2009 General Assembly Begins Work With Organizational Session
The 2009 Organizational Session of the Kentucky General Assembly convened this past week with the ceremonial swearing in of the 100 members of the Kentucky House of Representatives. On Wednesday and Thursday, I, along with my colleagues attended ethics training that is required each year. I have to admit that it seems a bit odd to “train” ethics, but it is important to be informed and understand the experiences of other states and how those experiences relate to public service. While this first portion of the Session only lasted four days, there was enough political wrangling to last all year–only this time it was inter-house politics. During this first week, we elected leadership, received our committee assignments, and prepared for when we reconvene in February.
While lobbyists played no real role in the Session, every member was lobbying for preferred committee assignments and leadership posts. We would all like to believe that these assignments are made based on the best interests of the Commonwealth, but politics is always a factor. While there were significant changes in leadership, I was able to maintain my committee assignments and was particularly excited to be named vice-chair of the Licensing and Occupations committee.
We also prepared for the legislative portion of the session that will begin when we reconvene on February 3rd . To date, nearly 200 bills have been filed for consideration this session and there are countless requests for bills that will be drafted into legislation. Over the next two months, the General Assembly’s committees will meet to debate the merits of these measures, so now is the time to begin researching legislation. This research is a vital component to being an effective legislator because, while the bill may look simple and straightforward, it can contain unforeseen consequences or aid political agendas. Some of these bills we have debated in prior sessions and others address recently emerging issues.
As I am sure you are aware, our state’s $456 million budget shortfall has affected citizens from far West Kentucky to the high mountains of Eastern Kentucky and will be one of the most important issues before us this session. I am always reluctant to support any tax increase and believe that a tax increase of any type should be a last resort. While there is growing support for a cigarette tax increase, before making any rash decisions with such wide-sweeping effects, it is important the General Assembly thoroughly study the budget forecasts that are supported by both chambers.
Let me assure you though, instead of accepting a quick-fix, band aide type solution, I will work towards a solution that provides lasting relief for the 4.2 million men, women and children who call this state their home
We also will deal with several other critical issues that demand our attention if we are indeed to improve the condition of our Commonwealth. After all, our work will not be complete until we have done everything possible to advance our schools, provide protection for our citizens and bring better paying jobs to our communities.
As I mentioned before, we will reconvene the 2009 Regular Session on Tuesday, February 3. The session presents an exciting opportunity for you to visit the Capitol and to experience, firsthand, the legislature in action. Each year, numerous schools, civic organizations, families and individuals visit the Kentucky State Capitol Building. I hope to see many of our citizens during this year’s session because I think it’s important that you see your elected officials at work.
As always, please feel free to contact me anytime by email at david.osborne@lrc.ky.gov. You can also contact me by phone at 1-800-372-7181. The General Assembly offers several toll-free lines to help you keep up with the Session. A taped message containing information on legislative committee meeting schedules is available by calling 1-800-633-9650. Information on the status of each bill lawmakers consider will be available on the Bill Status Line, 1-877-765-0447. Those with hearing impairments may leave messages for me by calling the TTY message Line at 1-800-896-0305. If you have internet access you can keep track through the Kentucky Legislature Home Page: http://www.lrc.state.ky.us
