Advertisement

Rep. Randy Bridges Legislative Update

Rep. Randy Bridges Legislative Update
Advertisement
By Representative Randy Bridges
Feb. 07, 2020 | PADUCAH
By Representative Randy Bridges Feb. 07, 2020 | 03:49 PM | PADUCAH
The first full week of February saw several key pieces of legislation deliberated in committee and on the House Floor. At the same time, members of the Appropriations and Revenue Committee and budget review subcommittees continue to work on the House version of the state budget. The budget must reflect our commitment to spend taxpayer money wisely, lay the groundwork for a solid financial future, and provide necessary services. We are working now to keep that commitment.

Budget subcommittees met throughout the week to discuss funding proposals for transportation projects, education and human resources needs. Those proposals will also be heard by the House Appropriations and Revenue Committee and may be included in the budget bill that is expected to come before the House by late February or early March.

This week we also passed legislation that strengthens our ability to keep children safe as they ride and exit school buses. HB 34 would allow local school districts to install cameras on school bus stop arms – those mechanical signs that come out when school buses stop to let children on and off. As you know, it is illegal - and dangerous - to pass a school bus that stopped to allow children to disembark. However, there seems to be a growing disregard for this law and the safety of our school children. The bill also provides for cost and revenue sharing agreements with third parties to pay for camera installation and manage the enforcement. HB 34 also increases the fine for illegally passing a school bus.

We are continuing our work to make Kentucky more welcoming to members of our military and veterans. The Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection Committee approved a bill that would allow military families relocating to Kentucky after retiring or an honorable discharge to start their children in the school district where they are moving. This bill builds on legislation we passed last year that allows those in active duty to enroll ahead of their assignment.

Before I finish, I would like to share some information about the General Assembly's Legislative Page Program. This is a great educational opportunity to experience democracy in action by serving a day on the House Floor during the session. They work on the floor, delivering messages, running errands, and copying materials. Page supervisors oversee the program, ensuring that pages are safe and behaving appropriately. Children must be ten and older, and a parent or guardian must also be present. We all enjoy having the children in the chamber and, frankly, they serve as a fitting reminder that the work we do will impact our state for generations.

As you can see, we are off to a busy start. If you have any questions or comments about this session, I can be reached during the week from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. (EST) through the toll-free message line at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via e-mail at Randy.Bridges@lrc.ky.gov. You can keep track of committee meetings and potential legislation through the Kentucky Legislature Home Page at legislature.ky.gov and you can also follow me on my Facebook page, Kentucky State Representative Randy Bridges - District 3 or on Twitter @RepRandyBridges.
ADVERTISEMENT
Advertisement


Latest Western Kentucky
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Western Kentucky

Advertisement
ADVERTISEMENT