Week 7 of the 2024 Legislative Session
Having passed the midpoint of the 2024 Regular Session, it's a pivotal time to reflect and renew our dedication to our legislative responsibilities. With just under 30 legislative days remaining, we recommit ourselves to the crucial tasks that lie ahead. Throughout the session, we've had the privilege of hosting various student groups and esteemed guests within the halls of our Capitol. Their presence has infused our deliberations with fresh perspectives, reminding us of the importance of civic engagement and the responsibility we bear to mentor and empower the next generation of leaders in the commonwealth.
Week 6 of the 2024 Legislative Session
The Senate recently received budget recommendations from the state House of Representatives. House Bill (HB) 1 and HB 6, along with related appropriation and revenue bills, will shape the state's next two-year operating budgets for the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. In its unique constitutional role within the budget process, the Senate exercises patience in reviewing proposals, crafting recommendations grounded in disciplined use of taxpayer dollars.
Week 5 of the 2024 Legislative Session
In the Kentucky Senate, our role is unique, particularly during the 60-day budget session. The Constitution of Kentucky clearly outlines any revenue-raising and, traditionally, appropriation measures that originate with the state House of Representatives. Also, traditionally, before the House submits a two-year state budget proposal, the executive branch provides its recommendations. After these initial proposals, the Senate then makes its contribution.
Week 3 of the 2024 Legislative Session
The Kentucky General Assembly reconvened in Frankfort on Tuesday after observing Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to start the third week of the 2024 Regular Session. To begin, I co-sponsored Senate Joint Resolution 77 this week, introduced by Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, one of our newest members in the Senate and co-chair of the Kentucky-Israel Caucus. The resolution expressed unwavering support for Israel and our Jewish brothers and sisters and condemned the savage October 7 attacks by Hamas terrorists. I remain troubled, like many, at the protests on university campuses that sympathize with the motives of those seeking to eradicate Jews and destroy the free nation of Israel. A recent Harvard poll reflected a troubling trend among America's youth, showing that 60 percent of respondents ages 18-24 believed the motives behind the killing of innocent men, women and children in Israel were justified. The vast majority of your Kentucky General Assembly will stand firmly with our nation's greatest ally, Israel. Your legislature will remain resolved in opposition to the hate we are seeing abroad and, sadly, right here in Kentucky and America.