Erika’s Update: February 17, 2025

Happy President’s Day! There is “Erika’s Update” for February 17th. This is a look at what happened in last weeks session, a sneak peak of what is coming this week and what is going on in the 57th District! 

A blast from the past! 

One of the highlights of the 2025 Session so far has been convening for session last Tuesday at the Old State Capitol. It is a grand old building and highlights the rich history the Commonwealth and Frankfort have to offer. The Old Statehouse is open to the public five days a week (Monday-Saturday), 10 am to 5 pm. CLICK HERE to learn more about visiting.

Bridge Update

While nothing is official yet, I have been informed that several options are being considered for moving forward. I anticipate a decision and official announcement will be made soon.

I understand that this situation is challenging, and it’s essential for everyone to remember that once we make a decision on how to move forward, it will take time to complete the necessary work. I assure you that the City, the Governor’s Office, the Department of Transportation, legislative leadership, and I are all dedicated to addressing this issue.

We genuinely appreciate your patience as we work together to create a safe crossing over the river at St. Clair / Bridge Street.

No, on House Bill 44

Three weeks into the session, we are beginning to vote on several bills. I voted no on HB 44, which addresses anti-choking devices used in schools. These devices do not have FDA approval, and the bill provides legal protection to the manufacturers of these unproven technologies.
 
Hopefully this bill can be fixed in the Senate.

Yes, on House Bill 191

I was pleased to vote in favor of HB 191, a bill that honors our veterans by allowing eligible National Guard and Reserve service members, along with their families, to be buried in one of our five state-run veterans cemeteries starting in 2026

House Bill 15 moves to the Senate

HB 15, a bill I co-sponsored, moved on to the Senate with a bipartisan vote of 86 to 14. This bill will allow Kentucky teens to get their driver’s permits. It will give parents more supervisory time with young drivers and help families by speeding up the process so that the teens can drive themselves to school, work, or other activities. 

Co-Sponsoring

I am co-sponsoring several bills, including HB 583 (Watkins), a bill to create an affordable housing loan pool fund to help address the critical shortage of housing.
 
HB 408 (Camuel) recognizes the profoundly personal journey of terminally ill patients by establishing their right to voluntarily request medication that they can self-administer to peacefully end their suffering. This compassionate legislation aims to provide individuals with the autonomy to make choices about their own end-of-life care.

HB 390 (Meredith) A bill that would require the Department of Vehicle Regulation (DMV) to establish an accessible online insurance verification system

Coming Up

I’m working on several other bills, including ones to protect our kids from the adverse effects of social media and to provide paid family leave for state workers. 

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Kentucky flooding updates: Rescue, recovery efforts continue Monday

Recovery efforts have resumed Monday as several areas around Kentucky continue dealing with the aftermath of devastating flooding that has left at least nine people dead, but efforts could be snarled by a winter weather system set to move into the region Tuesday.
 
Representatives from FEMA and mutual aid teams from other states arrived Sunday in Kentucky to assist with search and rescue efforts. Gov. Andy Beshear said more than 1,000 water rescues were conducted over the weekend, but the death toll is expected to rise as floodwaters begin to recede.

READ MORE>>>

Gov. Beshear: Kentucky Sets Back-to-Back Exports Record With Over $47 Billion in Products Shipped Globally

Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced Kentucky once again set an all-time record for products shipped globally, with $47.7 billion in exports in 2024. The commonwealth broke the record set in 2023 with an 18.7% increase over the previous year.

“The global demand for Kentucky-made products, made by hard-working Kentuckians right here in the commonwealth, has never been higher,” said Gov. Beshear. “For a second consecutive year we have set a new state record for exports, and that wouldn’t be possible without quality companies relying on Kentucky’s hard-working and talented workforce. The commonwealth’s commitment to developing partnerships all over the globe is critical for our long-term economic success. Now more than ever, the rest of the world is realizing that you just can’t beat a Kentucky-made product.”

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CAUCUS FOCUS

It’s been an exciting few days for my friend and predecessor, State Representative Derrick Graham He’s on the cover of Frank this month and was honored for his years of service by the Kentucky Black Legislative Caucus for his years of service during their Black History Celebration. Congratulations Derrick!

EVENTS

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