McCoy Update: House will soon unveil its state pension plan, state budget

REP. CHAD MCCOY

By CHAD MCCOY
50th District State Representative

Friday, Feb. 16, 2018 — This week in Frankfort marked the halfway point of the 2018 Legislative Session. Kentucky is a robust state, with many incredibly good traits, and some serious issues still to tackle. Every two years in Frankfort, the Legislature is charged with crafting a budget to fund important government programs like education, health care, and transportation, just to name a few. Every two years, Kentuckians descend on Frankfort to make the case for funding certain programs, and this year is certainly no different.

Within the month, I expect the House to reveal its budget plan. Within the week, I expect the General Assembly to reveal its pension plan – which has been the subject of much speculation over the last six months. It’s an open secret that Kentucky has one of the nation’s worst funded public pensions, and that changes must be made to keep the commitment of a retirement to teachers and state workers. As we bear down on a pension bill to address the issues that exist, I remain confident that any plan will reflect the sentiments of those most affected, and that the best possible solution will be proposed. And as a result, we will pass a measure that finally sets the systems on the right track to long-term sustainability, while allowing the state to move forward. The interested parties spoke, and we listened – which is, after all, the best model for success.

Simultaneously, the process of drafting a budget is underway, and I’m confident the final House version will appropriately fund education of our students in K-12 schools, will take care of the health care needs of our most vulnerable, will fund a transportation system that is conducive to a great quality of life and free flowing travel for individuals and businesses, and will position Kentucky to be a global leader.

Aside from the major work on public pensions and the budget, we have been very busy in other areas too. A few bills that moved through the House this week include:

HOUSE BILL 191, a consumer protection measure for online eye care, passed the Kentucky House of Representatives. The legislation sets basic standards for the operation of online eye care. Currently, Kentucky does not have any standards for online technology for glasses or contacts. HB 191 was crafted carefully to ensure it does not infringe upon the growth of new medical technology.

HOUSE BILL 193, would make it a felony to intentionally expose a law enforcement officer to bodily fluids or bodily waste, was approved by the House Judiciary Committee. Currently, Kentucky jailers and some other officials are protected against someone intentionally causing them to come into contact with bodily fluids and waste, but not law enforcement. The legislation would carry stiffer penalties if the bodily fluids or waste carry—or could carry—a communicable disease, including hepatitis C virus or HIV. Both crimes would be considered felony assault under the proposal.

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 35, would remove hemp from the definition of marijuana in the federal Controlled Substances Act. Hemp, like marijuana, is a variety of the cannabis plant but is non-narcotic and legally produced on many Kentucky farms for industrial use. Kentucky removed many hemp products from its definition of illegal substances in 2017. Removing hemp from the federal Controlled Substance Act will allow Kentucky farmers and processors to take full advantage of this promising agricultural crop.

HOUSE BILL 260, would set licensing and renewal fees for barbers, cosmetologists and related trades by regulation, not by law, passed a House committee. Additionally, it would allow board inspectors on the premises of shops and salons to review paperwork related to board-licensed activities.

Thank you for allowing me to serve as your voice in Frankfort. Please reach out to me with your thoughts on the serious issues we are working on, by email or phone. You can reach me through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181, or you can contact me via e-mail at Chad.McCoy@lrc.ky.gov. You can keep track of committee meetings and potential legislation through the Kentucky Legislature Home Page at www.lrc.ky.gov.

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