As I write to you, I am wrapping up the first week of the 2013 General Assembly Session. Now, since this is a “short” session, when we adjourn Friday, we will not meet again until Feb. 5. The time is used to get new members, committee chairman, and newly elected leadership acclimated and everyone back up to speed.
As chairman of the Banking and Insurance Committee, I have already been involved in various meetings with my staff as well as experts on the Legislative Research Committee.
One of the highlights of the week was the bipartisan agreement forged by the governor and the leaders of both chambers on university bonded projects. While I commend the universities for defining a specific project list and developing a business plan with a dedicated revenue stream and I was very pleased to learn that the University of Kentucky athletics fund will build a much-needed science center on campus, I am concerned that students not be negatively impacted financially. Universities will use their own bonds at no cost to Kentucky’s general fund to renovate or build 11 critically needed buildings but the same may not be said for the families of UK students.
This agreement will be introduced in the House first and then come over to the Senate, where I will have a chance to review the legislation and learn more of the details. I am reserving judgment until we all understand clearly whether or not UK will raise tuition to pay the debt service on any part of this. I will need to view the contracts UK will sign with the SEC and determine how the funding stream will develop.
I want to keep you as informed as possible. Your input is not only valued and appreciated; it’s genuinely needed. I appreciate the opportunity to serve you and the Commonwealth of Kentucky. I encourage you to follow the issues and always welcome your comments and questions. There are many ways you can stay in touch with the General Assembly.
The Kentucky Legislature Home Page, www.lrc.ky.gov, provides information on each of the Commonwealth’s senators and representatives, including our phone numbers, addressees, and committee assignments. The site also provides a bill-tracking service and committee-meeting schedules.
By going to our eNews page, www.lrc.ky.gov/pubinfo/listserv.htm, you can subscribe to frequent e-mail updates on what’s happening at the Capitol. In addition, the General Assembly has its own blog, Capitol Notes, www.lrc.ky.gov/pubinfo/capitol_notes.htm, that will allow you to receive legislative updates at your leisure.
