Erika’s Update: February 24, 2025

Wow, time really flies! We’ve reached the halfway point of the 2025 session of the Kentucky General Assembly. Things are moving along quickly, though not always in the best direction!

Here is a look at what happened in last week’s session, a sneak peek of what is coming this week, and what is happening in the 57th District!

Lots of work, but a chance for fun too!

The session requires a lot of hard work, including many early mornings and late nights. Last week nearly 40 bills and resolutions cleared the chamber. Most got overwhelming, if not unanimous, support, but a few would have been better never having seen the light of day.

However, there are also enjoyable moments. This past week was especially memorable, as Jeff and I attended the Assembly Ball, where I was honored to be recognized as the guest of honor.

Bridge Update

I know everyone has been patiently waiting (and some not so patiently) for details on the future of the Singing Bridge. Details are still being worked out, but the Transportation Cabinet has assured me that they are close to having a plan.

I will continue to stay in regular contact with the City, the Governor’s Office, the Department of Transportation, and legislative leadership. I’ll keep you posted when all the details are worked out.

It’s worth repeating. I am, like everyone else involved, dedicated to finding a long term fix to this issue. We genuinely appreciate your patience as we work together to create a safe crossing over the river at St. Clair / Bridge Street.

Here’s the latest on SB79

For those who haven’t been keeping up with Senate Bill 79, here’s what’s going on.

State Senator Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield, introduced a floor amendment to SB79 that would prohibit employees in the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government from working remotely. The only exception to this rule would be if an employee’s primary job function requires them to work in the field or in the event of an emergency.

I worked with colleagues from both parties to oppose this bill, but unfortunately, due to the short turnaround time, the Senate passed it on Thursday despite the objections from members across both caucuses.

Let’s be clear: despite what may be said, this isn’t about problems with remote work or state workers not doing their jobs. This is pure political theater. Once again, state workers are being used as punching bags.

Here’s what will happen next.

The bill has been assigned to the House Standing Committee on State Government, of which I am a member. I am already whipping votes against it with other committee members and other members in the House should it make it to the floor. Fortunately, we have a little more time to organize.

The committee meets at noon on Thursdays. I probably won’t know if it is on the agenda until Wednesday. You can keep an eye on the agenda here: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/CommitteeDocuments/93/

I strongly encourage you to contact committee members and other members to let them know you oppose this bill.

You can find a list of committee members here: https://legislature.ky.gov/Committees/Pages/Committee-Details.aspx?CommitteeRSN=96&CommitteeType=House%20Standing%20Committee

You can find a full list of members here:
https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators/house-of-representatives

If there is significant breaking news on this, I will send a special Update, but please follow me on social media for daily updates on this and other things happening during the session. You can find links at the bottom and top of the page.

House Bill 771

On Wednesday, I introduced House Bill 771. This bill will make the paid family leave that Governor Beshear established through an executive order official law. This way, a future governor can’t do away with it through another executive order.

House Bill 15 Update

HB 15, a bill that I co-sponsored, has been assigned to the Senate Transportation Committee.

Coming Up

Last week was very busy on the committee and floor, and I expect the next few weeks to be even busier. Last week was also the last day to file new bills in the House and Senate.

More than one thousand bills have been introduced, covering many topics like education reform, economic growth, workforce development, and government operations. In the coming weeks, we will carefully discuss and review these policies that will shape Kentucky’s future.

NEWS YOU CAN USE

How many are applying for Kentucky medical marijuana? What to know about certifications.y

Kentucky’s medical marijuana program will soon be operational, and many have already submitted applications to be cardholders.

More than 8,750 certifications have been written as of Feb 21., the Office of Medical Cannabis said to The Courier Journal in an update, with nearly 5,800 applications submitted to the office for a card since the new year. Of applications submitted, more than 5,200 have been approved.

Here’s what we know.

READ MORE>>>

Kentucky State University students face uncertainty as Trump administration halts agriculture scholarship

Some Kentucky State University students are in limbo after another budget change by the Trump administration.

The scholarship is awarded to students who are pursuing degrees in agriculture, food, natural resource sciences and other related fields which would lead to a highly skilled food and agricultural systems workforce.

For students in the program, it covers full tuition, fees, room and board. The freeze has put students in the program in a tough spot.
Raymond Burse is the former president of KSU but now heads the Louisville chapter of the NAACP.

READ MORE >>

CAUCUS FOCUS

I was proud to stand with my colleague, Representative Joshua Watkins (HD-42), as he announced House Bill 583, aimed at maximizing budget-reserve dollars for developers, local governments, non-profits, and homeowners through grants, loans, and tax credits. The legislation is called the Kentucky Housing Opportunity Act.

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