by State Senator Steve Meredith:
The hallways were packed with Kentuckians from across the state making their voices heard as we began the second part of the 2017 Legislative Session in Frankfort. I was especially heartened at the passionate crowd for the Rally for Life on Wednesday, February 8, and later in the evening that energy and excitement continued during Governor Bevin’s State of the Commonwealth Address. Hundreds of people filled the Capitol to celebrate the sanctity of life alongside Governor Bevin and members of the General Assembly. The governor ceremonially signed Senate Bill (SB) 5 and House Bill (HB) 2, both pro-life bills that help protect unborn Kentuckians who cannot protect themselves. As Governor Bevin noted, 83 percent of the General Assembly supported these bills—a great reflection of the pro-family values of Kentuckians—and I was proud to be a member of those ranks. During the State of the Commonwealth Address, the governor told compelling stories from citizens across the commonwealth both praising our state’s progress and offering suggestions for improvement. From addressing tax reformation to our pension crisis to assistance for veterans, Governor Bevin hit the nail on the head when he outlined these issues. I look forward to continually working with him to solve these problems. Between the rallies and visits from citizens from across the commonwealth, the Senate was busy hearing bills in committee and passing some out of the chamber. Although this week was not quite as hectic as the first week of session in January, we kept a quick pace and sent four bills to the House. Senate Bill 2 encourages transparency and accountability in the state pension system. This bill passed unanimously from the Senate, and I am proud to stand up for taxpayers and retirees alike by taking another step toward fixing our broken pension system. We also passed SB 18, which protects the confidentiality of peer review information conducted by doctors. Senate Bill 50 was another bill that passed with bipartisan support. This legislation gives local school districts control over their school calendars, giving them the option to push back their school start dates so families have more time to enjoy the summer months. Senate Bill 17, which protects students’ rights to religious and political speech, was the last bill to pass this week. I would like to thank all those in my district who have taken the time to reach out with their questions, concerns, and support. It is an honor to be in Frankfort on your behalf. 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 Steve.Meredith@LRC.ky.gov. You can also review the Legislature’s work online at www.lrc.ky.gov. Rep. Meredith's Legislative Updates: Pension Reform, Emergency Worker Protection, Ag Issues & More2/11/2017
by Rep. Michael Lee Meredith:
The General Assembly returned to Frankfort this week after a brief organizational break, and the week has been filled with legislative meetings as well as the daily session. We also heard from Governor Matt Bevin as he delivered the State of the Commonwealth Address to a joint session of the House and Senate. In his address, Governor Bevin spoke of the need for tax and pension reforms. Although it will be resolved in a special session, these reforms will come to our Commonwealth this year. Kentucky has an outdated tax code that is not only harmful to business, but burdensome to the individual. We need reforms that broaden the tax base and I look forward to working with Governor Bevin to put forward a fair tax code that is beneficial to both our citizens and the operations of state government. Pension reform will also be addressed by the legislature. Kentucky’s public pension systems are some of the worst funded in our nation, with the worst funded system in our state being that which supports the majority of our state’s retirees. I am firmly committed to reforming our pension systems, and fulfilling the promises made to our state’s retirees. This week has also been filled with various committee meetings, where bills have continued to make their way through the legislative process to be considered by the full House. One bill in particular is House Bill 14, which aims to protect police officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel. This legislation would classify any offense against these individuals, when committed against them due to their occupation, as a hate crime. The brave men and women who serve our community put their lives in danger every day to keep us safe, and it is imperative that we not only show we value their lives, but that offenses against first responders will be punished to the full extent of the law. As we continue through the legislative session, a top priority of mine will be education. I have heard from many teachers, students, administrators and parents on the needs of our district, and I look forward to voicing your concerns as the General Assembly takes up this important issue. I am committed to seeing that every student in Kentucky receives a world-class education and that our state is an example to the nation on how education should be approached. Finally, on Friday morning, the House passed House Bill 174, which would extend the allowed weight variance of vehicles hauling meat, crops, or livestock as well as vehicles that exclusively haul feed for livestock and poultry. This bill was a priority for the poultry industry in Kentucky which supports many of our family farms and has, in recent years, become Kentucky’s leading agricultural cash crop. I was proud to support this legislation and our family farms. It is a great honor for me to serve as your voice in Frankfort. This legislative session has already proven to be a great success, and I look forward to continuing the momentum for Kentucky. I welcome your comments and concerns on any issues impacting our Commonwealth during the 2017 Regular Session. I can be reached through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181, or you can contact me via e-mail at michael.meredith@lrc.ky.gov. You can keep track of committee meetings and potential legislation through the Kentucky Legislature Home Page at www.lrc.ky.gov. Check out the Valentine Deals this week only at Mimi's! Buy one, get one half off--don't forget free earrings for everyone...
Rev. Lelan Childress is pictured holding his great, great granddaughter, Emree Kate Sanders. Also pictured are Emree's father, Jordan, grandfather Kerry, & great grandmother Pauletta Sanders.
EV Staff Report Most ECHS football fans are familiar with sophomore Wildcat lineman Logan Hagan. He's not hard to miss, seeing that he's 6'5" and 335 pounds. Logan recently entered the Strongman Corporation's Mammoth Strength Challenge, recently held by Iron Warriors in Bowling Green. It was the national qualifier for several categories and all open classes. Logan was awarded first place in the teen division and now has the opportunity to advance to the national competition later in the year. Among the several feats and challenges in the competition, Logan also carried a stone that weighed 300lbs for 190 feet. As impressive as that is, he used the accomplishment to help his neighbors, Matt and Julie Richardson, who recently lost their home and belongings in a fire. He challenged his friends to pledge money according to each foot he was able to carry the stone and raised over $500 for their cause. In addition to the first place Iron Warrior Teen Division Trophy, he was also presented a gift package for his impressive facial hair, (which is exceptional for a 10th grader) from Mountaineer Brand Beard and Shaving Products. "Logan just likes helping people," said his mother, Crystal Frederick. "He is a good kid. Last September, he got a team together and raised money for the Alzheimer's Walk when we walked around the square in Bowling Green."
Logan looks as if he could crush you into pieces with his giant hands, but thankfully, it appears as if he's more likely to pat you on the back or lend a helping hand with them. "It's just a huge accomplishment for a teen at ECHS," she said. Be sure to attend this FREE southern gospel concert at Brownsville Missionary Baptist this Sunday, February 12, 2017 at 6pm, featuring Mark Mudd and Family. Everyone is invited to attend.
The Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce would like to announce a date has been set for a ribbon cutting ceremony for “The Mission”. “The Mission” is an outreach mission of the Community Church at Cedar Springs. The ribbon cutting will take place on Wednesday, February 22 at 4 PM. Pastor Charles McCutchen, Jr. along with the congregation of The Community Church invites everyone to join in this celebration of new ministry at “The Mission” located at 1101 S. Main St. “The Mission” activities will include bible studies and Wednesday night services. All are welcome to attend. Refreshments will be served. For more information call or text Gena Yoakem at 270-246-0601. Visit www.communitychurchlovesyou.com or email communitychurch2010@gmail.com, and facebook.com/communitychurchatcedarsprings The family of Edna “Tiny” Jackson would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for the kindness and support we were shown during the loss of our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother.
Having been blessed with such a large family, we sometimes forget that everyone must rely on others from time to time. This was a time that we needed you and you were there. To Hospice of Southern Kentucky: thank you for the special care you gave that helped us during a very difficult time. Knowing you were there was a relief when it was greatly needed. To Patton Funeral Home: We are so thankful to have been able to let you, our wonderful group of friends take care of last needs. Everything you did for us was so heartfelt and genuine. To Jerry, Robbie, Andrea, Ted, Eli, and the remaining staff, Thank you. To all our Chalybeate Church Family: Thank you for the food and preparations you made for us on the day of the funeral. The meal was delicious and the singers that helped our family during the service were an enormous strength. Finally, to all our family, friends, acquaintances, neighbors, co-workers, caretakers, and loved ones: Thank you for your prayers, encouraging words, visits, gifts, flowers, food, or for just thinking of us through this time. We are forever grateful and we pray that God blesses and keeps each and every one of you. Love to all, From the families of Wavie and Lynn Skaggs and Marilee Ringley |
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