Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
​Kentucky State Police is participating in Operation C.A.R.E (Crash Awareness Reduction Effort) on Super Bowl Sunday.  On February 2, 2020 KSP Post 3 Troopers will be taking part in a national effort to increase officer presence on Interstate and U.S Highways.

KSP Troopers and Officers will put a high emphasis on all traffic enforcement violations, including speeding, failure to wear safety restraints (seatbelt), impaired/distracted driving, and commercial vehicle enforcement. In this nationwide blitz to increase safety on the roads, troopers are encouraged to report all road activity that could be dangerous to others.

"KSP is committed to protecting travelers on our roadways, and troopers will be working vigilantly to keep impaired and dangerous drivers off the road. We urge drivers to do their part to keep our roads safe by obeying Kentucky traffic laws, operating their vehicle with courtesy, and being aware of others while driving," stated KSP in a statement.

KSP offers drivers the following tips to increase safety awareness on the roads on Super Bowl Sunday:

• Slow down - especially in bad weather, construction areas, heavy traffic and unfamiliar locations
• Buckle up - Click It or Ticket, ensure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained. It is the law.
• Move over for first responders - Kentucky passed a law in 2003 requiring motorists to move to the adjacent lane when approaching an emergency or public safety vehicle. If it is impossible or unsafe to change lanes, motorists must slow down and use caution. Failure to comply can result in fines, jail time or both.
• Eliminate distractions while driving - stay alert, monitor weather and road conditions wherever you are traveling, and keep your phones put away while operating your vehicle.
• Leave early for your destinations- KSP will be conducting Traffic Safety Checkpoints this weekend to ensure motorist safety. You may encounter a checkpoint, so make sure you adjust your travel time accordingly. For a list of KSP Post 3’s traffic safety checkpoints, you can visit our website at http://kentuckystatepolice.org/post3checkpoints/

by Senator Steve Meredith:​
​Discussions of bills, budgets, and barber shop choir echoed in the Capitol as we concluded the fourth week of the 2020 Regular Session.  While legislation continued to move steadily through the Senate over the course of the week, we were welcomed by a variety of talented constituents in the chamber.
 
Biennial budget discussions officially began while the Governor delivered his two-year budget proposal to the Kentucky General Assembly on Tuesday. The budget address is one of the first steps in preparing the state’s two-year financial plan. Now that the Governor has outlined his budget proposal, the House of Representatives now gets the first opportunity to move budget bills in the legislature. Once the House passes its budget proposal, it will then advance to the Senate for further discussion and consideration. We still face several weeks of studies, negotiations, and public hearings before we reach an official budget draft. The final budget document will likely look much different than what was proposed this week by the Governor, but the driving force behind it remains the same—we must move the Commonwealth forward on a path that is financially sound.
 
Senate priority legislation aimed at ending pension spiking, Senate Bill (SB) 6, advanced to the House this week following a unanimous vote on the Senate floor. SB 6 would prohibit state lawmakers who contributed to the Legislators’ Retirement Plan from June 20, 2005, through Dec. 31, 2013, from using salary credited in another Kentucky retirement system to determine final compensation in the legislators’ plan.
 
Other priority measures moving through the legislative process are Senate Bills 1, 8, and 9. SB 1, also known as the Federal Immigration Cooperation Act of 2020, passed through the Senate Judiciary Committee. SB 1 would require law enforcement and other public agencies to support the enforcement of federal immigration law. The amended version of this bill includes expanded exemptions to local school districts to rape crisis centers, domestic violence centers, and other groups that provide social services. 
 
SB 8 and SB 9 were both passed through to the House this week. SB 8 would amend the current school safety statute to expand school personnel with the designation of a school safety coordinator for each district, one school-based mental health counselor per 250 students, and a trained and certified armed school resource officer. SB 9, also known as the “Born Alive Infant Protection Act,” is a pro-life measure that requires a physician to take all medically appropriate and reasonable steps to preserve the life and health of a born-alive infant.
 
The Senate passed its first House measure, House Bill (HB) 236, legislation that incorporates federal guidelines, sets requirements for the transportation of products, and establishes testing procedures. This bill included a Senate Floor Amendment, which now requires the House to either approve of the bill in its current form or continue the legislative process required to get concurrence from both chambers. If approved with the Senate Floor Amendment, HB 236 will then head to the Governor’s desk for his consideration. 
 
We also passed a number of other bills in the Senate:
 
SB 45, legislation to set standards for food nutrition, physical activity, and screen time at childcare centers, passed through the Senate Health & Welfare Committee this week. This measure would require licensed care centers to meet the most recent version of the U.S. Agriculture Department’s food and nutrition standards. SB 79, a measure relating to background checks for school employees who have been assigned an administrative hearing for potential child abuse or neglect.
 
SB 57 is a bill that amends statue to provide school districts with flexibility in renovations of existing school facilities. It removes the requirement that bottle-fill stations and water fountains be installed for minor renovations. This fix will save school districts money, which is especially important during tough budget times.

SB 64 is also a bill that will enable money to be saved locally, as it provides Commonwealth Attorney's, & County Attorney's security against financial liability resulting from the performance of their sworn duties to prosecute state law. Losses will be compensated by funds appropriated through the state Finance Cabinet. SB 64 also applies to the Kentucky Attorney General.

SB 74 provides the authority for a judge to issue a warrant for a blood and urine test in DUI cases. Current law only permits a warrant to be issued if there is a death or serious injury involved.

SB 79 makes some clarifications to 2017’s SB 236. It defines what is considered to be a “substantiated” case of child abuse or neglect. A “substantiated” case would be a case where a ruling was upheld, or that was not appealed. The bill would maintain the requirement that an employee self-report substantiated findings to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, while also ensuring due process for employees accused.

SB 94 Updates Kentucky law to comply with federal regulations, which changed last year to allow gasoline blended with up to 15 percent ethanol to be sold year-round.
To those who have reached out to my office in the past weeks, thank you for staying engaged during these early weeks of session.
 
To those who have reached out to my office in the past weeks, thank you for staying engaged during these early weeks of session. It’s an honor to serve you in Frankfort.
 
If you have any questions or comments about the issues or any other public policy issue, please call me toll-free at 1-800-372-7181 or email me at [email protected].  You can also review the Legislature’s work online at www.legislature.ky.gov.

by Representative Michael Lee Meredith:
​As I file this update from my Capitol desk, it is hard to believe that January is over and we are almost a third of the way through with this year’s legislative session. We continue working on meaningful legislation, sending bills and resolutions to the Senate for that body’s consideration. The first bill passed by both chambers is also on its way to the Governor’s desk. This week we focused a good bit on health and children's issues. At the same time, our budget committees and staff began reviewing the budget draft presented by Governor Beshear on Tuesday.
 
Let me start with an overview of some of the legislation that moved this week. For example, the Senate will now consider legislation that closes a loophole in our existing registered sex offender statutes. Existing laws prohibit registered sex offenders from being on the grounds of or living within 1,000 feet of a public playground. The House voted 86-9 on Tuesday to expand, those requirements to publicly operated playgrounds on leased property.
 
On Thursday, the House voted 89-2 to approve a resolution asking the federal government to complete research on medical marijuana. The bill, HCR 5, sends a message to federal regulators that our state joins others in requesting more federal research into the safety and efficacy of medical marijuana.
 
Members of the Health and Family Services Committee approved legislation with the potential to boost efforts to find cures to major diseases. The measure, HB 5, would set Kentucky on course to improve public health, save taxpayer money, and promote medical research. The bill creates a multistate compact to offer prizes for curing major diseases; the prize would be equal to five years of taxpayer savings. There is no risk to taxpayers because, if there is no cure, there would be no payment from the compact. The bill now goes to the full House for a vote.
 
The House Education Committee passed several pieces of legislation this week, including a bill aimed at helping students access millions in grants and aid for college tuition. The measure, HB 87, would require high school students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The money is currently available, yet thousands of Kentuckians do not take the time to fill out the FAFSA documents. The bill does include language that allows parents to opt-out.
 
School maintenance projects would be more efficient and cost-effective if a bill approved by the House State Government Committee becomes law. Under the provisions of HB 151, the minimum amount for advertising and bidding school building and maintenance projects would increase from $7,500 to $30,000. The legislature made an identical change to the bidding threshold for school supplies, streamlining that process and helping schools focus less on red tape and paperwork and more on the children in our classrooms.
 
On Tuesday, Governor Andy Beshear presented his much-awaited budget proposal to members of the House and Senate. This is the first step in a process that will take the better part of this session. The final product of this work is a spending plan that provides funding for state agencies and programs over the next two fiscal years. I am reviewing the document Governor Beshear presented, which is filed for consideration as HB 352. I will continue to update you on the budget process over the next few weeks.
 
As you can see, we are off to a busy start. If you have any questions or comments about this session, I can be reached during the week from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. (EST) through the toll-free message line at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via e-mail at [email protected]. You can keep track of committee meetings and potential legislation through the Kentucky Legislature Home Page at www.legislature.ky.gov.

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
The Kentucky State Police are featuring the rugged Jeep Gladiator Rubicon to support their fundraising efforts for Trooper Island Camp. The agency is selling raffle tickets for a chance to win this multipurpose vehicle recently named “2020 Pickup of the Year”. A full list of features and equipment can be found at https://squareup.com/store/trooper-island-inc/. To view a 60 second video about the car, click on https://youtu.be/trO56R858oI 

Tickets are $10 each and will be available at any KSP post located throughout the state. Tickets are also available to be purchased online by debit or credit card payment at https://squareup.com/store/trooper-island-inc. They can be purchased at the KSP booth at the Farm Machinery Show at the Kentucky Exposition Center February 12-15 as well. The winning ticket will be drawn on August 30, 2020 at the Kentucky State Fair. Ticket holders do not have to be present at the drawing to win. Raffle winner is responsible for all tax and license fees. (Charitable gaming license #0000633.)

​Trooper Island is a free summer camp for disadvantaged boys and girls age 10-12 operated by the Kentucky State Police on Dale Hollow Lake in Clinton County. It is financed entirely by donations, no public funds are used. Each year, the camp hosts approximately 700 children, providing good food, fresh air, recreation, guidance and structured, esteem-building activities designed to build good citizenship and positive relationships with law enforcement officers.

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by Representative Michael Lee Meredith:
​The pace picked up during week three of the 2019 Regular Session, with legislation on its way to the Senate for consideration after clearing House committees and the full House. Already almost 600 bills and resolutions have been filed for consideration in the House and Senate, and there are still four weeks before the deadline for requesting a bill be drafted.
 
The first bill to pass the House this session was, quite fittingly, a nod to our agricultural heritage. House Bill 236 is part of our ongoing effort to help Kentucky farmers growing industrial hemp. Its provisions will bring our state further in line with federal guidelines in order to promote the hemp industry. The measure has the support of many in the agricultural community, including Commissioner of Agriculture Ryan Quarles. HB 236 now goes to the Senate for consideration.
 
Another pro-farming bill, HB 308, was filed this week and I look forward to the discussion it brings about how critical it is to keep farm land dedicated to agriculture as well as how we can support young people who want to farm. This measure would establish a tax credit as an incentive for those who currently farm to sell land and assets to those who are beginning their farming career. If passed, HB 308 would provide a tax credit when land and assets are sold to a beginning farmer. The maximum amount of credit that can be claimed under HB 308 is $25,000 per year and farmers must be Kentucky residents to qualify for the credit.

​The House voted unanimously to approve legislation honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while defending our nation. The bill, HB 17, would designate the Honor and Remember Flag as the state's emblem of the service and sacrifice of the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces. Kentuckians have been defending this nation since before we were a state, and more than 11,000 Kentuckians have died in combat in the century since World War I.
 
Our veterans’ nursing home in Bowling Green is one step closer to reality after members of the House Appropriations and Revenue Committee approved the bill and sent it to the full House for consideration. House Bill 24 appropriates $2.5 million for design and preconstruction from the state’s general fund to the Kentucky Department of Veterans’ Affairs. This funding comes in addition to the $10.5 million in state bond funding that was allocated by the 2017 General Assembly. This project has been my number one priority for several years and I am happy to see us get one step closer.
 
Of course, the budget still remains our priority this session. Budget subcommittees have already begun meeting, but we look forward to hearing from Governor Andy Beshear about his budget proposal. The Governor’s budget speech is scheduled for this Tuesday, January 28 at 6 p.m. CST and will be shown live on Kentucky Educational Television’s website, www.ket.org.
 
I hope to continue updating you on our work in Frankfort. If you have any questions or comments about this session, I can be reached during the week from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. (EST) through the toll-free message line at 1-800-372-7181. They will ask you to share contact information, but I will get the message and I do indeed appreciate hearing from constituents. You can also contact me via e-mail at [email protected]. You can keep track of committee meetings and potential legislation through the Kentucky Legislature Home Page at www.legislature.ky.gov. 

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
This program consists of weed spraying demonstration plots. The department will provide the sprayer and enough chemical for the treatment of 10 acres of agricultural land or 100 gallons of spot spraying mix to be used on agricultural land. The department’s representative will demonstrate proper mixing and application techniques. A number of nuisance weeds can be treated under this program depending on the needs of the participant. This program is limited to broadleaf weeds. This program is designed to target weeds that have a negative impact on the participant’s agricultural production.

There will be an annual online application period to participate in this program. An application can be submitted using the online services at: https://www.kyagr.com/consumer/nuisance-weed-spraying-program-application.aspx from February 1st to February 29th or  by calling the Edmonson County Extension Office at 270-597-3628. If you submit online, please contact the Edmonson County Extension Office to make them aware of the application. 

Any farmer participating must supply a tractor, tractor driver, and have access to a water source for mixing. If you have participated within the past 3 years, you are not eligible. If it has been over 3 years, you can apply. Applying is not a guarantee. The program is limited to the first 7 farmers in Edmonson County who apply and qualify. If you are selected to participate, you will receive a call from the Edmonson County Extension Office with details and scheduling information. Spraying usually occurs late March to mid-April. Contact the Edmonson County Extension Office if you have any questions at 270-597-3628. 

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​Please see flyer for all info. Local church choirs have also been added to this event. Diana is the daughter of Jerry and Marsha Spainhoward.

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
On January 19-21, 37 students from ECHS attended the National Beta Club State Convention in Louisville, KY.   Individual students competed in Academic tests, writing, performing arts and visual arts.  Teams competed in apparel design, marketing and communication, and quiz bowl.

As a school, ECHS received the Growth Award for convention attendance. There were 6 students who placed at the State convention and qualified to go to the National Convention in Fort Worth, TX in June.

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
Superintendent Patrick Waddell presented KSBA Certificates to Lorri Keith, Mickey Johnson, Alex Ulm, Keith LaMastus and Paul Forester in recognition of January’s School Board Recognition Month. 

Kentucky will again observe January as School Board Recognition Month.

:Our board members are responsible for our community’s most precious resource and the key to its future – our children and their educational opportunities," said Patrick Waddell, Superintendent of Edmonson County Schools.
 
"These individuals are responsible for making decisions aimed at ensuring that every child in our school district has a chance to be successful both in school and in life.  Each board member has to keep up with changing education laws and policies and spend hours on professional learning and state-mandated training.  At a time when state and federal funding continue to shrink, our school board members haven’t flinched in the face of the challenges or shied away from their responsibilities," stated Waddell.  "Our community can be very proud of this team of board members and I’m proud to be their partner in striving for education excellence for our children."

Edmonson Voice Staff Report: 
A veterans’ nursing home in Bowling Green is one step closer to reality after continued efforts from Rep. Michael Lee Meredith. 

​“I am pleased that my colleagues on the House Appropriations and Revenue Committee recognize how vitally important this project is to the veterans in Warren County and south central Kentucky,” Meredith said. “Having an adequate facility to properly care for our aging veterans is the least we can do for those that were willing to give so much for our freedom.”
 
House Bill 24 appropriates $2.5 million for design and preconstruction from the General Fund to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. This funding comes in addition to the $10.5 million in state bond funding that was allocated by the 2017 General Assembly.
 
The measure is cosponsored by every representative serving Warren County, including Representatives Steve Sheldon, Steve Riley, Patti Minter, Jason Petrie, and Wilson Stone. Also signing on were Representatives Chris Fugate, Mark Hart, Phillip Pratt, Melinda Gibbons Prunty, Brandon Reed, Bart Rowland, Walker Thomas and Ken Upchurch.
 
Representative Steve Sheldon of Bowling Green commented on the need to sign this measure into law.
 
“This money represents the design fees associated with the project,” Sheldon said. “We need to get this passed to be able to draw down the federal money to help us with the cost of the facility.”

According to a statement provided by Meredith's office, this proposed 90 bed facility would be Kentucky’s fifth veterans’ nursing home and fulfill a long-standing need for the residents of south central Kentucky, who have loved ones currently living in veterans’ nursing homes across the state.

Meredith's office also stated that this measure is even more important and urgent as additional funding has been allocated to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs by the Trump Administration for projects such as these.

“Because of the significant investment into the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the federal government is quickly moving forward on projects that have been in the works for some time,” Meredith added. “We could receive federal funding by this summer, but in order to do so, we must make the design work a priority.”
 
House Bill 24 will move to the full House for consideration. Specific details of the measure can be viewed here.

​Edmonson County also earned eleven awards in written assessment. Ace Daugherty placed fourth in mathematics, Brayden Johnson won the language arts championship and placed fifth in arts and humanities,  Brycen Daniels placed second in science and tied for third in arts and humanities, Evy Bolton placed third in language arts and fourth in science, Emma Sackett won the arts and humanities championship and placed second in language arts, and Lyla Wood won the science championship and placed third in social studies. Each of these students will advance to the regional tournament in their written assessment competitions. 

“This was an outstanding day for the academic team,” said Coach Nick Skaggs.  “The entire coaching staff is very proud of how hard these kids have worked all season. They have been practicing since the beginning of the school year and their dedication to excellence has paid off with a district championship and a trip to the regional tournament.  The team played extremely well together and every player on the team contributed points in quick recall games to help the team become victorious,” Coach Skaggs continued.

​The team is preparing for regionals, which will be on February 1st at South Warren.

by: Representative Michael Lee Meredith
It has been a busy second week of session in the state’s capital city, as I joined lawmakers for a week that began with an opportunity to volunteer in honor of a colleague and included committee meetings and an address by the Governor.
 
On Monday, I joined more than a hundred of my fellow legislators – Democrats and Republicans, members of the House and Senate – to stuff more than 2,000 bags for the BackPacks for Kids program. The event was planned by House Majority Floor Leader Bam Carney, who has been hospitalized after suffering acute pancreatitis in late December. While he was unable to attend, I was proud of what we were able to accomplish for #BackPacks4Bam. I was also honored to work with Feeding Kentucky and their local organizations. An estimated one in five Kentucky children do not know where their next meal will come from, a startling number when you consider that we live in one of the wealthiest nations in the world.
 
The full House and Senate gathered again on Tuesday evening to hear Governor Andy Beshear deliver his first State of the Commonwealth Address. While the Governor shared some of his priorities, I had hoped we would hear more than what was presented on the campaign trail. He provided a preview into some of his goals, but no real information about how he intends to pay for any of the new spending he will propose. This means we will have to wait until he gives his budget speech on January 28.
 
Legislation is beginning to move out of committees and the full House will likely be taking bills next week. In the meantime, we are continuing work on our priority issues – including a measure to make our public assistance programs more effective and efficient and legislation aimed at combatting human trafficking.
 
I anticipate the public assistance reform bill will be filed as House Bill 1 in the next few days. It is motivated by a desire to help people transition from assistance into the workforce by extending some programs – like health insurance – as they work their way up to financial independence. Kentucky has one of the worst workforce participation rates in the nation. That means that too many of our neighbors who could be working are not. We know there are people who want to get a job, but they risk losing resources they get to support their families. HB 1 looks like it is evolving into an approach that will turn these benefit cliffs into the temporary safety nets that these programs were intended to be in the first place. This could truly be one of the most transformative measures we pass, helping strengthen families, and getting more Kentuckians on their feet and back to work building our economy.
 
The second priority measure we will see this session addresses human trafficking. Legislators are working with Attorney General Daniel Cameron to craft legislation that will help make victims aware of the resources available to them, build public awareness, and close a loophole in current law. The first version of the bill would require airports and bus stations to post information about human trafficking, including a toll-free hotline for help, in restrooms. This builds on legislation enacted several years ago and is a simple, common sense approach to reaching victims and the public.
 
As you can see, we are off to a busy start. If you have any questions or comments about this session, I can be reached during the week from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. (EST) through the toll-free message line at 1-800-372-7181. They will ask you to share contact information, but I will get the message and I do indeed appreciate hearing from constituents. You can also contact me via e-mail at [email protected]. You can keep track of committee meetings and potential legislation through the Kentucky Legislature Home Page at www.legislature.ky.gov.

The 2020 Edmonson County Basketball Homecoming was held tonight at ECHS where senior Madison Harrison was named this year's queen.

Madison is the daughter of Glendale and Jackie Decker. She was escorted by Brock Stethen, son of Mike and Letia Webb.

The junior princess was Kaylee Cook, daughter of Jason and Charlene Cook, escorted by Matt Shaw. He is the son of Carl and Kim Mills.

Sophomore princess was Maham Shahbaz, daughter of Muhammad and Uzma Shahbaz. She was escorted by Wade Luttrell, son of Jeremy and Tanya Hodges.

The freshman princess was Claire Burklow, daughter of Leroy and Michelle Burklow. She was escorted by Jude Clemons, son of Josh and Tiffany Clemons.

The attendants this year were Aubrey Hinson, daughter of Ethan and Nicole Hinson. She was escorted by Leo Lindsey, son of Justin and Leah Lindsey. Also Avery Justis, daughter of Chase and Sarah Justis, who was escorted by Alex Talley, son of Alan Talley.

by Senator Steve Meredith:​
The 60-day legislative session is moving right along here in Frankfort as the General Assembly begins to advance 2020 legislative priorities this week. 
 
First, allow me to offer my congratulations to our newest colleague, Senator-elect Mike Nemes, who was elected with an overwhelming majority in the 38th Senate District, which encompasses Bullitt County and part of Jefferson County. I look forward to welcoming him to our caucus. 
 
On Tuesday, Kentuckians and legislators from both sides of the aisle listened to Governor Beshear proposed policy goals and recommendations to the Kentucky General Assembly in his first State of the Commonwealth Address. The Governor also noted his legislative priorities for 2020, which included fully funding pension obligations, criminal justice reform, and plans to improve Kentucky public education, starting with a statewide teacher salary increase. As the legislature begins to prepare the biennial budget, Governor Beshear will also be delivering a budget address on January 28. Both of these addresses are customarily presented by the governor and serve as a beneficial element in our state’s separation of powers. We eagerly await to hear how the Governor plans to execute the ideas he has laid out.
 
Crafting a budget will not be an easy task. Demands placed on state government by our priorities, and other costs continue to outpace revenue growth. In the coming weeks, legislative branch staff and other resources will be utilized to help the General Assembly better determine a path forward for this year’s budgetary balancing act. Per the Kentucky Constitution, budget bills must start in the House. I will keep you informed as the Senate begins to deliberate budgetary matters in the coming weeks. 
 
While the new administration formulates its agenda and presents it to the legislature, the majority leadership in the General Assembly is continuing to move forward with a legislative agenda supported by Kentucky voters. Committee meetings are now in full swing, as this past week legislators began discussing bills recently assigned to their respective committees. 
 
Senate Bill 56 (SB 56) passed unanimously out of the Health & Welfare Committee on Wednesday during its first meeting of the 2020 Session. The committee heard student testimony as well as a presentation from the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky. SB 56 ensures Kentucky complies with federal minimum legal age for the sale of tobacco products and eliminates purchase, use, and imposes possession penalties for youth up to age 21. This encourages our youth to lead healthier lives. 
 
Additionally, my bill, Senate Bill (SB 38) which deals respectful and dignified disposition of human remains for people deemed wards of our state also passed unanimously out of the Health & Welfare Committee.  Without this legislation, the bodies of people under guardianship of our state can be held for days, and even weeks, before they can receive a proper burial.
 
The State Senate passed Senate Bill 3 (SB 3) on Thursday. This a great bill that proposes a constitutional amendment to the voters of Kentucky. If adopted, the amendment would move Kentucky’s statewide elections to even number years, in unison with Presidential elections. This would save the state $3.5 million dollars and counties $13 million dollars. It’s a fiscally responsible measure that will both alleviate voter fatigue, and increase voter engagement in the election of our state Constitutional Officers.

Senate Bill 11 (SB 11) also passed favorably on the Senate floor this week. SB 11 provides recourse for property owners to pursue legal action for intentional damages done to residential rental property. It would classify intentional or wanton destruction, defacement, or damage to such property as criminal mischief under Kentucky Law. 
 
SB 3 and SB 11 will now head over to the House for consideration. 
 
As we head into the third week of the 2020 Regular Session, your input is greatly appreciated. Kentuckians have many avenues to follow the General Assembly throughout the session, including seeing legislative action in person here in Frankfort, or viewing online at KET.org/legislature. 
 
If you have any questions or comments about the issues or any other public policy issue, please call me toll-free at 1-800-372-7181 or email me at [email protected].  You can also review the Legislature’s work online at www.legislature.ky.gov.

The following open letter is from the Chalybeate Volunteer Fire Department:​

The Chalybeate Volunteer Fire Department would like to thank the Chalybeate Fire District.  The magistrates voted for an increase of $5 on your annual Fire Department Dues.  It may not mean much to you, but it's caused a lot of great things to start to take place at our Department. 

Our Turn Out Gear has to be replaced every ten years.  It costs over $2,000 for one set of gear for one firefighter. We have struggled the last several years trying to find a way to replace our much outdated equipment.  Our firefighters are always ready to serve the people in our district and to help out in other districts when called.  We always give 100%. 

The increase in our dues has allowed much needed maintenance on our vehicles, we've replaced outdated radios, and we're now ordering new Turn Out Gear. We have purchased five sets of Turn Out Gear.  We still have several more sets that need to be replaced in order for our Department to be in compliance.  These things would not be possible without the increase.   This is just the beginning of what will allow us to better serve our Fire District.   Again, we would like to thank our great Chalybeate Fire District and the support they give us daily.  It is our pleasure to help you in your time of need.
 
--Thanks from the Chalybeate Volunteer Fire Department Board of Directors and the Chalybeate Volunteer Fire Fighters