Guest Columns

Another week goes by in a whirl of legislative meetings, visits from hometown folks and organized groups such as 4-H and the 874K Coalition. Even though the House has yet to act on the budget proposal, senators continue to educate ourselves and monitor the budget meetings in the House.  In addition, senators continue to meet in small groups to review the different budget needs of the various agencies. We expect to receive the House proposal next week.

In each legislative session, the Kentucky House of Representatives spends a considerable amount of time on those who comprise our youngest generation, looking for ways to help them at home and in the classroom.

Last week was a high-water mark in both of those areas.  On Wednesday, for example, the House of Representatives put its unanimous support behind legislation that would make it illegal to intentionally view child pornography.

When the General Assembly began the legislative session last month, there was already broad agreement on what the three biggest issues would be: Writing state government’s budget; realigning legislative and Kentucky Supreme Court districts; and limiting if not stopping prescription drug abuse.

Last week, the latter two took center stage.

The Senate passed several bills this week. Of these bills, three education bills are of particular importance.

Many students feel bored with the pace of high school during their senior year. Senate Bill 86, passed with bipartisan support, helps focus our students on the higher challenges required of them. It provides an early graduation option to high school students who meet course requirements, grade point average, and college readiness standards.