INTERIM JOINT COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION TO HEAR UPDATE ON 2023 STUDENT TEST SCORES

INTERIM JOINT COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION TO HEAR UPDATE ON 2023 STUDENT TEST SCORES

FRANKFORT, KY (October 31, 2023) – The Interim Joint Committee on Education, co-chaired by Sen. Steve West, will hear an update from the Kentucky Department of Education on the 2023 Kentucky Student Testing Report.

Date: Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Time: 11 a.m. EDT

Where: Capitol Annex, Room 154, 700 Capitol Ave Loop, Frankfort, KY 40601

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Senator Steve West, R-Paris, represents the 27th Senate District, including Bourbon, Fleming, Harrison, Mason, Nicholas, Robertson, and Rowan Counties and part of northern Fayette County. He serves as the Senate co-chair of the Interim Joint Committee on Education; a member of the Interim Joint Committee on Agriculture; and a liaison member on the Budget Review Subcommittee on Education. Senator West also serves as the co-chair of the Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee; and the Education Assessment and Accountability Review Subcommittee. He is also a member of the School and Campus Security Task Force.

SENATE PRESIDENT ROBERT STIVERS

SENATE PRESIDENT STIVERS TO PROVIDE KEYNOTE TO

SOUTHERN KENTUCKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE

MANCHESTER/CLAY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

AND THE KNOX COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Don’t take out the bridge before we cross the river!

FRANKFORT, KY (October 27, 2023) – Kentucky residents deserve to have their energy needs met at a reasonable cost without fear of brownouts or blackouts like those experienced with Winter Storm Elliott in 2022.  The failure of a single natural gas valve on the coldest day of the year shut down the grid and caused Kentucky families and businesses needless harm and suffering. 

Last year's events proved we need our power plants now more than ever. Yet the Biden administration is forcing the premature closure of coal-fired energy plants in favor of renewable energy by 2035 in a way that won’t meet Kentucky residents’ and businesses’ energy demands. Eighty percent of Kentucky’s energy is powered through coal, and renewables simply can’t meet our demands in the next decade. Kentucky is facing an electric reliability crisis, and this crisis will only be exasperated as Kentucky’s manufacturing economy grows.

The pandemic’s artificial shutdowns exposed supply chain issues making it clear that the United States must remain independent from the whims of overseas manufacturers. These fragile supply chain links—coupled with the war in Ukraine and now between Israel and Hamas—are causing manufacturers to relocate to the US. We must produce our needed power and can’t afford to remove our most reliable coal-fired generation capacity sources when they are needed to support our economy and national security.

We simply can’t take out the bridge coal-fired plants provide before we cross the river into the new energy future, likely more than two decades away. During this transition period, no matter how long it takes, we must maintain energy grid redundancy that ensures you have the energy you need when you need it. 

Our Kentucky utilities are under pressure from the federal government, their parent companies, and shareholders to replace coal-fired power plants with gas and solar power. The groups calling for these closures fail to acknowledge the importance of coal in Kentucky’s energy mix. We support investing in new sustainable energy technologies but have the responsibility to do so in a manner that guarantees the safety, security, and welfare of Kentucky residents.

Kentucky needs all stakeholders—the Kentucky Public Service Commission, investor-owned utilities, local electric co-ops, and local governments—to agree that going green too soon places an unrealistic burden on the existing grid and removes the reliability and redundancy coal-fired plants provide. Switching solely to gas or renewables could mean consumers would be without the energy they need while still having to bear the burden of higher electric bills. 

In a state rich with energy producing natural resources, purchasing additional energy from neighboring states seems ludicrous. Kentucky has broken ground on two electronic vehicle battery factories in the last 18 months. While we welcome the investment these companies are making in Kentucky, we are concerned about our long-term ability to generate sufficient power to operate this growth industry.

Kentucky is not positioned to comply with the Environmental Protection Agency’s unrealistic regulations and still meet our growing energy demands which include the homes, schools, roads, and recreation activities required to support our burgeoning economy. 

Biden’s own federal energy experts have warned our current energy transition timeline is far too aggressive. As recently as September, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission recommended states step in to assert themselves before it’s too late.  

We've discussed this disconnect with fellow lawmakers at the state and federal levels and had conversations with those for and against the continued operation of coal-fired plants. I’ve sent two letters to the PSC explaining my views and sharing my concerns about Kentucky’s energy needs. However, I fear the PSC will crumble to the pressures of existing and proposed federal mandates and raise your rates as early as December.

These likely rate increases are especially problematic for people on fixed incomes, which includes Kentucky’s growing senior population. Many seniors will be forced to pay higher energy fees and lower their thermostats during the bitterly cold winter months. Kentucky lives are worth far more than pandering to environmental extremists and increasing out-of-state shareholder profits.

I’ve had multiple conversations with executives at many of Kentucky’s investor-owned utility companies, which are your primary energy service providers, to no avail. Other states like Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming, are crafting legislation that protects their energy supplies.  In Kentucky, we must take action, too. We can never again allow a single frozen natural gas valve to cripple our economy.    

The answer to our growing energy demands is to keep coal-fired plants operational until the day that renewables generate enough power to keep our homes warm and our businesses fully operational. We simply aren't ready to cross that bridge yet.

Senate President Robert Stivers (R-Manchester), District 25, has been the Senate president for over a decade.

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Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, represents the 25th Senate District, including Clay, Jackson, Knox, McCreary, Owsley, and Whitley Counties. He serves as chair of the Senate Committee on Committees and the Rules Committee. President Stivers is co-chair of the Legislative Research Commission Committee. Additionally, he serves as a member of the Senate standing committees on Education and Judiciary. During the 2023 interim, Stivers is a Task Force on Local Government Taxation member.

SENATE PRESIDENT STIVERS TO PROVIDE KEYNOTE TO SOUTHERN KENTUCKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE MANCHESTER/CLAY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND THE KNOX COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SENATE PRESIDENT STIVERS TO PROVIDE KEYNOTE TO SOUTHERN KENTUCKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE MANCHESTER/CLAY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND THE KNOX COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Event will be followed by the Corbin Center Expansion Groundbreaking and Hotel Project Unveiling

FRANKFORT, KY (OCTOBER 27, 2023) – Senate President Robert Stivers will provide the keynote address to the Southern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Manchester/Clay County Chamber of Commerce and the Knox County Chamber of Commerce. He will talk about the General Assembly’s 2024 legislative priorities followed by the groundbreaking for The Corbin Center expansion and new hotel project.

Date: Monday, October 30, 2023

Time: 11:30 a.m. for the Southern Kentucky Chamber keynote address.

1:30 p.m. The Corbin Center expansion groundbreaking and hotel project unveiling

Where: 222 Corbin Center Drive, Corbin, KY 40701

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Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, represents the 25th Senate District, including Clay, Jackson, Knox, McCreary, Owsley, and Whitley Counties. He serves as chair of the Senate Committee on Committees and the Rules Committee. President Stivers is co-chair of the Legislative Research Commission Committee. Additionally, he serves as a member of the Senate standing committees on Education and Judiciary. During the 2023 interim, Stivers is a Task Force on Local Government Taxation member.

SENATOR BRANDON STORM RECOGNIZED AS LEGISLATIVE MVP FOR KENTUCKY BUSINESSES

SENATOR BRANDON STORM RECOGNIZED AS LEGISLATIVE MVP FOR KENTUCKY BUSINESSES

FRANKFORT, KY (October 19, 2023) — Sen. Brandon Storm, R-London, has been named a recipient of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce's MVP award for his commitment to ensuring Kentucky's economic growth, creating and retaining jobs, strengthening businesses and improving competitiveness throughout the commonwealth.

"This recognition really means a lot to me because I serve as a voice in the legislature for a growing region of our state and I truly enjoy working with our local chambers of commerce and of course the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce," Storm said. "It's an honor to be recognized, but even more so to be able to advocate alongside my friends and colleagues in the business community of critical issues like fighting to reduce working Kentuckians' income taxes, safe and effective addiction recovery, common sense justice legislation, combatting workforce challenges and so much more."

According to the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, this year's MVP recipients showed strong leadership for the business community by sponsoring or carrying Kentucky Chamber priority legislation to final passage, showing leadership on the passage of critical legislation to improve Kentucky, or by taking hard votes in defense of business.

Notably, Storm supported the business community's position against legislation that would have significantly increased business costs and he also supported Kentucky's signature industries.

Storm is one of only 14 recipients of the 2023 award.

"The business community greatly appreciates Sen. Storm's support and leadership this past session," said Katie Shanks, senior vice president of public affairs for the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.

 "He stood with businesses against costly legislation that would have created new, complicated requirements. He also showed leadership as vice chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, and voted for legislation critical to Kentucky's signature equine industry. We look forward to working with Sen. Storm in the upcoming session to continue efforts to make Kentucky the best place to do business."

Visit THIS LINK to learn more about the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce's 2023 results for Kentucky businesses, and CLICK HERE for more details on MVP award recipients.

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Senator Brandon J. Storm, R-London, represents the 21st Senate District, including Casey, Lincoln, Laurel, and Rockcastle Counties. Senator Storm serves as a Senate member of the Interim Joint Committees of Banking and Insurance; Economic Development and Workforce Investment; Judiciary; Local Government; State Government; Transportation; and Tourism, Small Business and Information Technology. He also serves as the co-chair of the Legislative Oversight and Investigations Committee; a member of the Jail and Corrections Reform Task Force; and a member of the Multimodal Freight Transportation System Improvement Task Force.

LAWMAKERS HEAR UPDATES ON

STATE YOUTH DETENTION CENTERS

FRANKFORT, KY (October 12, 2023) – Senator Brandon Storm, R-London, led a meeting of the statutory Legislative Oversight and Investigations Committee (LOIC) meeting on Thursday as lawmakers posed questions to officials of the Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet (JPSC) and Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), and heard concerns from Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy (DPA) representatives.

Background

Incidents of rioting and violence directed at staff and other youth, including sexual assault, have been widely reported. Lawmakers responded during the 2023 Legislative Session, creating a DJJ work group, ultimately resulting in comprehensive reforms and substantial funding to address the crisis within the agency. Lawmakers have made continued calls for accountability, but there has been little action by Governor Andy Beshear’s administration to root out what some lawmakers have called a toxic culture within DJJ.

Thursday’s meeting focused on the use of oleoresin capsicum spray, commonly known as pepper spray, ongoing investigations within DJJ, and the conditions of youth at juvenile detention centers.

CONDITIONS OF YOUTH - REPORTS OF ISOLATION, DUE PROCESS RULES NOT FOLLOWED

Officials from DPA, which represent those charged with a crime but cannot afford an attorney, addressed concerns for accused youth in the state’s care, reporting findings regarding the Adair Youth Detention Center (AYDC) that included isolation of youth in breach of policy.

DPA representatives testified that isolation may not be used as a form of punishment and may only be utilized if there is a major rule violation, such as sexual harassment or an attempted escape. Representatives also outlined due process rules. DPA—citing DJJ documents, reports from DJJ through open records requests, interviews with employees, and client files—found the facility placed youth in “non-behavioral isolation” without following due process policies.

Cases cited included youth being left in a cell after being pepper sprayed without being properly decontaminated, lack of access to grievance forms, no access to mental health treatment, and more.

A DPA official represented an argument that prolonged use of isolation has been shown to increase aggressive behavior. DPA officials also expressed frustration with DJJ, saying they used to meet monthly with the agency to share concerns, but ceased meeting because they felt their concerns were not being heard.

In response to DPA testimony, officials with JPSC and DJJ denied knowing the information cited. They said isolation as described is not currently happening in youth detention facilities.

“No reasonable person can expect us to respond to something we haven’t seen,” JPSC Secretary Kerry Harvey said.

INVESTIGATIONS

An initial report from the Adair Community Voice in November and subsequent reports from the Lexington Herald-Leader, WAVE 3 News, and more have widely documented cases of riots, sexual abuse of a young girl, and inaction by those in charge. A Wednesday report by John Cheves of the Herald-Leader indicates DJJ did not act swiftly when presented with allegations of sexual abuse by a correctional officer, a case still under investigation.

Lawmakers were informed that since 2015, there have been 55 reports of sexual-related reports filed with six being substantiated. According to testimony, reports are investigated by the Internal Investigations Branch (IIB), which is independent of DJJ, and by staff with law enforcement backgrounds. Cases are determined to be credible based on the preponderance of evidence. IIB makes the final determination on if a case is substantiated or unsubstantiated.

OC SPRAY

Major provisions of DJJ reform legislation, Senate Bill (SB) 162 from the 2023 Legislative Session, included requirements of access to mental health treatment for youth, increased salaries and facility infrastructure upgrades, and reorganization to strengthen communication and accountability.

The Beshear administration authorized staff use of OC spray prior to reform legislation, which codified its use for defensive purposes.

Discussion included agreement that the spray must be used with caution and only as a means of deterring greater harm.

DJJ’s Office of Detention and JPSC’s IIB stated spray is only used for defense purposes, not punishment. Under SB 162, reports are filed immediately, offices are notified, and reviews are conducted to determine if there was misuse. Staff is debriefed after an incident.

IIB representatives reported approximately a dozen instances of unauthorized use of the spray, which the Office of Detention said included disciplinary action and, in some cases, dismissal.

CAMPBELL COUNTY DETENTION CENTER

According to Harvey and DJJ Commissioner Vicki Reed, the Campbell County youth detention center will start housing lower-level offending male youth with a target date of November 1. This will include female youth being moved to Boyd County.  New staff are currently receiving training.

Senator John Schickel, R-Union, has previously expressed the need for a regional facility that can house males and females and has articulated his frustration with some regional youth being transported hours away from their families and community.

“Staffing shortages are definitely a factor, especially when you’re operating a 24-hour operation, but we have lots of 24 hour operations. We have our dispatch center, we have our jail, we have our police department, and we find a way to keep those kinds of critical services open and this is no different,” Schickel said in a July interview.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Storm and LOIC will meet two more times during the 2023 Interim. The next meeting is scheduled for 1 p.m., Thursday, November 16; the final meeting will be at 1 p.m., Thursday, December 14. The next meeting of the Juvenile Justice Oversight Council, co-chaired by Sen. Whitney Westerfield, R-Fruit Hill, and chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, is scheduled for 10 a.m., Tuesday, October 31. Meeting agendas are not finalized and are subject to change. Visit legislature.ky.gov for meeting agendas.

“I think today’s meeting was informative, and there are some positive things we can take away from it,” Storm said upon the meeting’s conclusion. “I am concerned about what we heard from DPA and the lack of belief that their concerns are heard. I wanted to invite them here today because they have a valuable perspective and provide a critical service. I hope we can mend bridges between DPA and DJJ because we must balance protecting staff and youth and ensure the holistic well-being of those within these facilities.”

CLICK HERE to find more information on LOIC, such as membership, and to access meeting materials and agendas. Live coverage of meetings can be found at KET.org/legislature and via the Legislative Research Commission YouTube Channel. Past meetings are archived via KET and the LRC YouTube Channel.

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The Legislative Oversight and Investigations Committee is a 16-member committee authorized under KRS Chapter 6. The committee serves as the main investigative committee in the General Assembly. The committee has the authority to investigate the subjects within the committee's legislative jurisdiction and within the jurisdiction of other standing or statutory committees of the General Assembly. The committee has the discretionary power to review the operations of state agencies and programs, to determine whether funds are being spent for the purposes for which they were appropriated, to evaluate the efficiency of program operations, and to evaluate the impact of state government reorganizations.

Sen. Brandon J. Storm, R-London, represents the 21st Senate District including Casey, Lincoln, Laurel, and Rockcastle Counties. Storm serves as a Senate member of the Interim Joint Committees of Banking and Insurance; Economic Development and Workforce Investment; Judiciary; Local Government; State Government; Transportation; and Tourism, Small Business and Information Technology. He also serves as the co-chair of the Legislative Oversight and Investigations Committee; a member of the Jail and Corrections Reform Task Force; and a member of the Multimodal Freight Transportation System Improvement Task Force.

For a high-resolution .jpeg of Storm, please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators/Pages/Legislator-Profile.aspx?DistrictNumber=121

Please visit Legislature.ky.gov for more information on Senate Majority Caucus members and the upcoming 2024 Legislative Session, such as committee schedules and membership.

Live legislative coverage is available at ket.org/legislature and via the Legislative Research Commission YouTube channel. Access archived footage of legislative meetings at ket.org/legislature/archives.

HIGDON ISSUE STATEMENT UPON THE

SAFE DEPARTURE OF CONSTITUENTS FROM ISRAEL

FRANKFORT, KY (October 11, 2023) — The following is a statement from Senator Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, upon news that Bardstown and Nelson County constituents have safely returned to Kentucky—or are en route—from Israel amid Hamas attacks:

“Representatives Massaroni, Judge Hutchins, Mayor Heaton and I are relieved and thankful to report that all our constituents who were visiting Israel have safely returned home or are en route.

“We want to thank the many Nelson County residents who reached out, expressed concern, and prayed for the group. Nelson County is a resilient and unified community.

“We each sincerely thank Leader McConnell, Senator Paul, Congressman Guthrie, and Congressman Massie, who—in close collaboration with the Pentagon, the United States Embassy and other authorities—worked tirelessly to ensure our constituents were brought home.”

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On Sunday, Bardstown Mayor Richard Heaton’s Office released a statement on behalf of Higdon’s office following communication among local, state and federal delegates concerning 29 Nelson County residents on a Holy Land tour amid Hamas attacks on Israel. The Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral parishioners were granted emergency visas through the US State Department and the Pentagon to depart Jerusalem safely.

Click here to find previous coverage from Spectrum News.

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Senator Jimmy Higdon represents Kentucky’s 14th Senate District, which includes Bardstown and Nelson County.

SENATE PRESIDENT STIVERS RECEIVES

 INNOVATIVE HEALTHCARE LEADER AWARD

FRANKFORT, KY (October 10, 2023) – Senate President Robert Stivers received the Innovative Healthcare Leader Award during today's Council on Postsecondary Education’s Workforce Collaboratory awards luncheon in Lexington.  The award celebrates Stivers’ tenacity, creativity, and dedication to building a diverse and highly skilled healthcare workforce for Kentucky’s future.

“I wholeheartedly believe we have to tackle our healthcare challenges with innovative ways and bring in new partners to invigorate the industry that holds so much promise for Kentucky in so many ways,” said Stivers.  “Everyone in Kentucky has a reason to be excited about how we are changing the healthcare landscape because it means better opportunities for those seeking healthcare professions and better outcomes for those receiving higher quality care.”

The Healthcare Workforce Collaborative is an initiative sponsored through the 2022 appropriation of the General Assembly. This appropriation established grants for public and private two- and four-year institutions to partner with industry to create innovative strategies for boosting the healthcare workforce of Kentucky.

“We are opening up the floodgates to expand higher education opportunities for underrepresented minority groups, low-income and rural students, and reaching down into middle and high schools to get children excited early on about a career in health care,” said Dr. Aaron Thompson, President, Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, (CPE). “I can see the changes materializing before my very eyes, and President Stivers is creating the right environment for Kentucky to transform the industry.”

The collaborative promotes partnerships with industry and between Kentucky Community and Technical College System campuses and comprehensive four-year institutions. 

The award to Stivers was largely because of the important legislation he led the General Assembly to craft and pass. Senate Bill 10, which Stivers co-sponsored and was passed during the 2022 General Assembly, made significant strides in removing artificial barriers that prevented eligible students from entering the nursing profession. It made it easier for nurses outside Kentucky to practice here, addressing major workforce shortages.  It also removed arbitrary caps on admission to nursing programs.

Most importantly, SB 10 restructured the Kentucky Board of Nursing to reflect more of Kentucky’s geographical diversity and bolster the voices of nurses by requiring 10 board members to be practicing nurses.  It also implemented legislative oversight of nominations by requiring Senate confirmation of members.

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Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, represents the 25th Senate District, including Clay, Jackson, Knox, McCreary, Owsley, and Whitley Counties. He serves as chair of the Senate Committee on Committees and the Rules Committee. President Stivers is co-chair of the Legislative Research Commission Committee. Additionally, he serves as a member of the Senate standing committees on Education and Judiciary. During the 2023 interim, Stivers is a Task Force on Local Government Taxation member.

For a high-resolution .jpeg of President Stivers, please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate125.jpg/

For more information on members of the Senate Majority Caucus and the upcoming 2024 Legislative Session, such as committee schedules and membership, please visit legislature.ky.gov.

Live legislative coverage is available at ket.org/legislature and via the Legislative Research Commission YouTube channel.

Access archived footage of legislative meetings at ket.org/legislature/archives.

Follow the Kentucky Senate Majority Caucus on X, Facebook, and Instagram.

SENATOR WILSON ISSUES STATEMENT REGARDING SIMPSON COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPUTY SHOT IN THE LINE OF DUTY

Officer shot on Sunday, is in stable condition

FRANKFORT, KY (October 9, 2023) — The following is a statement from Senate Majority Whip Mike Wilson, R-Bowling Green, regarding yesterday’s officer-involved shooting in Simpson County:

“My prayers are with Deputy Brad Harper, his family and the entire Simpson County and law enforcement community. I’m thankful to hear he is in stable condition, and I join all in wishing him a speedy recovery.

“Dedicated officers like Deputy Harper are the thin blue line standing between our communities and criminal dangers. He and others in law enforcement do so out of love for their fellow residents. I remain committed to supporting our law enforcement officers and ensuring their sacrifices are not taken for granted.”

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Wilson is a United States Marine Corps veteran and serves as the Senate majority whip. He represents Kentucky’s 32nd Senate District, which includes Simpson County.

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Senator Mike Wilson, R-Bowling Green, represents the 32nd Senate District, including Logan, Simpson, and Todd Counties and southern Warren County. He serves as a Senate member on the Interim Joint Committees of Education; Agriculture; Transportation; Economic Development and Workforce Investment; Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protection; and Tourism, Small Business and Information Technology. Wilson is also a member of the Legislative Research Commission; the Education Assessment and Accountability Review Subcommittee; the Public Pension Oversight Board; and the Lottery Trust Fund Task Force.

Please visit https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate132.jpg for a high-resolution .jpeg of Wilson.

KENTUCKY'S OLDEST KNOWN WWII VETERAN CELEBRATES 107TH BIRTHDAY

KENTUCKY'S OLDEST KNOWN WWII VETERAN CELEBRATES

107TH BIRTHDAY

Senate President Robert Stivers (R-Manchester), Senate District 25, delivered a special Senate resolution to Hacker at the Paul E. Patton Eastern Kentucky Veterans Center in Hazard, Kentucky. Senator Matt Deneen (R-Elizabethtown), Senate District 10 and Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protection Co-Chair, and Representative Steve Bratcher (R-Elizabethtown), House District 25 and VMAPP member, also celebrated Hacker’s military service and life-long contributions.

FRANKFORT, KY (October 2, 2023) – Today, Kentucky’s most senior World War II veteran, Oakley Hacker, turned 107 years young.  To help commemorate the event, Senate President Robert Stivers (R-Manchester) delivered a special Senate resolution commemorating the milestone. 

“It’s a privilege to meet a member of the Greatest Generation and celebrate his unique contributions to this country and the world," Stivers said. “It warms my heart to honor someone who served so faithfully in one of our nation's bloodiest wars, returned to our beautiful commonwealth and continued making contributions to the community while he raised his family.”

Hacker achieved the rank of gunner’s mate second class and served as an armed guard in the Navy aboard the SS Oliver Wolcott. They were referred to as the “Forgotten Heroes” because of their service protecting cargo, Liberty, and transport ships and did not receive much news coverage. Oakley provided gunnery support during D-Day, June 6, 1944, when more than 150,000 allied troops landed on the beaches of Normandy, France, as part of the largest seaborne invasion in history.

“I was proud to serve in our Navy, as did every other able-bodied man at the time,” said Hacker.  “Even though war is a horrible experience no matter whose side you’re on, I felt I had a duty to defend this country and my family.  I’d do it all over again.”  

Hacker was born in Bernice, Kentucky, and is the son of William Dillon “Crow” Hacker and Mary E. Hornsby Hacker, from Clay County.  He was a state worker, owned a used car lot, and raised his family of four children with his wife, Nella Mae.  Hacker bought and sold cars until he was 92 years old.

“I am thrilled to celebrate Daddy in such a big way and am so happy that our family and friends could participate,” said Fatima Hacker Brown, Hacker’s daughter. “It warms my heart to have created yet another special family memory to cherish.”

Read more about D-Day, here.

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Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, represents the 25th Senate District, including Clay, Jackson, Knox, McCreary, Owsley, and Whitley Counties. He serves as chair of the Senate Committee on Committees and the Rules Committee. President Stivers is co-chair of the Legislative Research Commission Committee. Additionally, he serves as a member of the Senate standing committees on Education and Judiciary. During the 2023 interim, Stivers is a member of the Task Force on Local Government Taxation.

SPECIAL COMMITTEES APPROVED BY LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION

Task Forces Will Conduct Business Over 2023 Interim Period

FRANKFORT, KY (May 18, 2023) The 2023 Interim Session will begin next month. Part of the focus of the interim period will be specific policy issues to be studied by several special committees or task forces. Each special committee or task force listed below will meet throughout the 2023 Interim.

Each task force will consist of 10 legislative members:

1.      The House speaker appoints four members of the House majority.

2.      The House minority floor leader appoints one member of the House minority.

3.      The Senate president appoints four members of the Senate majority.

4.      The Senate minority floor leader appoints one member of the Senate minority.

2023 SPECIAL COMMITTEES AND SENATE MEMBERSHIP

Task Force on Local Government Annexation: Resulting from the passage of Senate Bill 141, sponsored by Senator Amanda Mays Bledsoe, R-Lexington, the task force will study required city annexation methods and will review the beneficial and damaging effects of city annexation on taxation, economic development, provision and sustainability of water, gas, electric, sewer, and other utility services, police protection, fire protection, and emergency services from the perspective of local governments and their residents. The task force will also recommend statutory law changes resulting from deliberations.

Task Force on Local Government Annexation membership is:

●      Sen. Robby Mills, R-Henderson - co-chair

●      Rep. Jonathan Dixon, R-Corydon - co-chair

●      Sen. Michael J. Nemes, R-Shepherdsville

●      Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester

●      Sen. Phillip Wheeler, R-Pikeville

●      Sen. David Yates, D-Louisville

●      Rep. Randy Bridges, R-Paducah

●      Rep. Beverly Chester-Burton, D-Shively

●      Rep. Michael Meredith, R-Oakland

●      Rep. Michael 'Sarge' Pollock. R-Campbellsville

Lottery Trust Fund Task Force: Established from House Concurrent Resolution 34, sponsored by Representative Bobby McCool, R-Van Lear, the task force will review the recent budgetary trends and the use of the lottery trust fund and evaluate the performance of scholarships and grant programs. It will analyze the scholarship and grant needs expected for the commonwealth, compare the current system with other states' scholarship and grant programs, develop and submit any recommendations and changes to the trust fund, and how to better align the use of the funds with the commonwealth's needs.

Lottery Trust Fund Task Force membership is:

●      Sen. Matthew Deneen, R-Elizabethtown - co-chair

●      Rep. Bobby McCool, R-Van Lear - co-chair

●      Sen. Gary Boswell, R-Owensboro

●      Senate Minority Floor Leader Gerald A. Neal, D-Louisville

●      Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield

●      Senate Majority Whip Mike Wilson, R-Bowling Green

●      Rep. Daniel Grossberg, D-Louisville

●      Rep. Steve Rawlings, R-Burlington

●      Rep. Steve Riley, R-Glasgow

●      Rep. Killian Timoney, R- Lexington

Multimodal Freight Transportation System Improvement Task Force: Created from House Concurrent Resolution 72, sponsored by Rep. Tom Smith, R-Corbin, the task force will study and make recommendations regarding:

1.      ports, freight, and air terminals to review, correct, secure, and expand economic development opportunities, including ports for bulk river and rail service and transit terminals for trucking and air freight;

2.      the state of the current freight transportation system, identifying gaps, where services are unavailable, existing facilities where backlogs exist, and where expansion is warranted; and

3.      one-time and recurring funding opportunities to fund improvements and maintain the system.

Multimodal Freight Transportation System Improvement Task Force membership is:

●      Sen. Jason Howell, R-Murray - co-chair

●      House Majority Caucus Chair Suzanne Miles, R-Owensboro - co-chair

●      Sen. Cassie Chambers Armstrong, D-Louisville

●      Senate Transportation Chair Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon

●      Sen. Brandon J. Storm, R-London

●      Sen. Johnnie Turner, R-Harlan

●      Rep. John Blanton, R-Salyersville

●      Rep. Chris Freeland, R-Benton

●      Rep. Tom Smith, R-Corbin

●      Rep. Ashley Tackett Laferty, D-Martin

Jail and Corrections Reform Task Force: Formed as a result of House Concurrent Resolution 82, sponsored by Rep. Josh Bray, R-Mount Vernon, the task force will study

1.      existing jail and correctional facilities;

2.      possible realignment and closure of jail and correctional facilities;

3.      adequacy of existing jail and correctional facilities;

4.      management of Kentucky's incarcerated population;

5.      personnel and other costs associated with jail and correctional facilities;

6.      pretrial and post-conviction incarceration data from the Administrative Office of the Courts, the Department of Corrections, and jails;

7.      pretrial defendants, including a breakdown by the jurisdiction of the financial conditions of release and charged offenses for those defendants; and

8.      the number of supervised individuals incarcerated on new changes versus those incarcerated due to revocation.

Jail and Corrections Reform Task Force membership is:

●      Sen. John Schickel, R-Union - co-chair

●      Rep. Josh Bray, R-Mount Vernon - co-chair

●      Sen. Brandon J. Storm, R-London

●      Sen. Robin L. Webb, D-Ashland

●      Sen. Whitney Westerfield, R-Fruit Hill

●      Sen. Phillip Wheeler, R-Pikeville

●      Rep. David Hale, R-Wellington

●      Rep. Keturah Herron, D-Louisville

●      Rep. Jason Petrie, R-Elkton

●      Rep. Wade Williams, R-Earlington

Kentucky Health and Human Services Delivery System Task Force: Resulting from Senate Bill 48, sponsored by Sen. Steve Meredith, R-Leitchfield, the task force is to study the organizational structure, operations, and administration of programs, policies, and procedures within the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. It will

1.      examine the cabinet's structure, operations, programs, policies, and procedures to determine if or how services may be delivered more effectively and efficiently; and

2.      examine Kentucky's benefits cliff and continue the work of the prior benefits cliff task force.

The Health and Human Services Delivery System Task Force membership is:

●      Sen. Steve Meredith, R-Leitchfield - co-chair

●      House Speaker Pro Tem David Meade, R-Stanford - co-chair

●      Senate Majority Caucus Chair Julie Raque Adams, R-Louisville

●      Sen. Shelley Funke Frommeyer, R-Alexandria

●      Sen. Denise Harper Angel, D-Lousville

●      Sen. Amanda Mays Bledsoe

●      Rep. Samara Heavrin, R-Leitchfield

●      Rep. Kimberly Poore Moser, R-Taylor Mill

●      Rep. Amy Neighbors, R-Edmonton

●      Rep. Sarah Stalker, D-Louisville

Certificate of Need Task Force: Established from Senate Concurrent Resolution 165, sponsored by Sen. Gex Williams, R-Verona, and House Concurrent Resolution 85, sponsored by Rep. Marianne Proctor, R-Union, the task force will

1.      review Kentucky's CON program, including the state health plan and related statutes;

2.      review the need to maintain or modify CON for each covered health service; and

3.      submit any findings and recommendations regarding CON to the Legislative Research Commission for referral to the appropriate committee of jurisdiction.

Certificate of Need Task Force membership includes:

●      Sen. Donald Douglas, R-Nicholasville - co-chair

●      Rep. Russell Webber, R-Shepherdsville - co-chair

●      Sen. Karen Berg, D-Louisville

●      Senate President Pro Tempore David P. Givens, R-Greensburg

●      Sen. Steve Meredith, R-Leitchfield

●      Sen. John Schickel, R-Union

●      Rep. Lindsey Burke, D-Lexington

●      Rep. Daniel Elliott, R-Danville

●      Rep. Marianne Proctor, R-Union

●      Rep. Susan Witten, R-Louisville

Task Force on School and Campus Security: The task force to study and review the implementation of 2019 Legislative Sessions Senate Bill 1, sponsored by Sen. Max Wise, R-Campbellsville. It will examine access to mental health services within districts and determine if federal funds are available.

The Task Force on School and Campus Security membership includes:

●      Sen. Max Wise, R-Campbellsville - co-chair

●      Rep. Scott Lewis, R-Hartford - co-chair

●      Sen. Matthew Deneen, R-Elizabethtown

●      Sen. Mike Nemes, R-Shepherdsville

●      Senate Minority Caucus Chair Reginald Thomas, D-Lexington

●      Sen. Steve West, R-Paris

●      Rep. Savannah Maddox, R-Dry Ridge

●      Rep. Scott Sharp, R-Ashland

●      Rep. James Tipton, R-Taylorsville

●      Rep. Lisa Willner, D-Louisville

Each task force will submit its findings and recommendation to the Legislative Research Commission by December 4.

LEGISLATIVE COVERAGE

Task force meetings will be live-streamed via the LRC YouTube Channel and ket.org/legislature. Archived footage of meetings can be accessed at KET.org/legislature/archives and on the LRC YouTube Channel. Follow the LRC Legislative Calendar for task force meeting information.

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Please visit Legislature.ky.gov for information on Senate Majority Caucus members and the upcoming 2023 Interim, such as committee schedules and membership. Live legislative coverage is available at ket.org/legislature and via the Legislative Research Commission YouTube channel. Access archived footage of 2023 Regular Session meetings at ket.org/legislature/archives.

Follow the Kentucky Senate Majority Caucus on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. We also encourage you to visit KYSenateRepublicans.com to subscribe to receive new releases from our office and access additional information on caucus members.

CARROLL RECOGNIZED FOR EFFORTS

ON BEHALF OF KENTUCKIANS WITH DISABILITIES

FRANKFORT, KY (May 17, 2023) —  Senator Danny Carroll, R-Benton, has been named a Willie Byrd Legislative Award recipient by the Association for People Supporting Employment First (APSE). The award recognizes Carroll’s efforts on behalf of Kentuckians with disabilities. Carroll was the primary sponsor of the 2022 Legislative Session’s Senate Bill 104, which makes Kentucky an Employment First state, establishing an “Employment First” council.

The council works alongside state agencies to implement job training, coordinate outreach efforts and share information with the goal of eliminating disincentives for employment of people with disabilities, developing resources and outreach for families, self-advocates, providers and employers on the benefits of integrated employment, increasing employment opportunities and encouraging integrated employment for employers.

During that same legislative year,  Carroll also sponsored Senate Bill 94, which passed into law and expanded eligibility for the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship Program to include students with Intellectual Disabilities enrolled in Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Programs (CTPs).

Willie Byrd Legislative Award is given to someone who has supported and promoted the employment of people with significant disabilities through legislation and/or legislative efforts. Consideration for this award is given to a legislator and/or individuals who have worked effectively within the legislative and advocacy realm to ensure that people with significant disabilities have the opportunity to work.

“I am grateful for this recognition and truly appreciate the focus and efforts of APSE,” Carroll said. “Like the organization, my top priority is helping those who need us and showing those with special needs what a vital part of our world they are. I hope we can continue to increase opportunities for those with disabilities because our businesses and communities are all the better for it.”

Carroll serves as Senate Families and Children Committee chair and most recently sponsored Senate Bill 160 in the 2023 Legislative Session. The bill clarifies the criteria for monies deposited or withdrawn from STABLE Kentucky Accounts, which the Kentucky State Treasury administers for individuals with certain disabilities. Senate Bill 160 was signed into law on March 31.

APSE is the only national organization focused exclusively on Employment First for the full inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace and community, according to the organization’s website. Its members recognize that everyone has abilities to contribute and their work should be recognized and rewarded with fair pay, creating inclusive workplaces.

APSE provided the following statement regarding Carroll’s award recognition:

“Senator Carroll is not new to advocating for Kentuckians with disabilities. He is the president and CEO of Easterseals West Kentucky and the father of Maggie, a young woman with cerebral palsy who has completed the CTP course of study at Murray State University. Under his supervision, Easterseals had a long-running supported employment program and has seen the creation of the Lily Pad, supporting medically fragile children and adults, a much-needed and rarely offered service here in Kentucky, the Lori Center for Autism and a Teen Summer Program. 

“We are honored to present this year’s Willie Byrd Legislative Award to Senator Danny Carroll.”

For more information on Senator Danny Carroll and his sponsored legislation, please visit legislature.ky.gov.

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Senator Danny Carroll, R-Benton, represents the 2nd Senate District, including Ballard, Carlisle, Livingston, Marshall, and McCracken Counties. He serves as Senate Families and Children Committee chair. He is also a Senate Education, Health Services, and Judiciary committee member. Additionally, Carroll is a member of the Public Pension Oversight Board and the Legislative Oversight and Investigations Committee.

For a high-resolution .jpeg of Carroll, please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate102.jpg.

SENATOR STEVE WEST, LAWMAKERS QUESTION IRRESPONSIBLE EXPANSION OF MEDICAID PROGRAM

FRANKFORT, KY (May 9, 2023) – The Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee (ARRS), co-chaired by Senator Steve West, R-Paris, met on Tuesday to review administrative regulations. A notable agenda item included the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) presenting a new set of administrative regulations expanding Medicaid coverage for vision, dental, and hearing services.

Lawmakers expressed concerns because the current services provided in the Medicaid Program are not adequately covered, and CHFS has shown an unwillingness to address these inadequacies. However, the cabinet remains resolved to expand vision, dental, and hearing services while simultaneously cutting Medicaid rates for behavioral health services. Senate Bill 65, sponsored by West and enacted in the 2023 Legislative Session, found the regulation in question deficient.

“What we are witnessing here from CHFS is an overt effort to ignore duly enacted legislation and, to make it worse, it is a poor administration of the Medicaid program and those it serves,” West said. ”We want to provide the highest-quality services to the most people we can, but this isn’t the appropriate way to achieve that goal. We can’t afford the current Medicaid program, so why would we expand services in an already unsustainable program? The regulation discussed today is irresponsible, strains the system, and picks winners and losers. Taxpayers and Kentucky residents deserve better.”

Subcommittee members effectively showed how Kentucky’s current Medicaid program does not adequately cover behavioral health services, EMS treatment and waiver services.

Find playback of the ARRS Subcommittee meeting HERE via the Legislative Research Commission YouTube Channel.

BACKGROUND:

CHFS filed the original administrative regulations expanding Medicaid coverage for vision, dental, and hearing services on Dec. 29, 2022. These regulations were found deficient by the administrative regulation review subcommittee on Feb. 14. SB 65 found certain administrative regulations created before March 30, 2023, deficient by the Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee and “null, void, and unenforceable.”

SB 65 was enacted in the 2023 Legislative Session and carried an emergency designation. The bill’s provisions went into effect as soon as it was filed with the Kentucky Secretary of State’s Office. The bill, which nullified the Dec. 29, 2022, administrative regulation, states CHFS “shall be prohibited from promulgating administrative regulations that are identical to, or substantially the same as, the proposed amendments” relating to deficient administrative regulations expanding dental, vision, and hearing services until June 1, 2024.

SB 65 also allowed the Department for Medicaid Services to reimburse providers based on Jan. 1, 2023, fee schedule for services rendered or initiated before its effective date. This language was added in response to providers’ concerns they would not be reimbursed for the already-ordered dentures due to the regulations.

The Cabinet filed new emergency and ordinary administrative regulations expanding Medicaid coverage for dental, vision, and hearing services on April 12, 2023 – two weeks after the final passage of SB 65—the veto of the Governor notwithstanding.

REGULATION FOUND DEFICIENT FOR THE SECOND TIME:

The regulation was found deficient by the subcommittee. It is the second time the committee has expressed its concerns and opinions on the matter, making it very clear where lawmakers stand.

“If the cabinet chooses to move forward on this, any negative effects on Kentuckians will rest squarely at the feet of the cabinet and this administration,” West said.

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Please visit Legislature.ky.gov for information on Senate Majority Caucus members and the upcoming 2023 Interim, such as committee schedules and membership. Live legislative coverage is available at ket.org/legislature and via the Legislative Research Commission YouTube channel. Access archived footage of 2023 Regular Session meetings at ket.org/legislature/archives.

Follow the Kentucky Senate Majority Caucus on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. We also encourage you to visit KYSenateRepublicans.com to subscribe to receive new releases from our office and access additional information on caucus members.

BOWLING GREEN VETERANS CENTER NAMED AFTER COLONEL ROBERT E. SPILLER

FRANKFORT, KY (April 17, 2023) —Today the new Bowling Green Veterans Center was named after Vietnam and Korean war veteran Col. Robert E. Spiller.  The naming of the center is a result of the dedicated efforts by two state legislators, Rep. Michael Meredith, R-Oakland, and Sen. Mike Wilson, R-Bowling Green. House Bill 2, introduced by Meredith and passed by the 2023 General Assembly, provided an additional $16.6 million to support this construction because of rising inflation and construction costs. 

“Col. Spiller was not only a decorated Korean and Vietnam war veteran, but a great friend. He lived out his faith every single day in service to his community and made a difference in the lives of everyone who crossed his path.” said Wilson who carried the bill in the Senate. “I'm grateful for Rep. Michael Meredith who championed the naming of the center after the dedicated man Robert was.”

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Spiller came to Kentucky to attend Western Kentucky University and met Bowling Green native Cora Jean Morningstar in 1949. Spiller earned both a bachelor and master degree in history at WKU before embarking on a successful 30-year service career that took him to France and Germany.  His final assignment was as the chief of staff of the Berlin Brigade when he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal.

“Veterans of our armed services make up about 8 percent of District 16,” said Sen. Max Wise, R-Campbellsville. “Col. Spiller was a selfless man who set an example for living in service to his family and community. We’re so fortunate he saw Kentucky as such an attractive place to raise a family and call it his home.” 

For several years, Spiller led the Veterans Day Parade. He drove veterans from Bowling Green to Nashville for medical appointments and helped widows and family members obtain military benefits.

“Col Spiller came to Kentucky and stayed and what a difference he made in his community,” said Sen. David Givens, R-Greensburg. "I had the honor of being a student of Col. Spiller during his time as a WKU instructor. I also worked at the Ag Expo Center while he was their director in the late 1980s. He had a profound impact on this community and was a significant positive influence on me personally."

Spiller was a long-time member of the Rotary Club, the Boys and Girls Club, and the Salvation Army.  Wilson has been involved with many of the organizations Spiller made his presence known

“Spiller was the driving force behind getting a Bowling Green VA Nursing Home here,” said Wilson. “He made it his life's work to help veterans through the American Legion, the Military Officers Association of America, and the Retired Officers Association to help veterans. Robert helped his community and this state in so many ways. It's an honor to recognize the dedication he displayed time and again.”

The total cost for the center is $50 million, including $21.5 million in federal funds.  The center is the fifth in the state and will provide services to veterans in the south-central region.

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Please visit Legislature.ky.gov for information on Senate Majority Caucus members and the 2023 30-day Legislative Session, such as committee schedules and membership.

Live legislative coverage is available at ket.org/legislature and via the Legislative Research Commission YouTube channel. Access archived footage of 2022 Interim legislative meetings and 2023 Regular Session legislative activity at ket.org/legislature/archives.

Follow the Kentucky Senate Majority Caucus on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. We also encourage you to visit KYSenateRepublicans.com to subscribe to receive new releases from our office and access additional information on caucus members.

Senator David Givens, R-Greensburg, represents the 9th Senate District, including Barren, Edmondson, Green, and Hart Counties as well as northwestern Warren County. He serves as Senate president pro tempore and is Commission on Race and Access to Opportunity co-chair. Givens is a Senate Agriculture, Appropriations and Revenue, and Education committee member. 

For a high-resolution .jpeg of Givens, please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate109.jpg.

Senator Mike Wilson, R-Bowling Green, represents the 32nd Senate District, including Logan, Simpson, and Todd Counties and southern Warren County. He serves as the Senate majority whip and, as a Senate majority leadership member, serves on the Legislative Research Commission, the Committee on Committees, and the Rules Committee. Wilson is a member of the Senate Agriculture; Economic Development, Tourism and Labor; Education; Transportation; and Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protection committees. He also serves as Education Assessment and Accountability Review Subcommittee and Public Pension Oversight Board member. Wilson recently served as a 2022 Interim Early Childhood Education Task Force member.

Please visit https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate132.jpg for a high-resolution .jpeg of Wilson.

Senator Max Wise, R-Campbellsville, represents the 16th Senate District, including Adair, Allen, Metcalfe, Monroe, and Taylor Counties and eastern Warren County. He is Senate Economic Development, Tourism and Labor Committee chair. Wise also serves as a Senate Education Committee member and is a member of the newly formed Families and Children Committee and Health Services Committee. Additionally, he is an Education Assessment and Accountability Review Subcommittee member.

Please visit https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate116.jpg for a high-resolution .jpeg of Wise.

STAKEHOLDERS, LAWMAKERS FIND AGREEMENT ON ANNEXATION

STAKEHOLDERS, LAWMAKERS FIND AGREEMENT ON ANNEXATION

FRANKFORT, KY (March 16, 2023) — In a significant development, an annexation agreement was reached between the state's largest county and city organizations—the Kentucky League of Cities (KLC) and the Kentucky Association of Counties, or KACo. The agreement details were added to Senate Bill 141, sponsored by Senator Amanda Mays-Bledsoe, an act relating to city ordinances, and delivered to the Senate for concurrence.

Annexation is the process by which incorporated cities in Kentucky physically expand their boundaries. It is primarily done through one of two methods, either consensual or non-consensual annexation. In consensual annexation, landowners agree in writing to be annexed by the city.

“I felt I had to bring the city and county representatives together to develop a plan that both would flourish under, “ said Senate President Robert Stivers. “Leadership from both organizations realized how important this topic was to bring to the table and developing a task force to take a deep dive will enhance continued growth both are experiencing.”

Over half of the state's residents live in one of Kentucky's 415 incorporated and active cities, according to KLC. The measure would allow annexations that had begun before March 1, 2023, to continue and place a moratorium on all annexations until after July 1, 2024.

Exceptions include when:

• The annexation provides an opportunity for substantial economic development requiring an extension of city services for a business that proves it would not locate there unless those services are only available from the city.

• Annexing the land would directly allow new or substantially improved services that cannot be provided by the city without annexation.

• A contract made prior to the effective date of the act would be voided by the moratorium for annexations already underway.

• The property owner requests the annexation and the property is contiguous to the existing city boundary and the city provides notice to the fiscal court where the property is located 45 days before enacting the final annexation ordinance.

• The county agrees to the annexation.

• This bill would void, alter, or otherwise impede current inter-local agreements involving occupational tax and insurance premium tax.

Additionally, the measure gives standing to county governments to file suit if they believe a city violates the moratorium, requiring the suit is filed within 45 days of the annexation’s completion. It requires the city to notify the judge/executive in writing of an annexation’s completion.

Without the county's consent, the bill would expressly prohibit any annexation involving school property before July 1, 2024.

Finally, the bill directs the Legislative Research Commission to establish the Task Force—and sets its membership—on Local Government Annexation, which will make recommendations based on the topics it is responsible for investigating.

The bill carries an emergency designation, meaning it would take effect immediately upon filing with the Kentucky Secretary of State’s Office.

“I was more than happy SB 141 was the vehicle for a way forward both city and county leadership will have a hand in and buy in with,“ said Bledsoe. “The real work will take place over the next year and I’ll be interested to see how this develops into the best possible plan.”

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For more information on Senate Majority Caucus members and the 2023 Legislative Session, such as committee schedules and membership, please visit legislature.ky.gov.

Live legislative coverage is available at ket.org/legislature and via the Legislative Research Commission YouTube channel. Access archived footage of legislative meetings at ket.org/legislature/archives.

Follow the Kentucky Senate Majority Caucus on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. We also encourage you to visit KYSenateRepublicans.com to subscribe to receive new releases from our office and access additional information on caucus members.

AN UPDATE ON SENATE IMPEACHMENT PROCEEDINGS

AN UPDATE ON SENATE IMPEACHMENT PROCEEDINGS

FRANKFORT, KY (March 21, 2023) --The Senate impeachment committee reconvened to establish the evidence has been closed and has requested the House prepare findings of fact. The senate had no additional questions. There may be one additional public portion to the impeachment and this office will distribute future advisories as needed.

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Please visit Legislature.ky.gov for information on Senate Majority Caucus members and the ongoing 2023 30-day Legislative Session, such as committee schedules and membership. Live legislative coverage is available at ket.org/legislature and via the Legislative Research Commission YouTube channel. Access archived footage of 2022 Interim legislative meetings and 2023 Regular Session legislative activity at ket.org/legislature/archives.

Follow the Kentucky Senate Majority Caucus on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. We also encourage you to visit KYSenateRepublicans.com to subscribe to receive new releases from our office and access additional information on caucus members.

BLEDSOE ISSUES STATEMENT UPON ENACTMENT OF FIRST BILL AS STATE SENATOR Senate Bill 57 Removes Barriers on Cosmetology Professionals; Supports Military Families

BLEDSOE ISSUES STATEMENT UPON ENACTMENT OF FIRST BILL AS STATE SENATOR Senate Bill 57 Removes Barriers on Cosmetology Professionals; Supports Military Families

FRANKFORT, KY (March 22, 2023) — The following is a statement from Senator Amanda Mays Bledsoe, R-Lexington, upon Senate Bill 57 being signed into law:

“I am proud of Senate Bill 57 because it is a measure that will provide opportunity and support for military spouses who work in the cosmetology industry. We all know that when one family member serves, the whole family serves, and the compact this bill creates will help ensure military spouses do not have to give up their careers as they move to and from Kentucky as a part of military service.

“I am grateful to know this is my first bill being signed into law, but I am most thankful for the support and collaboration of stakeholders like Julie Campbell, partners with the Department of Defense, Council of State Governments and so many others.”

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Senate Bill 57 adopts the Cosmetology Licensure Compact to make it easier for licensed cosmetologists to work in other jurisdictions.

Once at least seven states adopt the compact, cosmetologists in participating states will be able to obtain a multistate license, so long as they have no licensing issues in their home state. The compact allows licensed cosmetologists to temporarily move from one compact state to another without long wait times to receive a new state license or a hiatus between practicing. Bledsoe’s measure ultimately increases the mobility of lawfully practicing cosmetologists in compact-participating states by reducing long processing times.

Provisions of Senate Bill 57 include:

• Allows an active-duty military service member or their spouse to retain their home state designation during any period of service when that individual is on active duty.

• Requires licensees to apply to their home state for a multistate license.

  ○ For a multistate license under this compact, a licensee must hold an active and unencumbered single-state license to practice cosmetology in their home state.

• Limits a licensee from a home state to possessing a multistate license in only one member state at a time.

• Requires a member state's licensing authority to cooperate with the commission and each entity exercising independent regulatory authority over the practice of cosmetology.

• Authorizes a home state to impose adverse actions against a licensee's multistate license issued by the home state.

• Creates the Cosmetology Compact Commission and authorizes the commission to establish an executive committee to act on its behalf.

• Requires the commission develop, maintain, operate, and utilize a coordinated database and reporting system that contains licensure, adverse actions, and the presence of current significant investigative information on all licensed individuals in member states

• Provides for severability for any provision in the compact that is contrary to the constitution of any party state or of the United States.

Find Senate Bill 57 in its entirety by clicking here and visit legislatiure.ky.gov for more information on Senator Amanda Mays Bledsoe.

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Senator Amanda Mays Bledsoe, R-Lexington, represents the 12th Senate District, including Boyle, Mercer and Woodford Counties and part of Fayette County. She serves as Senate Appropriations and Revenue vice chair and Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight Committee co-chair. Bledsoe is a Senate Families and Children, Licensing and Occupations, and State and Local Government committee member. Additionally, she serves as a member of each budget review subcommittee, which includes: Economic Development and Tourism, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection; Education; General Government; Finance and Public Protection; Human Resources; and Justice and Judiciary.

Visit https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate112.jpg  for a high-resolution .jpeg of Bledsoe.

STATEMENT RELEASE: WILLIAMS REACTS TO STATE AUDITOR'S KSU SPECIAL EXAMINATION FINDINGS

STATEMENT RELEASE: WILLIAMS REACTS TO STATE AUDITOR'S KSU SPECIAL EXAMINATION FINDINGS

FRANKFORT, KY (March 22, 2023) — The following is a statement from Senator Gex Williams, R-Verona, upon State Auditor of Public Accounts Mike Harmon's release of findings from its special examination of Kentucky State University:

"The findings from Auditor Harmon's office are, unfortunately, what many of us both feared yet expected. The special examination of Kentucky State University finds the height of bureaucratic corruption and abuse of taxpayer and donor trust. It uncovers unlawful bonuses and personal expenses using university funds—which are ultimately taxpayer funds—mismanagement, abysmal recordkeeping, and other negligent practices.

"KSU is Kentucky's second oldest state-supported institution and a historically Black university and has enjoyed significant support from the commonwealth. The fact that students, staff and alums have been subject to the turmoil the audit has uncovered is a tragedy in my mind.

"I am encouraged by the words and leadership of KSU Interim President Ronald Johnson, but I hope those responsible are held accountable.

"The auditor's referrals to prosecutors are certainly appropriate. As senator for Franklin County and the 20th Senate District, I will continue monitoring prosecutors' reviews and work to set the university on a more successful path forward."

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Lawmakers provided $200,000 in the 2022-2023 state budget for the auditor to conduct the special investigation of KSU.

Additionally, the Kentucky General Assembly provided $56.9 million in state funds to KSU and allocated state funds to support a $155 million bond for asset preservation.

The enactment of 2022's House Bill 250 established a management improvement plan. It also enacted strict oversight and directed Governor Andy Beshear to replace eight of the school's 11 regents. The three elected by the faculty, staff and students were unaffected. Finally, it provided the Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) $23 million to cover KSU's emergency funding request. The bill resulted from a report from CPE in November 2021 that showed that KSU would run out of funds by March 2022.

Access more details on the Auditor of Public Accounts' special examination of KSU HERE.

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Senator Gex "Jay" Williams, R-Verona, represents the 20th Senate District, including Carroll, Franklin, Gallatin and Owen Counties, southern Boone County and part of western Kenton County. Williams is Senate Education Committee vice chair and Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary chair. He also serves as a Senate Natural Resources and Energy; State and Local Government; Transportation and Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protection committee member.

Please visit https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate120.jpg for a high-resolution .jpeg of Williams.

SENATE APPROVES MEASURE PROTECTING MINORS FROM HARMFUL MATERIALS

SENATE APPROVES MEASURE PROTECTING MINORS FROM HARMFUL MATERIALS

FRANKFORT, KY (February 23, 2023) – Senate Bill 5 (SB 5), sponsored by Senator Jason Howell, R-Murray, was approved by the full Senate this afternoon and now qualifies for consideration by the state House of Representatives. The bill would ensure parental engagement in decision-making regarding a student’s access to harmful materials that may be inappropriate or harmful to minors.

The bill’s provisions include defining sex-related materials, programs, or events that a parent may reasonably consider offensive and unsuitable for minors and requires a local school board to adopt a complaint resolution policy to address parent/guardian objections to materials, programs, or events their child has access to and a parent considers harmful.

“Parents expect and deserve a process by which they can protect their children from sexual content they feel is inappropriate,” said Howell. “SB 5 will establish a process parents and guardians can have trust in, knowing their concerns are valued and heard.”

SB 5 establishes grievance levels for parents and guardians:

1. A written complaint to the school’s principal - The principal would decide, within 10 days, whether a student's access to the material will remain, be removed or be restricted, or whether access to a program or event shall be eligible for future participation by students in the school.

2. Appeal to the local school board - The board must allow the opportunity for public comment at a school board meeting, and within 10 days, the board must discuss and vote on whether the material harms minors. The meeting would be subject to open records and open meeting requirements.

3. Final disposition by the local school board - The board must determine whether the material shall remain, be removed or be restricted, or whether access to a program or event shall be eligible for future participation by students in the school. The board must post their final disposition for public awareness on the school district’s website.

4. Final parent request - After the school board disposition, a written parent request shall be honored that the student no longer have access to the posted material, program, or event.

“I believe this process is understandable and reasonable and that local schools can handle this timeline,” Howell said. “Let’s not forget that parents are taxpayers who make the functions of our local schools possible. More importantly, they deserve a timely response to concerns relating to their children.”

Finally, SB 5 requires the Kentucky Department of Education to create a model policy for complaint resolution to help local school districts implement the legislation.

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Senator Jason Howell, R-Murray, represents the 1st Senate District including Calloway, Crittenden, Fulton, Graves, Hickman, Lyon, and Trigg Counties. As the 2023 Legislative Session convenes, he will serve as Senate Agriculture Committee chair. He will serve as a Banking and Insurance; Economic Development, Tourism and Labor; and Licensing and Occupations committee member. Howell will also serve as a Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee and Legislative Oversight and Investigations committee member.

For a high-resolution .jpeg of Howell, please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate101.jpg.

For more information on Senate Majority Caucus members and the 2023 Legislative Session, such as committee schedules and membership, please visit legislature.ky.gov.

Live legislative coverage is available at ket.org/legislature and via the Legislative Research Commission YouTube channel. Access archived footage of legislative meetings at ket.org/legislature/archives.

Follow the Kentucky Senate Majority Caucus onTwitter,Facebook andInstagram

ISRAELI DELEGATION VISITS SENATE TO RECEIVE RESOLUTION HONORING 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENT ISRAEL

ISRAELI DELEGATION VISITS SENATE TO RECEIVE RESOLUTION HONORING 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENT ISRAEL

FRANKFORT, KY (March 15, 2023) - Senator Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield, introduced Senate Resolution 202 (SR 202) on the Senate floor, honoring the 75th anniversary of the State of Israel’s independence. Anat-Sultan Dadon, Consul General of Israel to the Southeastern United States, was present in the chamber for the Senate’s expression of Israeli support.

“As a practicing Christian, I appreciate the rich history of the Israeli people and the struggles they have endured for centuries,” Tichenor said. “It is by God’s grace they were led back to their homeland to establish the Jewish nation, and it is critical that the United States, Israel’s partner in democracy and freedom, continue to defend and support the Jewish people and their sovereignty.”

On May 14, 1948, following the end of World War II, the Jewish people re-established the independent state of Israel, a dream they fought fiercely for over thousands of years. Since then, Israel has been the beacon of freedom and a staunch ally of the United States in the Middle East. Over the last 75 years, they rebuilt their nation and have defended it against threats from across the region. The Kentucky General Assembly is an unequivocal supporter of Israel’s sovereignty and ability to defend itself and promote peace.

“We cannot overstate the diplomatic, economic and eternal importance of America’s and Kentucky’s relationship with Israel,” Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, said. “It was a pleasure to have Consul General Dadon with us in the Senate chamber again. We look forward to our nations’ unity to grow even stronger.”

Israel has developed an advanced entrepreneurial economy with arguably the most robust agricultural, technological and energy industries, as well as extensive medical research on the globe. They are key trading partners with the commonwealth, totaling more than $900 million in commercial transactions over the past 10 years, making Israel the 25th largest exporter of goods to Kentucky and the 26th largest importer of goods from Kentucky.

Many Kentuckians travel to Israel every year to honor the many sacred holy sites across the country and the rich cultural heritage and history the country offers. Today’s visit to the Senate by Rabbi Shlomo Leib Litvin and the Israeli Consul General Anat-Sultan Dadon reaffirms the commitment to peace, economic prosperity and partnership between Israel and the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Find SR 202 in full by clicking this link.

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Senator Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield, represents the 6th Senate District, including Oldham and Trimble Counties and part of Jefferson County. She serves a Senate Education; Families and Children; and Health Services committee member. Tichenor is also a Budget Review Subcommittee on Human Resources Committee member.

Please visit https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate106.jpg  for a high-resolution JPEG file of Tichenor.

Please visit Legislature.ky.gov for information on Senate Majority Caucus members and the ongoing 2023 30-day Legislative Session, such as committee schedules and membership.

Live legislative coverage is available at ket.org/legislature and via the Legislative Research Commission YouTube channel. Access archived footage of 2022 Interim legislative meetings and 2023 Regular Session legislative activity at ket.org/legislature/archives.

Follow the Kentucky Senate Majority Caucus on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. We also encourage you to visit KYSenateRepublicans.com to subscribe to receive new releases from our office and access additional information on caucus members.

STATEMENT RELEASE SENATOR CARROLL ON SENATE'S APPROVAL OF JUVENILE JUSTICE MEASURE

STATEMENT RELEASE SENATOR CARROLL ON SENATE'S APPROVAL OF JUVENILE JUSTICE MEASURE

FRANKFORT, KY (March 14, 2023) — The following is a statement from Senator Danny Carroll, R-Benton, following the Senate's 29-7 approval of House Bill 3, sponsored by Rep. Kevin Bratcher and carried in the Senate by Carroll:

"I was proud to carry Rep. Bratcher's bill in the Senate and appreciate his partnership as a fellow DJJ work group co-chair," Carroll said. "I'm disappointed my Democratic Senate colleagues whose constituents stand to gain so much from House Bill 3 chose not to support the bill, but it is one step further in addressing the DJJ crisis. This bill, in tandem with Senate bills 162 and 158, is a result of the legislature's deliberate efforts and focus on remedying the toxic culture in the DJJ system."

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House Bill 3 appropriates $13.4 million to the Department of Juvenile Justice to renovate the Jefferson County Youth Detention Center, plus $2 million for operations if the property is deeded to the commonwealth before July 1, 2023. It also includes $4.5 million to renovate the regional Jefferson County facility in Lyndon.

The measure also orders parental cooperation in cases where their children fail a diversion program due to that lack of cooperation. The bill mandates a child taken into custody for a violent felony offense will be detained for 48 hours before a detention hearing and examined by a qualified mental health professional. It unseals records for children convicted of violent felonies for three years.

Carroll included the following provisions in House Bill 3 in a Senate Committee Substitute, which were outlined in the Kentucky Youth Advocates tracking of DJJ-related measures:

• Delaying the 48-hour hold mandated implementation for one year.

• Establishing the 48-hour hold mandate does not apply to children 10 or younger.

• Allowing community organizations to connect with young people when they are detained.

• Before creating a diversion agreement to be shared with Family Accountability Intervention Response teams, court-designated workers will connect with the child's school district to get background information about the family, education records, and any previous services they have received.

• Allowing referral of a child's case to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to investigate suspected dependency, neglect, or abuse after assessing the child's needs.

All members of the Senate minority caucus members present opposed House Bill 3. Find the bill in full by clicking THIS LINK.

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Senator Danny Carroll, R-Benton, represents the 2nd Senate District, including Ballard, Carlisle, Livingston, Marshall, and McCracken Counties. He serves as Senate Families and Children Committee chair. He is also a Senate Education, Health Services, and Judiciary committee member. Additionally, Carroll is a member of the Public Pension Oversight Board and the Legislative Oversight and Investigations Committee.

For a high-resolution .jpeg of Carroll, please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate102.jpg.

Please visit Legislature.ky.gov for information on Senate Majority Caucus members and the ongoing 2023 30-day Legislative Session, such as committee schedules and membership.

Live legislative coverage is available at ket.org/legislature and via the Legislative Research Commission YouTube channel. Access archived footage of 2022 Interim legislative meetings and 2023 Regular Session legislative activity at ket.org/legislature/archives.

Follow the Kentucky Senate Majority Caucus on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. We also encourage you to visit KYSenateRepublicans.com to subscribe to receive new releases from our office and access additional information on caucus members.