With less than a hundred days until we convene the 2024 Regular Session, I was in Frankfort throughout last week to take part in the discussions which will mold our agenda for the upcoming legislative session.
As you may know, the 2024 session will be what is considered a “long session,” meaning we have 60 working days to craft the state’s bi-annual operating budget and address the challenges and opportunities facing our state. To do this, it is vital that we take the time to consider the issues surrounding us. This process is long and requires diligence, and I can say with full confidence that my colleagues and I have put our best foot forward in making sure the best interest of the commonwealth has been the goal.
Here are a few brief summaries of the interim joint committee (IJC) and task force work from this week. If you would like more information, reach out or visit the committee section on our website at legislature.ky.gov.
IJC on Agriculture: Lawmakers heard from the University of Kentucky’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Programs and Projects regarding programs ranging from extension to the diagnostics laboratory, research farms, and 4H camps. According to testimony, the state sees a return of $30 for every $1 budget investment. The committee also heard from the Department of Agriculture about the state’s Raising Hope initiative. This program receives $500,000 a year from the state’s tobacco settlement funds and provides lifesaving outreach services to the state’s agricultural community. Raising Hope strives to help farmers and farm families navigate the countless challenges they face, from unpredictable weather patterns to market instability. The burden of these challenges has, tragically, driven many to the brink of despair.
IJC on Transportation: Members heard five presentations, including a closeout report on the 2023 road fund. According to the report, revenue growth is doing well and is estimated to continue into the road fund of 2024. The second presentation was concerning a review of contracts in 2023 and a forecast of 2024 projects. All projects mentioned were primarily focused on improving roadway congestion, safety, and new construction. Other presentations featured discussion revolving around utility work zone safety and current tools that companies are using to help address concerns. It was reported that there has been a 260% increase in utility work zone incidents over the past five years. Our final presentation addressed the damage caused to roadways by steel wheels and the efforts being made to find a solution to the problem.
IJC on Natural Resources and Energy: Committee members met this week for an update on the implementation of 2023’s SB 241, as well as the current economic metrics of forestry in Kentucky. Currently, stakeholders with the Department of Fish and Wildlife are closing in on a deal to purchase 54,000 acres sprawling over Bell, Knox, and Leslie counties that will be utilized as a conservation easement. This land can be used for tourism, lumber research, and outdoor recreation. As we continue to work towards effectively using our state’s natural resources, I anticipate seeing more conservation easements of this nature appear across the state. Additionally, the committee considered a report that gave up-to-date information on the economic impacts of the forestry industry in the commonwealth. As of today, the economic impact of just one acre harvest in Kentucky is roughly $22,000.
IJC on Education: Members heard testimony regarding computer science opportunities for Kentucky students in the state’s public schools and got to see firsthand how students are learning about coding during demonstrations. The panel heard from the Association of Scholars who expressed their concern about the political bias of Kentucky’s public higher education institutions. The last discussion was led by KCTCS and Huron Consulting as they presented plans to improve the KCTCS system with changes in courses to space utilization at the 70 campuses.
Certificate of Need Task Force: Committee members met this week to continue their discussion on the Certificate of Need program in Kentucky. The panel learned that Kentucky has the third most CON requirements in the nation, and that has proven to be a hinderance for rural health. Free standing birthing and scanning centers top the list of services that go underserved because of our stringent laws.
School and Campus Safety Task Force: The task force heard from mental health professionals and advocates on ways to better meet the needs of Kentucky schools and their students. The Bounce organization recommended improvements in trauma informed education plans (TIEPs), their usage, and suicide prevention programing. The advocates recommended that the TIEPs be collected and analyzed on an annual basis so that school districts can better utilize the plans and their information. Representatives from 12 of Kentucky’s 14 community mental health centers (CMHCs) discussed their involvement in Kentucky’s schools, their regional prevention staff, and the success of the CMHC’s programming on Kentucky’s youth.
As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via e-mail atamy.neighbors@lrc.ky.gov. You can also keep track of committee meetings and potential legislation through the Kentucky legislature’s home page at legislature.ky.gov.
