KYGA18 day 47 begins today! Pension focus intensifies.
Quote of the Week
“Seriously, how fun is this?” Governor Matt Bevin
Since 1972, the Capital Plaza Tower has stood tall above Frankfort, serving as a state office building for multiple agencies. On Sunday afternoon, the tower was imploded. In a live spectacle attended by many, it came tumbling down right on cue and exactly where and how demolitions experts said it would. The building’s condition had been deteriorating for years. Finance Cabinet Secretary William Landrum said on Sunday that plans are in place to have the area re-developed by 2020. The new development will create a modern, safe workspace for thousands of state employees and will be an excellent opportunity to revitalize the area near downtown. In order to have some fun and raise money for a good cause, Governor Bevin auctioned off the opportunity to push the ceremonial detonator or “plunger.” A Shelbyville man and his wife who run school programs that provide vision assistance for children placed the highest bid at $15K. State Senator and drone operator Whitney Westerfield used his drone to capture the moment Frankfort skyline was forever changed, watch it here.
Recently in the News
Article: ‘Pearse Lyons, who built a $3 billion company and brought the world to Kentucky, dies.’
Article: ‘CATS WIN SEC: Kentucky sends message to NCAA Tournament foes’
Week in Review March 5-9
HB202 The House passed a two-year Road Plan that would invest $2.4 billion in bridges, repaving, and other highway necessities through 2020. Transportation Chair, Representative Sal Santoro (R-Florence) placed emphasis on replacing bridges in 103 of the 120 Kentucky counties.
SB48 The “Child Bride” bill that was introduced at the beginning of session was heard in committee this week after some revisions. This bill bans marriage for those under 17. Currently, a judge can approve marriages for those 16 or younger if a pregnancy is involved. After a vote on the bill was delayed twice, and got widespread attention from many local and some national media outlets.
Big note: SB48 was voted out, of committee and the Senate floor 34-3 and is now in the House.
SB95 Medically Necessary Fertility Preservation called “Melissa’s Law” enables children and young adults who battle cancer to preserve options for a biological family after chemotherapy and radiation treatments. SB95 passed the Senate floor on Tuesday by a vote of 34-3. It’s now on to the House for consideration.
Here’s a look at what’s coming up
The Session Calendar and the Committee Schedule are great to bookmark. We’ll monitor Committees for you as bills pertaining to your issues come through.
Our team will continue to send weekly reports to share top stories and any information that may be helpful. See our Facebook and Twitter pages for real-time updates.