnam. He was 20 years old. PFC Sowards, who was from West Liberty, received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and a Purple Heart.

The Senate Joint Resolutions direct the State Transportation Cabinet to erect the appropriate signage.

“It is an honor to recognize these three young men as the heroes they were and to ensure that their names will long be remembered,” said Jones.

Jones represents the 31st Senatorial District that includes Elliott, Lawrence, Martin, Morgan and Pike counties.

 

Sen. Jones files resolution to protect 2nd amendment rights

 

 

FRANKFORT (Jan. 6, 2016) – Senate Democratic Floor Leader Ray S. Jones II, D-Pikeville, today filed a Senate joint resolution urging the Governor of Virginia and the Virginia Attorney General to restore reciprocal recognition of concealed carry weapons licenses from Kentucky.

The legislation is the result of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s recent decision to cease recognition of concealed deadly weapon licenses from Kentucky and 24 other states.

jones010616“The right to self-defense and defense of others from imminent deadly threats is the most fundamental of human rights,” Jones said. “It is important that Americans have the right to protect themselves, their family and friends.”

The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution provides that “the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.”

There is no evidence that suspending the concealed weapons reciprocity agreement between Kentucky and Virginia would reduce crime or increase public safety, Senate Joint Resolution 36 states.

“It should be the right of all Kentuckians to protect themselves and family as they travel through the Commonwealth of Virginia,” Jones added. “Kentuckians shouldn’t lose their rights as they travel through Virginia just as Virginians should not lose their rights as they travel through Kentucky.”

SJR 36 will be considered during the 2016 legislative session. If the joint resolution gains approval in the Senate, it will move to the House of Representatives for further consideration. Senate Republican Floor Leader Damon Thayer, R-Georgetown, is the primary co-sponsor.

 

 

 

WLKY-TV reports on opening day of the General Assembly

 

 

 

FRANKFORT (Jan. 5, 2016) – Louisville’s WLKY-TV reported Tuesday on the opening session of the 2016 General Assembly. They spoke with several legislators about the major issues that will be addressed by the House and Senate in the coming months, including employee pensions.

Their report includes comments from Sen. Gerald Neal, D-Louisville. To read the report, click here.

 

Sen. Harper Angel continues effort to have rape kits tested

 

 

FRANKFORT (Jan. 5, 2016) – Senator Denise Harper Angel, D-Louisville, today filed legislation to establish policies and procedures for the swift and proper handling of sexual assault evidence kits.

The bill is in response to former state Auditor Adam Edelen’s report that found there are 3,090 untested kits scattered across Kentucky. Senate Joint Resolution 20, sponsored by Harper Angel, during the 2015 Legislative Session required Auditor Edelen to conduct an audit to determine the number of untested kits.

image002Harper Angel’s current legislation requires involved agencies to establish written policies and procedures related to sexual assault examinations in order to continue to receive Kentucky Law Enforcement Foundation Program (KLEFP) funds. It also sets timeframes for the processing of kits. The bill is modeled after the current KLEFP fund requirement for written policy and procedures related to racial profiling and domestic violence.

Within this manual, law enforcement must retrieve evidence from a collecting facility within five days of notice, and the evidence must be submitted by law enforcement to a Kentucky State Police (KSP) forensic lab within 30 days of receipt. Victims must be notified of the testing progress and DNA results. The identity of the DNA match is not provided to the victim.

Under the bill, any evidence collected as a result of the sexual assault examination cannot be destroyed. However, failure to adhere to these deadlines will not result in a dismissal of criminal action or deny the admissibility of evidence.

This bill declares an emergency, and $5 million from the KLEFP fund to be used in fiscal year 2016-2017 for the purchase of lab equipment for the processing of sexual assault kits.

“Since the KLEFP fund is intended to be used for enhancing public safety, this would be an appropriate use of funds,” Harper Angel said.

“Last session, my legislation got the process started, but we’re not finished. We’ve done the study and it’s time to move forward. Rape victims deserve to have their kits tested. These tests will help lead to the conviction of rapists,” the senator added. “These victims need their voices heard and justice needs to be served.”

The bill will be considered during the 2016 legislative session.

 

Sen. Webb appears on KET’s “Kentucky Tonight”

 

 

 

FRANKFORT (Jan. 5, 2016) – Senator Robin Webb, D-Grayson, appeared on KET’s “Kentucky Tonight” on Monday, January 4, to discuss the 2016 General Assembly. During the upcoming 60-day session, the legislature will write the state’s next two-year budget as well as other pressing issues.

Senator Webb, who has served in the Kentucky General Assembly since 1999, has been involved in drafting the general and transportation budgets since she served in the House of Representatives, where she was first vice chair of the House Appropriations and Revenue Committee and all House budget subcommittees.

The senator currently serves on the Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee, the Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary and the Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation.

Also scheduled to appear on “Kentucky Tonight” with host Bill Goodman are Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester; Kentucky House Speaker Greg Stumbo, D-Prestonsburg, and Kentucky House Minority Floor Leader Jeff Hoover, R-Jamestown.

To view the program, click here.

Senator Webb represents the 18th Senatorial District that includes Boyd, Carter and Greenup counties.