CAN YOU HEAR ME, NOW?  

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.