Representative Report
By: Representative Tim Feeley

   The Kentucky General Assembly conducted a four day organizational session last week to prepare for Kentucky’s first odd-numbered year legislative session in 150 years. This new annual session was authorized in November by passage of a state constitutional amendment by Kentucky voters. The odd-year sessions cannot exceed thirty days of legislative meetings.

At the organizational session, each party within each legislative branch selected leadership, and legislative committee assignments were made. While Senate Democrats and Republicans, as well as House Democrats retained their existing leadership, Republican House members elected a new Minority Floor Leader and a new Caucus Chairman. Representative Jeff Hoover of Russell County was elected Minority Floor Leader by acclimation. Jeff, an attorney, begins his third term in the House, filling a seat which both his father and mother had served in several years ago. A good friend of Oldham County was elected as Minority Caucus Chair. Representative (“Doctor”) Bob DeWeese of Prospect in Jefferson County was chosen in a close vote. Dr. Bob, a retired surgeon, is beginning his fourth House term. For the Minority Floor Whip’s position, we retained the colorful Representative Woody Allen of Morganfield. Woody, a farmer with numerous homespun tales, has served in the House since 1974.
Committee assignments were made on Friday. As a minority party member, appointment to the influential Appropriations and Revenue Committee was not available to me this year, for no incumbent Republican members of that committee left office. I received reassignment to the three committees which I had held last term: Education, Economic Development and State Government. The State Government assignment is critical, for that committee will oversee redistricting efforts later this year. I was named as the minority party Vice Chairman of the Economic Development committee.

On Wednesday evening, Governor Paul Patton addressed a joint session of the Kentucky General Assembly. He outlined his hopes that progress can be made towards a comprehensive solid waste disposal plan for the state, overhauled worker’s compensation for coal miners, and a “revenue neutral” tax reform plans, but gave little specifics as to how he wished these items addressed. Individual legislators have pre-filed more than 200 bills and resolutions, so the legislature will have plenty to consider even if the Governor does not introduce specific bills.
The House of Representatives adjourned until February 6, at which time we will begin daily sessions through mid-March. During this interim, we will study pre-filed bills and consider additional bills to be filed when we return to Frankfort.

I invite any student between the ages of 12 and 18 with an interest in the political process to serve as a legislative page for one day during the upcoming session. A page goes through a morning orientation, then serves on the floor of the House. It’s a great opportunity to see our government at work close up. A particularly good time for Oldham County students would be during the week of February 19, when schools are closed but the legislature will be in session. Any student or parent who wishes to take part in this program can call my office to reserve a date.
I remain honored to represent the fifty-ninth  representative district in the Kentucky House of Representatives. I welcome your comments regarding state and local issues. You can contact me by mail at   P.O. Box 64, Crestwood, KY 40014 or by e-mail . My local  phone number is 241-7472.