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by Senator Steve Meredith
We are halfway through the 2019 Regular Session, and the Senate is eager to continue making progress in these final weeks.
 
The General Assembly did not convene on Monday in observation of Presidents Day.  Before resuming legislative business on Tuesday, both the House and the Senate reconvened at the historic Old State Capitol in downtown Frankfort.
 
We passed a wide range of bills concerning issues, including public education, agribusiness, medical licensing, animal safety, and more. Both chambers still have an extensive array of legislation to consider in the weeks ahead.
 
Several bills are moving to the House following an extremely productive week in the Senate. Among those passed was Senate Bill 34, sponsored by Senator Damon Thayer. SB 34 amends state law regarding the voter registration database. This bill requires the Kentucky Board of Elections to institute measures to ensure there is no inappropriate use of the voter registration roster. Only county clerks, assistant county clerks, and Kentucky Board of Elections staff will have the authority to access the roster.
 
A bill designed to reduce drunk driving also passed in the Senate this week. Senate Bill 85, Sponsored by Senator Whitney Westerfield, strengthens Kentucky’s current ignition interlock device (IID) measure by making these breathalyzer-type devices available to all driving under the influence (DUI) offenders. SB 85 also includes a compliance-based component that incentivizes the use of IID by mandating stiffer penalties for those DUI offenders who choose not to use the device. 
 
I still have several bills advancing through the legislative process and I am optimistic of their passage this session. Those bills focus upon reducing the cost of healthcare, strengthening the value of certificates of occupancy for residential home builders, and increasing government transparency and accountability.
For ambitious students who want to be a part of this year’s legislative process, the Senate offers page opportunities for all ages. Those interested should contact my office to make a formal request. Full-time page opportunities are also available.

​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 Rep. Michael Meredith:
We’ve officially hit the halfway mark of the 2019 legislative session, with much accomplished even as significant activity remains.
 
In the House of Representatives, this past week was a banner week for a cause not only important to me – but also critical to the safety and protection of Kentucky families. Public safety took a large, bipartisan step forward as multiple bills began moving through the General Assembly that are designed to protect children from obscene crimes, consumers from scans, and some of our most vulnerable citizens from harm.
 
Nothing is more of a pressing issue for the General Assembly at this point in time than school safety. The School Safety and Resiliency Act took another monumental step forward this past week, advancing through the House Education Committee and to the full House for consideration. I am proud to support this measure, which secures our schools and strengthens our students with a comprehensive approach.
 
On the consumer protection front, legislation also passed the House that cracks down on telemarketers who engage in “spoofing,” which involves a person misrepresenting their real phone number by disguising themselves under a local number. HB 84 prohibits this practice, and increases fines for multiple offenses.
 
Bills designed to strengthen our reporting systems for missing disabled persons as well as missing veterans also passed the House this past week. HB 150 creates a “Golden Alert” System to notify the public through the news media and highway signs when an impaired individual goes missing, while legislation I sponsored includes missing or at-risk veterans within a Golden Alert, identifying them separately as a “Green Alert.”
 
We also recently took up a series of bills to protect unborn life, promote voluntary prayer in schools, and clean up our tax code. House Bill 166 sets aside one day each year for Kentuckians to pray or reflect on the state’s public schools and their students. This measure designates a voluntary “Day of Prayer for Kentucky’s Students” on the last Wednesday of each September, which would coincide with the international “See You at the Pole” student-led school prayer event. Student participation in the event would be voluntary and open to all faiths and religious traditions.
 
HB 5, legislation that would prevent selective and discriminatory abortions that are based on race, gender, and perceived disability, such as Down syndrome, also began moving through the legislative process. I am looking forward to supporting this bill, which would apply the same civil rights protections that Kentuckians receive after they are born to our unborn. Pro-life measures are continuing to receive attention, and I am pleased to see such strong support building for measures like HB 5.
 
On another note, we also voted on an overwhelmingly bipartisan basis to approve a tax cleanup bill that would exempt all Kentucky nonprofits from collecting the sales tax on admissions to their charitable events. HB 354 also ensures that all nonprofits see their threshold for collecting sales taxes raised from $1,000 to $10,000. Last year, the legislature took a major step forward in making the tax code more pro-business, lowering your income taxes and moving Kentucky in a more consumption-based direction. However, minor adjustments to major legislation like the tax reform package are always necessary as changes are implemented.
 
I’m proud to have supported critical public safety issues during this legislative session, which will strengthen our communities and protect families. As we enter the final few weeks of the 2019 session, I will continue to keep you informed about progress on issues of importance. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with your thoughts on issues we should address

Rep. Michael Lee Meredith represents the 19th House District, which includes Edmonson County and part of Warren County. Contact him with any questions, concerns, or advice. He can be reached through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181, or via e-mail at [email protected]

The Chalybeate Fire Department Board of Directors have announced a fundraiser to help them in their need to replace some equipment that sustained damage during the night of the fire at Laura's Hilltop Restaurant. 

Two valves from one of their trucks froze and burst during the single digit temperatures and are in the process of being replaced. Board members also say they are in need of turnout gear, the official term for firefighter's uniform gear, which they say is worn past the point of use.   

The fire department is featuring RADA Cutlery as an online fundraiser. You can click directly on the link for Chalybeate VFD on the RADA website.  Your order will be shipped directly to your home and the fire department will receive 40% of the total sale. 

All county fire departments are 100% volunteer run. The Chalybeate VFD Board of Directors are made up of Danny Goins, Travis Madison, Scott Skaggs, Clifford Ray, Robin Vincent, Joe Durbin, and Allison Holland.

by Rep. Michael Meredith:
The pace picked up during week three of the 2019 General Assembly, with legislation clearing committees and passing the full House. As we left Frankfort on Friday, we are almost halfway through with this year’s session. Wednesday, February 20 is the last day that lawmakers can file new legislation, but already more than 800 bills and resolutions have been filed for consideration in both the House and Senate.
 
This week was highlighted by legislation to save taxpayer dollars, protect innocent life, boost Kentucky’s growing industrial hemp industry and more. I was especially proud to support HB 148 - a measure we passed in preparation for the possibility that the Supreme Court could overturn Roe v. Wade. This bill puts into place a trigger to prohibit abortion in all cases except when required to save the life of the mother or prevent serious harm to her, a policy that would be implemented if Roe was reversed. The Senate also passed SB 9, a measure which bans abortion after a child’s heartbeat can be detected.
 
Legislation that would eliminate anti-free market mandates on public construction projects was approved by the House on Thursday. House Bill 135 would do away with project labor agreements, ensuring that any qualified contractor, whether union or non-union, can bid on a public project. Essentially, it levels the playing field for non-unionized construction firms.  Project Labor Agreements prevent competition, placing Kentucky’s largely non-union construction workforce at a disadvantage and raising costs for taxpayers by up to 18 percent.
 
I also joined my fellow members of the House in approving HB 22. This piece of legislation changes the way that school board vacancies are filled. Currently, the Education Commissioner fills the vacancy, and this bill would transfer that power to the rest of the local school board, who would vote to fill the empty slot. The Kentucky School Board’s Association testified in support of the measure, which would also shorten the amount of time given to fill the vacancy from 90 to 60 days.
 
On Friday, members of the House voted unanimously to approve a hemp measure aimed at conforming our state’s industrial hemp statutes to new federal guidelines. With us conforming to the new guidelines established when the federal government officially legalized hemp, I expect Kentucky’s thriving hemp industry to now grow at an even faster level.
 
Among the bills filed this week was a tax bill aimed at fine-tuning reforms enacted by the legislature in 2018. The bill, HB 354, will also clarify various interpretations by the Department of Revenue that impact how the state sales tax is levied. If passed, HB 354 would make admissions to events held by 501(c)(3) organizations tax exempt. The bill also exempts the first $10,000 in sales of items by all nonprofit organizations. Direct contributions to nonprofits would remain tax exempt. House Bill 354 also includes language that would allow services purchased by a retailer or other business to be tax exempt if they are intended for resale. After all, asking a business to pay the sales tax on something they are ultimately going to sell to a consumer is essentially collecting the same tax twice – making our businesses less competitive and products more expensive. This bill is expected to be heard by the House Appropriations and Revenue Committee within the next few days.
 
I was proud to pass legislation this week which stiffens prison sentences for individuals convicted of murdering a first responder. This measure ensures that any person convicted of manslaughter in the second degree, reckless homicide, or attempt to commit murder of identifiable emergency service personnel serves at least 85 percent of their sentence prior to earning probation or parole. The measure amends the existing statute covering firefighters and peace officers to also include EMS workers, sending a message that our society does not tolerate the murder of any first responder.
 
Over the next few weeks I will continue to update you on our progress. In the meantime, please reach out to me with your thoughts on issues facing us in the General Assembly.
 
Rep. Michael Meredith represents the 19th House District, which includes Edmonson and part of Warren Counties. Contact him with any questions, concerns, or advice. He can be reached through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181, or via e-mail at [email protected]
​

Edmonson County Judge Executive Wil Cannon signed a proclamation on January 31, 2019 that designated the week of February 16-23rd, 2019 as National FFA Week in Edmonson County. 

FFA officers and members joined Judge Cannon at the Edmonson County Courthouse for the signing.

Madison Doyle, photos: 
Four different seniors and their families were honored at Edmonson County High School on Friday night at the 2018-19 Winter Sports Senior Night.

​Seniors Kaley Hartz (Winterguard), Chanley Logsdon (Basketball), Nick Johnson (Basketball), and Griffin Spainhoward (Basketball) were recognized at center court with a standing ovation from the crowd.

Edmonson County Baseball/Softball Board members are postponing their application for this season's youth league sports due to the chance of inclement weather on Saturday, February 16th.

The deadline has been extended until next Saturday, February 23rd. Applications will be accepted all next week into Saturday, according to the board.

by Senator Steve Meredith:
​It was a productive third week of the 2019 Regular Session, as the General Assembly remained hard at work in Frankfort.
Working with our colleagues across the aisle, we forged ahead in committee meetings in which we heard testimony, discussed policy, and advanced bills for a floor vote. Friday, we reached the filing deadline for new bills in the Senate. Moreover, we are pleased with the consequential legislation that is before us this session.

The Senate Majority made notable progress on our legislative agenda successfully passing 9 bills over the course of the week. This legislation will now move to the other chamber to be deliberated by the House of Representatives. Prominent among those passed were bills concerning 2nd Amendment rights and pro-life measures.

Always a passionate topic, the Senate addressed abortion this week. After much consideration, we passed a “Fetal Heartbeat Bill.” Senate Bill 9, sponsored by Senator Matt Castlen, would ban the ability to perform an abortion after the detection of a fetal heartbeat with the exception of a medical emergency. This pro-life legislation is just one of the several pro-life related bills the General Assembly will consider this year. I will remain steadfast by voting to protect life.
 
Senate Bill 150, sponsored by Senator Brandon Smith, would allow the carrying of a concealed firearm without a license. The measure states that people 21 or older who are able to lawfully possess a firearm may carry a concealed weapon without a license in the same locations as people with valid state-issued licenses. Another provision states no one would be allowed to carry or possess any deadly weapon where it is already prohibited by federal law.
 
Senate Bill 40, of which I am the primary sponsor, would limit the amount of attorney’s fees that could be collected as a result of legal action for building code violations. Senate Bill 99, sponsored by Senator Max Wise, creates the ability for a properly licensed winery to ship a limited number of cases of wine directly to consumers. Senate Bill 143, sponsored by Senator Mike Wilson, prohibits government entities from contracting with groups or individuals who are actively boycotting Kentucky trading partners based on discriminatory practices, including Israel. A bill sponsored by Senator Julie Raque Adams, Senate Bill 15, expands school security by requiring two levels of clearance for new hires, board members, and other school personnel. Senate Bill 70, sponsored by Senator Alice Forgy Kerr, redefines the crime of strangulation as a Class D felony.
 
Additionally, we passed Senate Bill 100, legislation to reform Kentucky’s current private solar net metering policy. This bill, sponsored by Senator Brandon Smith, would change how much owners of solar power systems are reimbursed for electricity they add to the power grid generated as they do with all other electric rates in Kentucky. Furthermore, this bill protects all current net metered customers by allowing them to be grandfathered and guarantees a minimum of 25 years under their current net metering agreement.

Every day, I am mindful of the primary obligation we have as legislators: To represent those who entrusted us with this responsibility. The Regular Session is a pivotal time to statutorily address the needs and concerns of our district in the capitol. I remain humbled to serve as your State Senator as we continue to work towards developing policy that is best for all Kentuckians.
​
For ambitious students who want to be a part of this year’s legislative process, the Senate offers page opportunities for all ages. Students interested should contact my office at (502) 564-8100 to make a formal request. Full-time page opportunities are also available. More information regarding both page programs can be found at www.legisature.ky.gov. 
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.

 Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
On Monday, February 11, 2019, multiple 5/6 Center students and staff members were recognized at the Edmonson County Board of Education Meeting. 

Jolley-Detwiler, Madison, Raymer, and Shields are all for Distinguished scores in all four tested areas (reading, math, social studies, writing) as a 5th grader. The other four students were nominated and selected to be recognized for award of excellence.

​The two staff members were recognized for their dedication and hard work.

Also recognized was Board Member Alex Ulm for achieving his Level II in The Kentucky School Boards Academy of Studies.

Click the ad to visit the EC County Youth Baseball/Softball Facebook page:

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Manish Patel, age 36, moved to the United States 10 years ago with hopes of finishing his medical degree. As a med student in India, he was told that studying in America would lead to much better opportunities.

He took that advice and moved to Missouri to finish school; however, the opportunities that came his way were as far away from the medical field as India is from the Chalybeate Food Mart. He found that he couldn't afford to stay in school and that he needed to go to work immediately. With a sister (already a successful entrepreneur) that lived in Bowling Green, he hoped he could find some help, being stuck in the United States with no money and without the ability to speak English.

Fast forward to 2014 and the Chalybeate Food Mart. He found that the store was for sale and that the previous owners (also Indian) had little-if any- success trying to run a food mart/gas station in a conservative, rural area. 

"I was scared to come to rural area like Edmonson County," said Patel. "All I know was the big cities, but now, I would never go back to the big city. This community is a good example of how the country (rural) is good."

Patel bought the food mart and immediately went to work on cleaning up the place and investing back into the property, which was in dire need of a face lift. Once he reopened the store, he and his wife Nisha, worked around the clock to take care of their customers, as they do today. About a dozen folks came through the doors while this interview was being conducted and everyone was greeted by either Manish, Nisha, or both of them. The most popular phrase from Manish? "Heyyyyyy buddy!" 

There are three things that Patel seemed most proud of, regarding his business, which has become a staple of the Chalybeate community: low gas prices, fresh, hot food, and a clean store with friendly, personal service.

He pulled up his daily gas price information from his supplier to show me what the price he would pay that day if he received gas. 

"I only try to make a few cents on a gallon," he said. "People work hard for their money and as long as I make only a few cents, that pays for my cost. We want our customers to have a reason to stop and come inside to eat our good food and talk to us."

The food? Surprisingly good for a convenience store. Freshly prepared chicken strips, potato wedges, honey butter biscuits, cajun-style fish filets, made-to-order pizza, and other deli-type foods. The store also features several variety of breakfast biscuits in the morning.

So what makes this any different from any other food mart? That answer is up to the public, as there are many local options; however, the Patels are some of the friendliest people I've ever encountered in a retail business and they regularly give back to the community by supporting local causes, offering church and funeral discounts, and helping others that they keep anonymous. 

"Let us know if your church needs food or if you are taking to a funeral. We will give you a discount. We want to help you. We are different religion, but all religions should work together to help each other and that's what we want to do."

He was also candid about his religion, which is Hindu. 

"People here don't know about that and that's ok, but because of Hindu, we don't eat meat of any kind. No chicken, no beef, no fish, nothing like that. People ask me 'what does this food taste like,' and I say 'it tastes good.' Some people know I am Hindu and they ask me 'how do you know?' I tell them, everyone else says it's good and they keep buying it so it must be good!" he said with a laugh.

"I know none of our customers are our real family, but they seem like it. Everyone at school and the teachers treat my son like a friend. We love the people here in Edmonson County. We are reaching out to everyone here because we want more friends and we want to be a bigger part of this community. When we first moved here, we just wanted customers, but now we see what this place is and Edmonson County is the best."

The Patels have also built a home directly behind the store. That was what they said was the final decision made in making a long-term commitment to staying in Edmonson County.

"We think we have the best food of any place like this," he said. "And everyone loves our fish. We have a man who drives from Leitchfield just to eat our fish dinner. Everyone knows about our chicken, but people love our fish, too." 

"No, I didn't finish a medical degree, but degrees are good only if you work hard. If you have a good degree but don't want to work hard then it will do you no good. Everyone can do something if you try. I start with zero, I speak no English, but I didn't give up and I become part of a good community."

Obviously Manish wants to sell you gas, fresh food, tobacco, and whatever else he has for sale, but he says he wants more friends and most importantly, feedback on how his business can provide more to the public, and more ways on how he can be an even bigger part of the community. 

"I want to see your comments on this story," he said. "Even if it's bad, that's okay. We're not perfect. We make mistakes, but we want to always try to do things right. To treat people good, and if we make mistakes, we will fix for you."

During the interview, a man came inside to thank Manish for allowing him to leave his broken-down car in the parking lot overnight from the day before. The car was not in a convenient spot for the owner, nor Patel. 

"Thank you for your kindness and hospitality," the unidentified man from Bowling Green said. "I don't know what I'd have done if you hadn't let me leave the car here yesterday."

"Hey, no problem buddy," said Patel as he shook his hand. Patel continued his interview with me.

"Why would I tell him to move his car? That's just another way how we can help people. If I tell him 'no, you have to move it-this is a business' he won't come back and he won't be my friend."

When asked if people have ever taken advantage of his kindness, his reply was: "Sure, that happens. But I believe if I lose money over here it's because I was too lucky some other time, or that I will have a better day in the future. I believe it all works out if you treat people good."

The store is located at 1990 Chalybeate Road, Smiths Grove, KY, 42171. You can call to place your to-go order at 270-597-8000.

You can also look for some upcoming specials at Chalybeate Food Mart on the Edmonson Voice.

You can send a friend request to Manish on Facebook, as well as check out specials and current gas prices by clicking here.

by Senator Steve Meredith:
The General Assembly hit the ground running this week as it began the continuation of the 2019 Regular Session. The Senate Majority is excited to move forward with its legislative priorities and pass laws that benefit the Commonwealth.
 
Through ice and snow, to unseasonably warm weather, the General Assembly continued to discuss legislative priorities throughout the 3-week interim in committee meetings. The newly formed Public Pensions Working Group, co-chaired by Senator Wil Schroder, met twice each week. Throughout these meetings, this bipartisan group from both chambers heard extensive and detailed testimony on the condition of our public pension systems. While there is still much to be done, we are confident that this working group is heading in the right direction toward developing a viable solution to this persistent dilemma facing our state.
 
Committee meetings were in full swing this week we discussed and passed bills to the senate floor for final votes. On Thursday, the senate passed three pieces of legislation.
 
Senate Bill 32, sponsored by Senator Stan Humphries, improves the current water well drilling system by allowing water well driller assistants to be certified by the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet. Senate Bill 77, sponsored by Senator Julie Raque Adams, proposes an expansion of Kentucky’s current organ donor registration list through an easily accessible sign-on system to designate consent. Senate Bill 31, sponsored by Senator Ralph Alvarado, requires the Cabinet of Health and Family Services to provide frequent visitation for siblings who are in out-of-home care and not jointly placed.
 
Also on Thursday, the Senate Education Committee was honored to welcome the families of the victims of the Marshall County High School shooting as they testified on behalf of Senate Bill 1. The testimony from the Holt and Cope families was powerful and moving.  At the conclusion of the meeting, SB 1 was unanimously voted out of committee.
 
SB 1, the School Safety and Resiliency Act, passed on Friday with an overwhelming majority. Sponsored by Senator Max Wise, SB 1 is a bipartisan piece of legislation that focuses on developing standardized conditions and training that will better secure safety in our schools through personnel, structures/protocols, and a culture of connection with students that concentrates on their overall well-being. Accountability for school safety compliance will also be emphasized. The safety and security of the children of Kentucky is paramount.  As the bill moves to the House, the Senate Education Committee will continue to provide input so that the bill that eventually arrives on the Governor’s desk is in its best possible form.
 
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.