by on 
HB 500
I empathize with the frustration that many of you have expressed through your phone calls and emails. I understand that our concerns are shared and that tensions are rising. On Friday, I took steps to address these issues by filing Amendments 1 and 2 to HB 500. Amendment 1 aims to fully fund healthcare, which I know is a critical need, while Amendment 2 seeks to provide a 13th paycheck to our valued retirees. Together, we’re working towards solutions that matter to all of us.
Let me make this crystal clear. There is over $1 Billion in revenue that has NOT been allocated in the budget. So, these amendments can be paid for out of the funds already available!
Here are my comments from today’s press conference
Some of our colleagues across the aisle are more concerned with lining the pockets of their wealthy donors than with doing what is right for the people who have dedicated their lives to helping Kentuckians.
KEEP UP THE PRESSURE, and I will fight to stop this attack on state workers! If you want to get involved, you can call members of the House Appropriations & Revenue Committee (or any legislator) at 1-800-372-7181 and ask them to protect state workers and retirees from these outrageous healthcare hikes.
House Appropriations & Revenue Committee :
Jason Petrie (Chair), Adam Bowling (Vice Chair), Josh Bray (Vice Chair) Kim Banta, Tina Bojanowski, Randy Bridges, George Brown Jr., Lindsey Burke, Stephanie Dietz, Ken Fleming, Chris Freeland, Chris Fugate, Mark Hart, Matt Lockett, Shawn McPherson, Steve Riley, Pamela Stevenson, Walker Thomas, Timmy Truett, Ken Upchurch, Wade Williams
Bills
House Bill 3: Medicaid and KCHIP would be required to comply with certain pharmacy reimbursement requirements under this bill
House Bill 4: This bill would criminalize conduct with a minor with the intent to manipulate the child into engaging in sexual conduct, a practice also known as grooming
House Bill 6: This bill seeks to increase access to affordable child care for Kentuckians.
House Bill 10: Deals with the transition of administrations and exemplifies a solution in search of a problem. See my comments on the floor.
House Bill 34: More Kentucky firefighters would qualify for death benefits under this bill by adding nine additional cancers to the list recognized as occupational cancers for firefighters.
House Bill 188: This bill seeks to protect the mental and physical health of Kentucky’s jail and correctional facility workers by offering them peer support counseling.
Click here to see a list of all the bills that passed the House this week.
The remaining 28 legislative days are crucial for the Kentucky House. The biennial budget, as detailed in House Bills 500, 501, 503, and 504, is currently moving through the early stages of the legislative process. It’s important to note that none of these bills have yet had their initial committee meetings in the House, but that will soon change.
As we move into the second half of the legislative session, we know that these bills are weighing heavily on everyone’s minds. It’s a challenging time, and we recognize that one of the most significant responsibilities facing the General Assembly during even-numbered years is approving the state’s budget for the next two years. We understand that this decision impacts many lives and communities, and we are committed to making the best choices for our future together.
The discussion surrounding the budget bills is heavily centered on the crucial issues of funding for our public schools and the state employee health insurance program. As legislators and the public delve into the initial drafts, these pivotal elements are not just important, they are essential to the future of our communities. Investing in education and the well-being of our state employees is an investment in our collective future.
| My colleagues and I are lining up to file our amendments to House 500 to help working families! |
