January 5, 2007 CONTACT: Leslie Caudill
COLUMN
SENATE
WEEK IN REVIEW
By Denise Harper Angel
FRANKFORT — Members of the Kentucky General Assembly convened the 2007 Regular Session last week with more than 200 bills already filed and more on the way.
During this session legislators will meet for 30 days. Although a two-year state budget is already in place, there are many issues that will demand our attention in the next three months, including projects vetoed from the budget by the governor last year that could merit renewed consideration.
The first week of this 30-day "short session" is devoted to organizational needs — selecting leadership, as well as naming committee memberships and chairs.
With all 38 senators returning from the 2006 session we will be able to hit the ground running when we return in February for the second part of the session. Each year and each session signals a fresh start, with members eager to work together across party and ideological lines for a better Kentucky.
One matter almost sure to receive attention are the projects Governor Fletcher vetoed from the budget after we adjourned in 2006. While lawmakers did not have the opportunity to override that veto last year, there is bipartisan agreement that capital construction projects should be funded during our 2007 session. These projects, which include construction at our public universities, are key economic development tools that will allow our children a better place to live, work, and play.
With $279 million coming in as unanticipated revenue, we must find avenues to wisely invest that money. In recent years we have not adequately funded the state pension system and we will use a portion of the additional funds to begin to address that need. Smart investments now in Kentucky Retirement Systems will prevent troubles in the future.
As the session continues, we will be tackling a wide range of issues, from raising the minimum wage to taking care of our military men and women. By the time you read this, we will be back in our home districts to spend time discussing the issues confronting our state. We will go back to Frankfort on Feb. 6 and committees will begin their hearings on bills.
I hope that you will take the time to stay informed about what's happening in the State Capitol throughout the 2007 session. In addition to following news reports, you can keep up with legislative action through the Kentucky Legislature Home Page and the General AssemblyÕs toll-free phone lines, or our free e-mail service.
The Kentucky Legislature Home Page (www.lrc.ky.gov) provides information on each of KentuckyÕs senators and representatives, including their phone numbers, addresses, and legislative committee assignments. The home page also provides summaries and texts of bills under consideration, as well as information on the progress each bill has made through the legislative process.
The pace of the legislative process will pick up in the weeks to come. This a very important time for lawmakers to stay in close touch with the people we serve to report on our work and ask for feedback. If you would like to share your thoughts on any issue confronting our state, I hope you will take the time to get in touch with me through the General Assembly's toll-free Message Line at (800) 372-7181 or by e-mail me at denise.harperangel@lrc.ky.gov.
Senator Harper Angel represents the 35th Senate District in Jefferson County.
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