David W. Osborne

 The 2007 Regular Session of the Kentucky General Assembly convened January 2nd with the ceremonial swearing in of the 100 members of the Kentucky House of Representatives.  With the addition of 16 new legislators, I am no longer a Freshman.  This did mark my first Organizational Session, since I was elected after the 2005 Session.  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 on February 6. 

While lobbyists played no role in the Session, every member was lobbying for preferred committee assignments and leadership posts.  While we would all like to believe that these assignments are made based on the best interests of the Commonwealth, politics is always a factor.  My lobbying paid off as I was able to retain my seats on the Tourism and Energy and Local Government Committees.  I am also excited about my new assignment to the Licensing and Occupations Committee.

It is now time to go to work researching the more than 200 bills that have already been filed.  Many bills that look good on the surface contain unintended consequences or hidden agendas, and it is important to make sure that they are thoroughly reviewed.  Some of these bills we have seen before.  Others are new to the agenda.

As in the past, I ask for your input on issues that are important to you.  While we all have strong opinions, it is important to be informed and receptive to alternative points of view.  As you know, I don’t mind sharing my views and it is nearly certain that we will disagree on some issue throughout the session.  You also know that that I truly want your input and regardless of whether we agree or disagree, that I will always respect and fully consider your opinion.

I have been overwhelmed by the response to my 2007 questionnaire.  If you have not completed yours, please take a moment to do so.  If you have not received a questionnaire and would like one, please let me know as soon as possible.  I hope to have the results when we reconvene. 

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