This legislative session has taken on a quirky feel to this legislator. The adrenalin of the early weeks of the session wore out as we watched paint dry in our meetings and on the House floor.  By the time these mid-session weeks rolled around, I know YOU were anxious to see something happen. So when the flurry of activity over redistricting began, we were just happy having the issue on the table and subject to public scrutiny. Public policy was, again, being well thought out and vetted with consensus being arrived at across party lines…

Well that dog didn’t hunt long as the KY Supreme Court accepted our appeal from the Franklin Circuit Court’s redistricting decision.  The high court began hearing oral arguments and its own deliberations on the plan this week. We are, again, in a wait and hear mode for the redistricting decision of the Supremes.

Thankfully, now just about midway the session, the pace continues to build.  The Budget, of course, is the focus of attention as our various sub-committees continue to work.  And as plans to build Patton U., eh, Pikeville University receive more public attention, there is a growing discussion of the need for — the impact of — and the statewide consequences for creating this proposed new institution.  This will be an entertaining discussion, if for no other reason than it involves a number of high profile, well respected politicos.

Speaking of…. Governor Beshear’s plan for a Constitutional Amendment being on the ballot to expand gaming is yet again a major item of interest thanks to Sen. Damon Thayer. President David Williams and Speaker Greg Stumbo would have preferred a simpler proposal from the Governor.  Others, like former Gov. Brereton Jones, argue the Governor’s proposal doesn’t go far enough to help the horse industry in the state.  The Family Foundation hopes to see the bill die in the Senate.

Outside the state, others are not waiting. Ohio is betting big on casinos with plans to open new ones in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus and Toledo. In the meantime, they want to roll out thousands of video lottery terminals at temporary racinos by this fall.  We will start talking about it again this week….

SO, HERE’S WHERE YOUR BUTTER GETS CHURNED:

 THE BRIDGE IS OPEN….THE BRIDGE IS OPEN!!

I don’t have to tell you WHICH bridge is open. Both Sherman and Minton are high fiving every angel they can find – wherever they are. Most of us are saying, “Hallelujah” …as is the repair company.  They just pocketed over $1M for finishing up early and on budget. Amen, Brothers and Sisters.! We’re happy for ya.

The House Transportation Committee approved HB 133, which will allow drivers of slow-moving, motorless vehicles like Amish buggies to substitute colorless reflective tape for the triangular orange safety emblem now required by state law – as long as they’re not on the Sherman-Minton!   Kentucky’s Amish community reportedly prefers the proposed use of white or silver reflective tape on the rear of their buggies to orange emblem, which many Amish say has a gaudy shape and color that violates their religious beliefs.

Concern for the growing number of Kentucky citizens with dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, led to House approval of a simple resolution last week that urges larger cities to better train their emergency personnel to deal with dementia patients. House Resolution 25, which was unanimously approved by the House, asks cities of at least 25,000 people to provide dementia training for Police, EMTs and Fire Fighters.  We also adjourned the House in honor of the Kentucky and Southern Indiana Chapter of the Alzheimer’s.

The intentional viewing of child pornography—which is not yet a crime under Kentucky law–would become a felony under a bill that cleared the House Judiciary Committee.  Currently, only the possession, not the viewing, of child pornography, is illegal. However, the ubiquitous use of the Internet has made child pornography more readily available than ever before.  HB 126 will be before the entire House for consideration and will make intentional, deliberate viewing of a minor in a sexual performance a Class D felony carrying up to five years in prison. Only those who must view child pornography as part of a law enforcement investigation would be exempt from the legislation, although it would not apply to those who inadvertently view child pornography during an Internet search, for example.

 Question of the Week – Mark Twain.  Why was he so right???

Ok, for those of you who don’t get it, he wrote that he wanted to be in Kentucky when the flood, or some such calamity hits…..because in Kentucky everything happens 20 years later…  remember now??

CONTACT  ME:

Call me directly at 502.564.8100 or write me at Rm. 329C, Capitol Annex, 702 Capitol Avenue, Frankfort, KY 40601.  I’m also on FACEBOOK so hit me up there or online at Reginald.Meeks@lrc.ky.gov or at http://reginaldmeeks.com. To reach any particular legislator, contact our toll – free number at 800.372.7181.  For the deaf or hard-of-hearing, that number is 800.896.0305.

There are poignant moments when something deep and profound reveals itself to me and I realize I have to pay attention, as a friend used to say.  It happened again on Thursday.  It fell on the House Chamber blithely as an IED explosion.  And it left us – no, let me speak for myself here — it left me with the realization that too many political games are played here. For example, all the moves and the payback attempts in the redistricting plans;  games with important public policy questions like expanded gaming and the drop out bill that are used to hurt one side or help the other. I look at how we’ve allowed the proprietary schools to dictate public policy; and there are many more examples. All this political one-upmanship is taking place and what was affirmed to me this week is that the children, families and businesses of our Commonwealth deserve better than they are getting.  Especially those with loved ones in harm’s way.

In the House Chamber we honored the families of three Kentuckians. Combat soldiers killed on cold mountains and hot deserts far from the beautiful hills of Ft. Thomas, the timber groves of Mt. Olivet and the fertile Owensboro river bank. Each young man gave up two lives – the one they were living and the one they would have lived.  In the words of Ronald Reagan, they gave up their chance to be husbands and fathers and G’ Daddy’s like me – they gave up everything for us. But we seem to have forgotten to remember.  As they walked down the aisle, three Kentucky families absorbed my tears as colleagues attempted to capture each life in a paragraph or two.  They spoke of inspiration and courage; self sacrifice and brotherhood. Duty and honor. These young men gave life for what we have forgotten is alive – while we play.  In those moments, a venerated Military Memorial Ceremony was made all the more sad.

Judge Phillip Shepherd wasn’t playing when he ruled the self-prescribed remedy for our redistricting illness was, in fact, worse than the illness itself!  He’s obviously been watching those late night ads that, after hearing a laundry list of potentially debilitating and utterly repulsive side effects, make you go, “Aaah, no thanks.  I’ll just deal with this swollen head and saliva drip. It’s not really so bad after all.”  House and Senate members will now run in our current districts, kicking yet another can down the road.  We will appeal Judge Shepherd’s decision directly to the Supreme Court and hope we can get an expedited decision.

Meantime, the filing deadline remains open and as of this writing, 214 individuals have signed up to run for House seats and 52 running for Senate seats!  And with much gnashing of teeth and wringing of hands, incumbents are checking constantly to see if they drew an (other) opponent in the May or November election. OMG!! If you throw in that well healed, hair pulling, scrapheap of a fight going on in the GOP, along with the turnabout decision of President Obama to open his own Super Bank and fight fire with fire, the networks must be as as dreamy as a stallion in the breeding shed…  And you know he’s not playing!

SO, HERE’S WHERE YOUR BUTTER GETS CHURNED:

The pace of work has really increased with a number of important bills being considered. Child Safety and Protection was the focus of HB 281 which focuses on reducing the severity of sports related head injuries for student athletes.  Every interscholastic coach would be required to complete training on how to recognize the symptoms of a concussion and the proper medical treatment for someone suspected of having a concussion.

In an important measure, Prescription Drug Abuse would receive enhanced attention in Kentucky under HB 4.  The state’s KASPER program monitors prescription drug use and will be moved into the Attorney General’s office. This makes it more accessible to local prosecutors.  Currently, less than half of Kentucky’s pharmacists and doctors are enrolled in and using the KASPER system. All prescribers would be required to take part in it under this bill, which will dramatically increase the system’s usefulness.  Not only will it be harder for abusers to “doctor shop”, but rouge doctors and pain clinics will be limited in their ability to prescribe narcotics and other drugs with little to no patient oversight.

DID YOU KNOW??  You may be the beneficiary of a life insurance policy and not even realize it!  Millions of dollars sit in bank accounts across the United States because insurance companies may not know if a policyholder is deceased.  House Bill 135 would require life insurance companies to make a stronger effort to find out if their policyholders are deceased and to find and deliver funds to the proper beneficiaries. The measure is intended to provide more protection to consumers and their families.

EXTRA! EXTRA!!  It’s the 11th hour of the last day and once and future candidates continue to roll into the Secretary of State’s office.  Some appear to see the extension of the filing deadline as a sign they should run…so they file.   Others are sincerely trying to figure out which district they are in, given the court case.  Readers will be interested to know that I, too, have picked up an opponent on this last day to file – albeit without all the worry and handwringing I’ve witnessed in others all week! I’m actually excited and looking forward to being out on the trail, debating issues and listening to your thoughts on the key issues of the day.

One of those key issues is… our

Question of the Week – Charter Schools.  I have moved from not being at all interested in discussing Charter Schools to now believing we should at least have the discussion.  Should we set up a separate Charter Schools system in Kentucky with its own administrative, financial and educational structure and systems?  If so, what standard should be used to determine their success?  Let me know what you think.

CONTACT  ME:

Call me directly at 502.564.8100 or write me at Rm. 329C, Capitol Annex, 702 Capitol Avenue, Frankfort, KY 40601.  I’m also on FACEBOOK so hit me up there or online at Reginald.Meeks@lrc.ky.gov or at http://reginaldmeeks.com. To reach any particular legislator, contact our toll – free number at 800.372.7181.  For the deaf or hard-of-hearing, that number is 800.896.0305.

Well, the pace of activity around your state capitol certainly picked up this week. The House began pushing some of the low hanging fruit out of committee, much to the relief of folks who have been sitting around waiting for something to happen over the past couple of weeks.

The legal challenges to redistricting hit, as predicted, like a ton of legal pleadings. One almost needs a scorecard to keep track.  Let’s see if I can confuse you even more than you already are.  The House and Senate pass – and the Governor signs – a redistricting bill. But in the bottom of the 8th, an attempt had been made by House Repubs to create 2 new districts but it failed. Meantime Senate Repubs succeeded in introducing Lexington to its future Western Ky Senator and several Dem Senators succeeded in not being forced to run against each other – they choose to not run for re-election.

House Republicans filed suit over redistricting… a Democrat Senator joins in… the Judge enjoined the Secretary of State from certifying party nominees… confusion reigned over whether the filing deadline has been extended or not and confusing reports went out in the media; House Dems vow to fight the lawsuit vigorously . Republican Party members have reportedly been seen bouncing around Frankfort, grinning like they’ve gotten into the catnip… and Democrat Party members appear resigned to accept even more losses – and a more weakened presence in the General Assembly.

Who could have known a plan, so thoughtfully crafted – so compliant with the same number of split counties as we’ve had since the mid 90’s – and so politically acceptable as to fly thru both chambers and onto the Governor’s desk for signing – who could have seen a union of House and Senate members to challenge the plan, or a judge,  whom some Dems are calling an activist, restraining the Secretary of State

from doing the job of managing the election process, and giving potential opponents more time to file.

Indeed, when this house began to fall, the cards flew everywhere.  It’s probably a good time to step back, regroup and prepare for next week’s edition of that newest of old shows: “Kentucky Politics — in Court”!

Oh, what a tangled web we weave.

Stay tuned.

SO, HERE’S WHERE YOUR BUTTER GETS CHURNED:

Given the snail’s pace of the session to date, we actually began moving some bills to the floor.  Energy legislation is clearly important to the state and we expanded state incentives to Kentucky facilities that manufacture energy technology components.

Health Care:  A three-year pilot program to improve state employee health and wellness was approved.  Employees who participate in the program—which would be in effect between Jan. 2012 and Dec. 2016—would be eligible for incentives to take part in wellness activities.  The effect will be to lower the cost of state-employee health insurance.

Public Safety:  Kentucky has a tremendous problem with safety around railroad crossings throughout the Commonwealth.  Whether the problem is no crossing gate – as is the case throughout West Louisville, or a problem with cars damaging their tires or suspension when crossing over them, HR 85 is targeted toward railroad companies.  It asks them to keep their crossings well maintained and will be distributed to every active rail company in the state.

Education:  In order to provide for earlier intervention for children with learning or behavioral disabilities, we provided for screening of children in grades K – 3 and for educating parents and schools about dyslexia which can cause learning disabilities and cause other types of problems for students.

In an important new development, remember that proposed merger of University Hospital Governor Beshear nixed?  Well, it seems the University Medical Center board wants to keep the discussion alive. Although publically they don’t consider merger a possibility, the Board they do want the public to understand the funding and other public policy issues. We have learned an Ad Hoc Operations Review Committee has been set up to oversee an analysis of UMC’s operations and finances.  It will then measure these findings against other similar institutions. The committee has some heavy hitters on it, including the state’s Economic Development Cabinet Secretary; President of the city’s Metro Council and the Mayor’s Chief of Staff.  …All for the purpose of providing answers to a merger the UMC Board says is not a possibility… Right.  So, let’s call it something other than a merger.   It clearly is a big deal and we have not heard the last of this non-merger. “Findings and recommendations” will be ready by the end of April.

REMINDER:   February 8, 11:30 in the Capitol Rotunda.  Black History Month Program.                   All are Welcome!   Reception following in the Supreme Court Offices.   Arrive Early!

Question of the Week:  With the redistricting plan in court and with constitutional amendments and the state’s budget yet to be placed on the table, in your opinion, should the General Assembly place an abortion bill up for consideration?     Inquiring minds want to know.

Scholarships of up to $1,500 will be awarded through a competitive application process. Approximately 3-5 scholarships will be awarded for the 2012-13 academic year, depending on the number of applicants. Recipients may use their scholarship to pursue a bachelor’s or associate’s degree at one of the following schools: the University of Louisville, Bellarmine University, Spalding University, Sullivan University, Kentucky State University, Jefferson Community and Technical College, Indiana University Southeast, or Ivy Tech Community College (Sellersburg, IN campus).

The application deadline is March 15, 2012.Click here for more information or download the application.

The 15K Scholarship Fund was created by a gift to the Community Foundation from Greater Louisville, Inc. The Community Foundation is adminstering this scholarship fund in partnership with the 15K Planning Committee.

For more information contact Gail Sanders, Community Leadership Officer, at 502.585.4649.

Comedians and political junkies were as happy this week as a hog in slop!  There was enough local and national material to last an entire campaign season. And there’s the promise of more to come!  Who could ask for more?  Popcorn and your favorite beverage for all — on me!

President Obama gave his State of the Union address and gave everyone something to chew on.  Predictably, one’s reaction to the speech is colored by their perspective on the President and the job he is doing. If you want to learn the details of the President’s vision and his roadmap there, check out:

 http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/blueprint_for_an_america_built_to_last.pdf.

And now to the surreal. Birthers in Alabama and other southern states have brought lawsuits to try keeping President Barack Obama OFF southern ballots.  In Georgia, Rep. Mark Hatfield is lead counsel in their case, and the Georgia courts have ordered the President to appear!  The Secretary of State there has “warned” the President that he avoids the Georgia court at his own peril…

And in Florida, events provide ongoing moments of sober levity. Revelations of Mitt Romney’s Swiss & Cayman Island bank accounts and his mis- and un- reported (not so) blind trust incomes have people wondering just where he’s coming from.  His campaign went so far as to say they had already put the questions to bed and thought people would not be talking about this. REALLY?  Grab that second bag of popcorn because Newt Gingrich is just getting warmed up!  This stalwart of the Grand Ol’ Party has a growing number of folks wondering just how conservative he really is.  To add to revelations made by one of his ex’s last week, more concerns over marriage infidelities and his true political nature came forward on the campaign trail in Florida.  Apparently, insiders close to the Ronald Reagan Administration revealed that despite the public image,  Newt wasn’t very cozy with the venerated Conservative Standard bearer while he was President.  Gingrich is bolstered by more money than the Federal Reserve and couldn’t care less…

Closer to home, the fallout over redistricting is raining down into the Franklin Circuit Court with Republicans filing suit against the plan.  Sen. Kathy Stein will likely join in since the Senate plan pulled the proverbial district out from under her.  Can someone put another bag in the microwave for me.

SO, HERE’S WHERE YOUR BUTTER GETS CHURNED:

Redistricting: We learned things got testy outside the Senate Chambers, resulting in the arrest of a Lexington man following testimony on the floor

about the plan. One of the Senate doormen was slightly injured and extra security has been present around the Capitol this week.  Incredibly, Sen.

Kathy Stein was blamed for causing the incident, much to her amazement!

The Congressional deadline will be moved back one week, since the conference committee could not reach agreement.  I know you’re as shocked about this foreseeable development as I am…

Education:   Passage of HB 168 ensures that the 70,000 Kentucky students now enrolled in alternative education programs have quality teachers. The bill prohibits superintendents from assigning a teacher to an alternative education program that is on probation or the subject of a corrective action.  HB 89 alters the makeup of school-based decision-making councils.  It requires at least one (1) of the two (2) parent members on a council to live within the boundaries of the school district and prohibits non-tenured teachers from serving on a council unless no tenured teachers are serving.

Military  and Veterans:   Legislation was passed that would cover the cost of child adoptions by any Kentucky National Guard member,  and HB 71 would exempt the estates of members of the military or law enforcement who were killed in the line of duty from probate fees.  Finally, when a veteran is renewing his or her driver’s license or state ID card, a veteran designation on that license or card can be had with the presentation of a DD-214.

Feral Pigs:  Wild Hogs!  They damage property and crops, dig holes incessantly, and they reproduce like, well, like WABBITS!  … and can be extremely dangerous to humans.  HCR 76 calls for them to be studied.

Political W   We welcomed some 60 Maupin Elementary School students in our office this week.  Thanks to Ms. Connor and the Administration and Staff of Maupin for the chance to reconnect with your students!

And we mourn the passing of Julius Calloway, a local original Tuskegee Airman.  I have the honor of knowing him and his family and will not be able to watch “Red Tails,” the movie without thinking of him.

Question of the Week:  Have you ever had occasion to visit a “pain clinic”? If so, what was your experience getting your pain medication?   Let me hear from you!

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CONTACT:

Call me directly at 502.564.8100 or write me at Rm. 329C, Capitol Annex, 702 Capitol Avenue, Frankfort, KY 40601.  Hit me on FACEBOOK or online at http://reginaldmeeks.com. To reach any particular legislator, contact our toll – free number at 800.372.7181.  For the deaf or hard-of-hearing, that number is 800.896.0305.

It goes without saying that redistricting has consumed our time this week. It has favored the tone of our discussions and shaped the scope of our work in both chambers.  If there were any doubt that at the core of redistricting is politics, there should be none now.  And if anyone claims they have not fought a duel, tell them they are – well, you know.  All the angst from the Repubs in the House now echoes from the Dems in the Senate. And the dueling continues over the Congressional district boundaries.

Some of you have responded to my last update as if the question of race had no role to play in the presentation of the House Republican district plan. I was told to get off my soapbox. That plan, BTW, would have allegedly created two majority Black voting House districts in the state.  My response to them is that anyone refusing to see the race factor in their redistricting plan must be uncomfortable having an honest discussion of race as a factor in Kentucky politics.  I am not.

So please do not misread my last update as being defensive.  To the contrary, I would LOVE to have two new Black colleagues in the House.  However, the House Repub proposal to bring them here lacked, among other things, something called ”constitutionality”.  And shame on anyone who watches, quietly, the clock of progress being turned back on a population that has fought to gain a certain amount of political representation.  Look, we just honored Dr. Martin Luther King last weekend — and this week, some of the same individuals who so honored Dr. King voted against the political interests of Kentuckians whom Dr. King gave his life to empower!

Canaries in the coal mines (continuing my earlier waxing) are choking & coughing. The Senate redistricting plan was revealed in committee on Wednesday and that same day favorably voted out and passed by the full Senate — without Dems having a chance to preview it, or amend it on the floor. In all fairness, under both House and Senate plans, incumbents are forced to run against each other; district lines are completely redrawn, and some districts are forced to give up population, while others gain.  But the Senate takes this political joust to a whole new level.  Sen. Kathy Stein’s entire Lexington district disappeared.  Her constituents will be represented by a Senator living over 200 miles away in Henderson!   After December, Sen. Stein has no district to represent, but my bet is that we’ve not heard the last from her.  Indeed,  Rep. Hoover assured us we have not heard the last on this entire plan.

Legislators have long memories.  As Sen. Stivers voted, he had not forgotten his own past redistricting experiences, and they were with him when he proudly voted for the Senate plan.  Speaking on the floor, he reminded us that no one spoke up when poor eastern Ky counties were split up and diluted 10 years ago.  There was no crying about that then.  The Senator pointed to the reduction in the state’s AA population and said that calls for a reduction in African American representation.

Both House and Senate versions were passed and are on the fast track to being signed by the Governor.  Unless we set up a more objective process for making these decisions, we can all make plans to be back here in 10 years to do it all again — and recalling our memories of this vote.

I just know you will be shocked to learn we failed to agree on a plan for Congressional redistricting.  After all, with this being a Presidential Election year that is a major battleground.  The two versions have been sent to a conference committee where even more canaries will be laid on the altar of political gamesmanship; sacrificed in the name of redistricting.   I hope they have enough birdies left……

SO, HERE’S HOW YOUR CHEESE GETS GRATED:  Budget Matters

Governor Beshear, in his budget address, promised continued and deeper cuts into the bone marrow of state government.  Our shortfall is $742M over the next 2 years and the Governor is calling for cabinet and department cuts of 8.4% on top of the 25 – 30% cuts already levied.

Funding is not affected for K – 12 and cuts are limited to universities and law enforcement. The Dept. of Public Advocacy and corrections are also protected. $20M in bonds for the high-tech grant and loan program will help retain and create jobs statewide.  Free colon cancer screenings are provided for as well as a $21M increase to hire needed social workers and support staff.

Bridges project update:  The new, streamlined price tag is $2.6 BILLION.  Our Transportation budget contains $536M of traditional federal aid to support the project and with Indiana’s traditional federal funding in place, construction may ~~ cross your fingers~~ hopefully start this year.

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C Highly Recommended:

Friday, January 20 – The Red Tails movie opening nationally:  The story of the Tuskegee Airmen.

Saturday, Jan. 21 – 1:00pm. Opening of the Smithsonian Exhibition:  IndiVisible.  The story of shared

legacies and culture of Native and African Americans in family photographs and documents.  Runs thru

March 16 at the Muhammad Ali Center.

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QUESTION:   To put pseudoephedrine behind the counter and require a ‘script or not?   Survey says…..

CONTACT ME Directly at 502.564.8100. Write me at Rm. 329C, Capitol Annex, 702 Capitol Avenue, Frankfort, KY 40601.  Email: Reginald.meeks@lrc.ky.gov , or FRIEND ME ON FACEBOOK…  To reach any particular legislator, contact our toll – free number at 800.372.7181.  For the deaf or hard-of-hearing, that number is 800.896.0305.

REGINALD

Muhammad Ali turns 70 this week. He is, only arguably, the most well recognized, respected and admired person on the face of the earth. This has given me pause to think about the many people I have been blessed to know who rightfully belong in the same ring as Ali.  Everyday people making sacrifices and giving of themselves, never asking anything in return except that you pass their blessing forward. Everyday people walking with Angels.

We all are blessed to have family, friends or just acquaintances that have adopted or taken in children, especially Special Needs children, and are raising them as their own.  We know people who have placed their own careers on hold; set aside their personal aspirations in order to care for loved ones at home for example.  Their self sacrifice makes life better for each of us – and they ask nothing in return, but that we do unto others.

Muhammad is certainly one of these individuals.  As is Rev. Dr. Martin L. King.  The cancellation of session on Friday due to our one-day Winter allows me to include a tribute because of the King Holiday weekend we just completed.  I met Dr. King only once in the hallway of Greater St. James AME Church on the corner of 21st and Oak Street.  I shook his hand and said to him, “One day we will all be free.”  He had just been speaking and his hand was sweaty and he was sweaty, but he looked down on me and just smiled…..  I remember like it was yesterday.  I must have been 11 or 12 years old.

The impressions we leave are fingerprints touching the souls of those we meet.

May your touch continue to be a blessing to all you meet.

SO, HERE’S WHERE YOUR BUTTER GETS CHURNED:  REDISTRICTING

Last Thursday’s discussion and vote on redistricting may have been the Canary warning us of toxic fumes in the House Chamber.  At its core, redistricting involves the shifting of lines, and voters, into or out of districts that have loss or gained population.  It’s a kind of political “leveling”; required by law,

and chocked with opportunity costs.  It was this opportunity cost that had my good friends on the other side of the aisle howling at the tops of their lungs.  If you want to see the debate, check the KET website.  I encourage you to do so.

You know, when we see these seats as being private fiefdoms belonging to us, and we look at voters as if we own them, things get real personal real fast.  When we exercise some perceived “ownership” of the districts we represent, it’s easy to feel like “my” voters are being taken away or “my” district is being split apart in these years of redistricting.   Well, that didn’t sit well and the Repubs let everyone know it!

They even offered a plan they claimed offered greater fairness.  A plan that went so far as to create new Black majority districts in both Lexington and Louisville.  Turns out this wasn’t quite cricket… I’m not sure whether they were upset that they were not able to slip something over on us or whether they were upset they got called out for trying.  Either way, the sparks flamed up again on Tuesday and the Canaries began to sing once again.

Republican Leader, Jeff Hoover, used editorials from around the state to confirm their allegation that politics played a role in the redistricting plan passed on Thursday.  He called for an apology from Speaker Stumbo for intimating there was a discriminatory or racial component to any vote for the plan offered by the Repub standard-bearer, Rep. Joseph Fischer.

Now let me ask you this.  How can there NOT be a racial component to a plan that allegedly created two Black majority voting districts?  Of course there was a racial component.  The Repubs were attempting to use it to gain Democrat support for their plan and Speaker Stumbo was calling anyone voting for their plan as voting to violate the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

I hope no one is holding their breath waiting on that apology from the Speaker.

And so they sing, those wise Canaries….

Stay tuned for another update this week….sans another freaky snow day on Friday!

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Check These Out: 

Friday, January 20 – The Red Tails movie opening:  The story of the Tuskegee Airmen as told by George Lucas films.

Saturday, Jan. 21 – Opening of the Smithsonian Exhibition:  IndiVisible.  The story of shared legacies and culture of Native and African Americans through family photographs and documents.

CONTACT  ME: Call me directly at 502.564.8100

Write me at Rm. 329C, Capitol Annex, 702 Capitol Avenue, Frankfort, KY 40601.  I’m on FACEBOOK at http://www.facebook.com and online at http://reginaldmeeks.com. To reach any particular legislator, contact our toll – free number at 800.372.7181.  For the deaf or hard-of-hearing, that number is 800.896.0305.

I don’t know about you, but hasn’t it been a crazy Fall, what with temps in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s event into December!  Trees and flowers remaining in bloom.  And don’t you miss having to crank up your furnaces or lay in a supply of wood? – excuse me, coal. Hunting has been touch because the deer haven’t been moving; and I heard more than one anxious question from worried little ones about whether Santa could stop because there was no snow!   If not global warming, there may be another explanation.

Hot air from the General Election cycle may account for the heat.  Not to worry though.  It’s session time and the irony of our returning to Frankfort accompanied by freezing temps, stinging winds and a brisk chill was not lost on this legislator.  The winds were at least as chilly as the breeze has been thru Capitol hallways connecting the two chambers and the first floor.  Ahhh, it’s good to be back!!

I pray you and your family have enjoyed these warm holy days and that you have girded up with that mustard seed of faith we Kentuckians have been raised to trust.  It’s that faith which helps me believe this could be a great session!    WT….?   Wait.  Did he say…

Yes, I said it.  It could be a great session!  We have a chance to let bygones remain, well,  GONE!  Governor Steve Beshear won an overwhelming victory.  We expect him to move forward boldly and provide pragmatic, effective leadership in key areas — including extending the olive branch to President David Williams.  He should all give the President every opportunity to change the flavor he’s left in the mouths of most Kentuckians.  The President is an experienced, capable leader and we need his skills to compliment those of the Governor. They need to talk.  And just because they haven’t doesn’t mean they can’t.

And, this session could bring back MY chosen political party!  They can now come out of hiding – with the right leadership.  They should be proud to have increased, by several hundred thousand Kentuckians, the number of our children and families now with healthcare coverage.  My party should tout overseeing millions of federal dollars that came home to hire Kentucky workers and pay for everything from roadway, overpasses and bridges for our highway system, to supporting our state’s schools, teachers and our kid’s education.  Kentucky received a tremendous booster shot in the arm for our financial health from these federal dollars — the same funds some in my party ran from acknowledging as coming from the  President Barack Obama administration.  Without them, our state budget shortfall will likely be as much at $300 M.

But it’s not just about the money, is it?  Our students are graduating in near record numbers and in a number of categories, Kentucky students are at or near the top in accomplishments.   In my community, there is a new spirit of civic leadership that is taking hard, honest looks at public blubber — cutting and trimming wasteful and bloated systems.  Same here in Frankfort.  Our Governor oversaw the balancing of the state’s budget no fewer than nine (9) times.  It was not painless.  Ask any furloughed state worker.  Yet, because of these measures, we have weathered this economic storm far better than most states. We stand poised to take advantage of the oncoming economic turnaround much faster than other states that sank deeper into the economic morass than we.  Such will be the challenge of BeshearII.

So, I hope you share my positive, if cautious, optimistic message as we begin this fresh, crisp new year.  A new year filled with unbridled possibilities.  My guess is there are many of our neighbors who would appreciate hearing something even cautiously optimistic from their government for a change…

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SO, HERE’S WHERE YOUR BUTTER GETS CHURNED:

Leadership Races:  NONE.  I don’t expect any challenges to our House,  nor to the current Senate Leadership.  This should leaves in place an experienced, talented and savvy leadership team in each Chamber.  Voters should expect and demand real leadership — and cooperation –   from among them.  House leaders may play a pivotal role in facilitating communication between the Governor and the Senate President; former foes in the race for Governor and apparently not bosom buddies just yet…

Redistricting:  As a consequence of not addressing this prior to this legislative session, redistricting, will serve as a temperature gauge for the entire session.  If civil agreement can be reached on legislative, Judicial and Congressional districts, that may signal good news on other matters.  However…    No doubt, this will be used as an opportunity for the majority to seek to increase its share and to target vulnerabilities on the other side.  Sitting members could be placed in the same district; blocks of counties could be split to weaken incumbents; and the Judicial Districts have not been realigned since who knows when despite the law.  Keep your eye on how the Congressional Districts are resolved.

Political Makeup of the General Assembly:  We welcomed new House member Rep. Regina Bunch who was sworn in by Chief Justice John Minton, Jr.  Rep. Bunch is the wife of my former colleague, Rep. Ralph Bunch, who is recuperating in a hospital from surgery and physical therapy following an injury suffered at work.  Please keep Rep. Bunch and his family in your prayers.

Committee Assignments:  I am pleased to continue service on several key committees whose work benefits both our 42nd District, and Jefferson County.  These include:

·        Appropriations & Revenue – making recommendations on how and where state funds are expended.

·         Education –overseeing our state’s education policies.

·        Vice Chair, Budget Review Subcommittee on Postsecondary Education – reviews fiscal issues on behalf of Higher Ed in the Commonwealth.

·         Vice Chair, Licensing & Occupations – committee has oversight responsibility for any of the state’s businesses requiring having a license.

·        Natural Resources and Environmental Protection – committee oversees these issues.

Legislative Black Caucus:  Our first meeting will be next week. In additional to putting together our collective priorities for this session, we will be discussing economic development needs in our districts and our upcoming annual Black History program.  More Info Coming.

42nd District Survey:  Many thanks to you who have returned our survey which asked you to help me identify issues and positions on issues that are important to you and to your families. If you have not returned yours to us, please do so ASAP.  Results are being tabulated and will be revealed in the near future.

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A Tribute to Gatewood!

Kentucky lost a creative, stimulating social mind this week, and an icon on the modern political landscape.  If you never met Gatewood Galbraith, you missed one outgoing, colorful and thought provoking visionary.  He’s been a Democrat, a Republican, even a Reform Party member once. This last run in 2011 for Governor, he was an Independent.  He could be however he needed to be to get his point across.  And one day someone will look at his views on some so called “controversial” issues and realize that he had something right all along…

When that happens, Gatewood will fire up a phat stogie cigar, tip his big brim halo to the side, flash that big grin and bellow out, “Well, no matter. That’s just Kentucky. 20 years late!”

Gatewood Galbraith challenged us to think beyond the limits of political expediency and beyond the bounds of conventional comfort.  He quietly gave to those in need; particularly those in need of his legal prowess.  He helped farmers in other states to benefit from crops he knew to hold, cash potential.  And he enjoyed defying the odds.  We thank Gatewood for his dedication to the public good and pray for him on his journey on the other side.  Thank you to the Galbraith Family, for sharing him with us.

CONTACT:

Call me directly at 502.564.8100 or write me at Rm. 329C, Capitol Annex, 702 Capitol Avenue, Frankfort, KY 40601.  I’m on FACEBOOK at http://www.facebook.com and online at http://reginaldmeeks.com. To reach any particular legislator, contact our toll – free number at 800.372.7181.  For the deaf or hard-of-hearing, that number is 800.896.0305.

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Young musicians ages 15–20 are eligible to apply for the highly competitive Kennedy Center/National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) Summer Music Institute held July 2 – 30, 2012, in Washington, D.C. Only one student from Kentucky will be selected to receive a National Trustees’ fellowship, which is a full scholarship, including housing, food allowance and local transportation.

The Summer Music Institute gives students an opportunity to work with NSO members, receive private lessons and chamber music coaching, attend master classes and seminars, participate in the Summer Music Institute orchestra and perform in the D.C. metropolitan area.

The application deadline is Jan. 27, 2012. Students can submit their applications (including excerpts recordings) online via ArtsApp throughwww.kennedy-center.org/smi. ArtsApp is an independent company and is not affiliated with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

The Kentucky Arts Council serves as Kentucky’s state contact for the Summer Music Institute. To learn more about the program, application and additional financial aid, go tohttp://artscouncil.ky.gov/Opportunities/nsoSummerInstitute.htm.

The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, creates opportunities for Kentuckians to value, participate in and benefit from the arts. Kentucky Arts Council funding is provided by the Kentucky General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts.