Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Session has started!
Today was Day 2 of the 2011 Regular session. I hope to get back to posting regularly this session. If you have any questions or need anything, please e-mail me at adam.koenig@lrc.ky.gov.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
missing in action
Lost the password to get into this blog, just found it. Will try to get back to posting soon.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Special Session begins.....
at noon today. My prediction.....9 days. I don't not see a scenario where this is all clean and tidy and done in 5 days.
Friday, May 21, 2010
I'm back
First, thanks for those who supported me in the election. It is always humbling to be chosen by your fellow citizens to represent them in any elected office.
Second, sorry about the non-activity of the blog. Finding time was difficult given I had to be in session AND run a campaign, and occasionally be a real estate agent. Throw in that whatever I put on the blog could potentially be taken out of context and used against me in the campaign, it just became less of a priority.
But I am back and plan to update regularly on the upcoming special session. Hang in with me.
Second, sorry about the non-activity of the blog. Finding time was difficult given I had to be in session AND run a campaign, and occasionally be a real estate agent. Throw in that whatever I put on the blog could potentially be taken out of context and used against me in the campaign, it just became less of a priority.
But I am back and plan to update regularly on the upcoming special session. Hang in with me.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Own an iPhone?
Then you can have easier access to the Kentucky General Assembly. See below.
LRC makes legislative info iPhone-friendly
FRANKFORT – Kentuckians with iPhones will now find it easier than ever to remain connected to the Kentucky State Capitol.
The Legislative Research Commission (LRC) has unveiled an iPhone-friendly way for people to have ready access to information about lawmakers, legislation moving through the General Assembly and legislative news. With one touch on their home screen, iPhone users can pull up key features of the Kentucky Legislature Home Page that have been formatted specifically for their phones.
“We’re always looking for ways to keep people connected to the Kentucky General Assembly,” said LRC Director Robert Sherman. “This is another way for citizens to have easy access to up-to-date information about the Legislature whenever they want. The better-connected people are to the State Capitol, the more likely they are to provide the informed feedback that lawmakers depend on to serve our state.”
To begin using the new feature with an iPhone, go online to www.lrc.ky.gov/isite/index.html. Click on the “+” sign at the bottom of your iPhone’s home screen and choose “Add to home screen.” The LRC seal that will appear on your home screen will allow you to instantly connect to a wealth of legislative information, including the General Assembly’s daily calendar.
Users of the LRC’s iPhone feature can use it to connect to all the resources available on the Kentucky Legislature Home Page. The Web site is updated daily to indicate each bill’s status in the legislative process and how each lawmaker voted on legislation. Bill summaries, amendments and resolutions and also available on the site.
--END--
LRC makes legislative info iPhone-friendly
FRANKFORT – Kentuckians with iPhones will now find it easier than ever to remain connected to the Kentucky State Capitol.
The Legislative Research Commission (LRC) has unveiled an iPhone-friendly way for people to have ready access to information about lawmakers, legislation moving through the General Assembly and legislative news. With one touch on their home screen, iPhone users can pull up key features of the Kentucky Legislature Home Page that have been formatted specifically for their phones.
“We’re always looking for ways to keep people connected to the Kentucky General Assembly,” said LRC Director Robert Sherman. “This is another way for citizens to have easy access to up-to-date information about the Legislature whenever they want. The better-connected people are to the State Capitol, the more likely they are to provide the informed feedback that lawmakers depend on to serve our state.”
To begin using the new feature with an iPhone, go online to www.lrc.ky.gov/isite/index.html. Click on the “+” sign at the bottom of your iPhone’s home screen and choose “Add to home screen.” The LRC seal that will appear on your home screen will allow you to instantly connect to a wealth of legislative information, including the General Assembly’s daily calendar.
Users of the LRC’s iPhone feature can use it to connect to all the resources available on the Kentucky Legislature Home Page. The Web site is updated daily to indicate each bill’s status in the legislative process and how each lawmaker voted on legislation. Bill summaries, amendments and resolutions and also available on the site.
--END--
HB 1
HB 1 passed the House today 97-0. It now goes on to the Senate for action.
Have my first committee meeting tomorrow (Local Government) where we will pass out bills.
Have my first committee meeting tomorrow (Local Government) where we will pass out bills.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
HB 176
HB 176 will be voted on Monday. It will be the first bill voted on this session.
The purpose of the bill is to make Kentucky eligible to apply for "Race to the Top" funds from the federal government. I just finished reading it. It is an improvement over what we have now, allowing for the takeover for low-performing schools.
However, it could be much better. We could have charter schools, or even vouchers. It as if we are trying to do the absolute minimum to be eligible. I believe the federal government is looking for states to be bold and allow for new ideas. This bill does not do that.
There are 3 good amendments filed by my fellow House Republican members. I plan to vote for them all. I'll vote for the bill in the end, but it will be a missed opportunity.
The purpose of the bill is to make Kentucky eligible to apply for "Race to the Top" funds from the federal government. I just finished reading it. It is an improvement over what we have now, allowing for the takeover for low-performing schools.
However, it could be much better. We could have charter schools, or even vouchers. It as if we are trying to do the absolute minimum to be eligible. I believe the federal government is looking for states to be bold and allow for new ideas. This bill does not do that.
There are 3 good amendments filed by my fellow House Republican members. I plan to vote for them all. I'll vote for the bill in the end, but it will be a missed opportunity.
Friday, January 8, 2010
First week of the 2010 session
The first is always slow. It takes time to get all the bills introduced, Assigned to committees, onto the orders of the day and voted on. We did get 2 bills on the orders of the day. HB 1 and HB 176. HB 176 will be voted on Monday, HB 1 will be voted on Tuesday. This is my 4th regular session, and this is as fast as we have moved in my 4 years. Glad to see the wheels turning quickly.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
The show starts today
I am in Frankfort and the 2010 regular session starts at noon today. You can watch all proceedings at www.ket.org.
Will update tonight on anything interesting.
Will update tonight on anything interesting.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
2010 Legislative Session
The 2010 Legislative Session convenes this Tuesday at noon. As everyone knows, the budget will be the issue that casts a shadow over all others.
If you are interested in learning about the issues, several newspapers have stories in today's paper detailing what is ahead.
For an in-depth look, I recommend the Courier-Journal's site.
For a briefer look, go to nky.com or kentucky.com (Herald Leader site).
I will start posting regularly (I swear) through the end of the session.
If you are interested in learning about the issues, several newspapers have stories in today's paper detailing what is ahead.
For an in-depth look, I recommend the Courier-Journal's site.
For a briefer look, go to nky.com or kentucky.com (Herald Leader site).
I will start posting regularly (I swear) through the end of the session.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
getting back to blogging
As the 2010 session is 23 days away, I am going to get back to blogging on the happenings in Frankfort.
Also, I will be announcing some additional methods of keeping up with what I am up to in Frankfort soon.
Also, I will be announcing some additional methods of keeping up with what I am up to in Frankfort soon.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
CALS
I returned last night from a 4 day program called the Center for the Advancement of Leadership Skills. The program is run through the Council of State Governments and was held this year in Morgantown, West Virginia. Will make a few posts soon on what we did.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Parental Involvement in their child's education
I am testifying before the Interim Joint Committee for Education today at NKU at 1:00 to talk about parental involvement in their child's education. Will report in later on how it went.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
my vote on the slots bill
This has been the most difficult decision on a vote I have ever made.
There are very good reasons to be for and against this bill.
For:
We need to help the horse industry. It directly provides about 50,000 jobs in Kentucky. We give incentives to companies for bringing 50 jobs to Kentucky. The horse industry is not looking for a bailout or incentives. It is asking to do more of what currently goes on there. Also, horse racing is the signature industry for this state. I had the opportunity to go to Australia in 2007 and spend 2 weeks learning how they run their government. When I would introduce myself and tell people where I was from, they would always say "Kentucky....horse racing!". We should do what we can to keep that.
The e-mails and calls I have received from my constituents are running about 90% for.
The bill has a few positive aspects. It eliminates the state income tax for active duty military, gives taxpayers a 50% tax credit on their car tax, and provides sales tax exemptions for the equine industry, such as feed.
There is $2.5 million in the bill for problem gambling prevention.
The bill helps other horse breeds other than thoroughbreds. You would be amazed at the money people spend to move here to raise horses.
If we are ever going to get to a constitutional amendment for full casinos, this may be an interim step we need to take to get there.
Against:
This should be on the ballot. After 10 years of hearing "Let the people decide", now we are not. I think that is wrong. I have talked to several attorneys I respect, and I get different answers on its constitutionality. Those opinions seem to coincide with their opinion as to the public policy benefits or detriments. So I really don't know if it is constitutional or not. If this passes, I suppose we will know from the Supreme Court in about 6 to 9 months.
There is much about the details of the bill not to like. There should be more money put toward addiction prevention. There is mandatory unionization of non-supervisory employees at the tracks (boy do I not like that). The buying of votes through schools building projects is unseemly.
The fact that Turfway has the largest initial license fee is really annoying and I think one more slap at northern Kentucky.
Complication:
I don't think the Senate will pass this version.
Decision:
I really, really wish this was a bill with full casinos and on the ballot in the form of a constitutional amendment.
The fact that my constituents seem to want me to vote yes overwhelmingly. The ones I talk do not seem to be concerned about having the right to vote. I think the stories of the demise of the horse industry is pushing people to that decision.
I don't want to be the guy that killed the racing industry.
Finally, I keep coming back to a chance encounter I had recently. I went by myself to play golf in Lexington and was paired up with 2 gentlemen. One of the gentlemen moved here from the northeast. He made what I assume was very large amounts of money at some big company (I think it was Comcast). Anyway when he retired, his wife wanted to get into the Thoroughbred business. So they moved here to Kentucky to own and race horses. He told me very flatly that he can't afford to race any of his horses here in Kentucky. He ships them to Indiana and Pennsylvania to race them. He chuckled at the fact that he moved here to Kentucky to be in the horse capital of the world and can't race his horses here.
Now, this gentleman and his wife are the sort of people we need to attract and keep here in Kentucky. He has plenty of money to spend, and he probably does spend it. But he has no roots here. There is nothing keeping him from moving to Indiana or Pennsylvania where his horses do run. We need more people,like this couple, to invest in Kentucky. Therefore we must increase purses and help our tracks become more competitive.
I'd rather see another option like Sen. Damon Thayer's instant racing concept. However, that was not an option. I chose what I believe and hope was the best option. That is why I voted yes.
There are very good reasons to be for and against this bill.
For:
We need to help the horse industry. It directly provides about 50,000 jobs in Kentucky. We give incentives to companies for bringing 50 jobs to Kentucky. The horse industry is not looking for a bailout or incentives. It is asking to do more of what currently goes on there. Also, horse racing is the signature industry for this state. I had the opportunity to go to Australia in 2007 and spend 2 weeks learning how they run their government. When I would introduce myself and tell people where I was from, they would always say "Kentucky....horse racing!". We should do what we can to keep that.
The e-mails and calls I have received from my constituents are running about 90% for.
The bill has a few positive aspects. It eliminates the state income tax for active duty military, gives taxpayers a 50% tax credit on their car tax, and provides sales tax exemptions for the equine industry, such as feed.
There is $2.5 million in the bill for problem gambling prevention.
The bill helps other horse breeds other than thoroughbreds. You would be amazed at the money people spend to move here to raise horses.
If we are ever going to get to a constitutional amendment for full casinos, this may be an interim step we need to take to get there.
Against:
This should be on the ballot. After 10 years of hearing "Let the people decide", now we are not. I think that is wrong. I have talked to several attorneys I respect, and I get different answers on its constitutionality. Those opinions seem to coincide with their opinion as to the public policy benefits or detriments. So I really don't know if it is constitutional or not. If this passes, I suppose we will know from the Supreme Court in about 6 to 9 months.
There is much about the details of the bill not to like. There should be more money put toward addiction prevention. There is mandatory unionization of non-supervisory employees at the tracks (boy do I not like that). The buying of votes through schools building projects is unseemly.
The fact that Turfway has the largest initial license fee is really annoying and I think one more slap at northern Kentucky.
Complication:
I don't think the Senate will pass this version.
Decision:
I really, really wish this was a bill with full casinos and on the ballot in the form of a constitutional amendment.
The fact that my constituents seem to want me to vote yes overwhelmingly. The ones I talk do not seem to be concerned about having the right to vote. I think the stories of the demise of the horse industry is pushing people to that decision.
I don't want to be the guy that killed the racing industry.
Finally, I keep coming back to a chance encounter I had recently. I went by myself to play golf in Lexington and was paired up with 2 gentlemen. One of the gentlemen moved here from the northeast. He made what I assume was very large amounts of money at some big company (I think it was Comcast). Anyway when he retired, his wife wanted to get into the Thoroughbred business. So they moved here to Kentucky to own and race horses. He told me very flatly that he can't afford to race any of his horses here in Kentucky. He ships them to Indiana and Pennsylvania to race them. He chuckled at the fact that he moved here to Kentucky to be in the horse capital of the world and can't race his horses here.
Now, this gentleman and his wife are the sort of people we need to attract and keep here in Kentucky. He has plenty of money to spend, and he probably does spend it. But he has no roots here. There is nothing keeping him from moving to Indiana or Pennsylvania where his horses do run. We need more people,like this couple, to invest in Kentucky. Therefore we must increase purses and help our tracks become more competitive.
I'd rather see another option like Sen. Damon Thayer's instant racing concept. However, that was not an option. I chose what I believe and hope was the best option. That is why I voted yes.
slots bill
Sounds like there will be a vote on Friday morning. Session starts at 10am. Debate on the bill will probably begin around 10:15. If you want to watch it, it can be seen on KET 4 (or 5, not sure), or ket.org. The Democratic leadership seems to think they have the votes.
Ever have one of those moments where you mouth fell open in disbelief? I just did. While looking over the amendments for the slots bill, I saw amendment 3. It would eliminate the prevailing wage for school construction for 3 years. The Legislative Research Commission has put down on their web site that the sponsor is Charlie Hoffman. Charlie sits right next to me on the floor and is a HUGE union guy. I suspect there might be a mistake on the web, but it would be great if Charlie actually ran the amendment. It might actually pass if it did.
As for me, I have never been so conflicted about a bill before in my life. I am typically very decisive. Never on the fence. This time is different. Hopefully I will wake up with a final answer.
Check here tomorrow for an explaination of my vote.
Ever have one of those moments where you mouth fell open in disbelief? I just did. While looking over the amendments for the slots bill, I saw amendment 3. It would eliminate the prevailing wage for school construction for 3 years. The Legislative Research Commission has put down on their web site that the sponsor is Charlie Hoffman. Charlie sits right next to me on the floor and is a HUGE union guy. I suspect there might be a mistake on the web, but it would be great if Charlie actually ran the amendment. It might actually pass if it did.
As for me, I have never been so conflicted about a bill before in my life. I am typically very decisive. Never on the fence. This time is different. Hopefully I will wake up with a final answer.
Check here tomorrow for an explaination of my vote.
Thursday update
Yesterday, HB 3 and 4 were voted out of the House. Those were the economic development bill (which I voted for) and the infrastructure bill (which I voted against).
We just got out of session today. No public policy was made today, but the word is that the slots bill will be up for a vote tomorrow.
More on that in my next post.
We just got out of session today. No public policy was made today, but the word is that the slots bill will be up for a vote tomorrow.
More on that in my next post.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
tidbits from Frankfort
On the gambling bill:
We are having a Licensing and Occupations Committee Wednesday at 1pm. The committee will hear the bill, but not vote on it. The vote will be done in Appropriations and Revenue Committee. Not sure why the extra meeting. Theoretically it could be voted on Thursday, but I have a feeling it won't be that day. We'll see if I am right.
They don't have the votes yet, given the Governor is meeting with members.
The Governor has produced his gambling bill. I don't think that is the version that will show up in committee.
On other topics, sounds like the economic incentives bill and infrastructure bills will both come up for vote on Wednesday.
We are having a Licensing and Occupations Committee Wednesday at 1pm. The committee will hear the bill, but not vote on it. The vote will be done in Appropriations and Revenue Committee. Not sure why the extra meeting. Theoretically it could be voted on Thursday, but I have a feeling it won't be that day. We'll see if I am right.
They don't have the votes yet, given the Governor is meeting with members.
The Governor has produced his gambling bill. I don't think that is the version that will show up in committee.
On other topics, sounds like the economic incentives bill and infrastructure bills will both come up for vote on Wednesday.
Monday, June 15, 2009
back to Frankfort
I will be headed down to Frankfort today for the special session, or as I like to call it, the yearly summer session.
We will be taking up the Governor's budget reduction plan, slots at the tracks, economic development incentive plan, and the Ohio-Indiana bridges plan.
I plan to update the blog regularly through the session.
Rumor is that we will be taking up the slots plan at a Licensing and Occupations committee meeting on Tuesday.
First thing to look for: All 4 bills will probably be introduced today. Will they all be given their first reading today or not? If so, then they could all be passed starting on Wednesday. If not, then the negotiating and posturing has already begun.
We will be taking up the Governor's budget reduction plan, slots at the tracks, economic development incentive plan, and the Ohio-Indiana bridges plan.
I plan to update the blog regularly through the session.
Rumor is that we will be taking up the slots plan at a Licensing and Occupations committee meeting on Tuesday.
First thing to look for: All 4 bills will probably be introduced today. Will they all be given their first reading today or not? If so, then they could all be passed starting on Wednesday. If not, then the negotiating and posturing has already begun.
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