By: Senator Chris Girdler (R-Somerset) and Senator Damon Thayer (R-Georgetown) In an effort to preserve prosperity enjoyed by Kentucky’s tourism industry and our overall economy, we plan to again file a similar version of Senate Bill (SB) 129 for the 2016 Legislative Session. SB 129 is a measure that would prevent schools from starting earlier … Continued

FRANKFORT, KY – Memorial Day is a significant holiday in the state of Kentucky in a variety of ways. Broadly, it is the unofficial kickoff to summer with the school year winding down, vacationers descending in droves to our lakes and rivers, and warm weather and sunshine becoming the norm. While many use this holiday as … Continued

FRANKFORT, Ky.- While I was not completely satisfied at the end of the 2015 General Assembly Session, I felt the legislature made great strides toward creating Kentucky jobs and strengthening Kentucky families in 2015. Several major priorities outlined by the Senate Republicans at the beginning of the session were passed, including anti-heroin legislation, a telecommunications … Continued

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The 2015 Legislative Session of the Kentucky General Assembly adjourned near midnight on Wednesday, March 11, signaling the close of a complex and issue-laden short session. Thursday marked the beginning of the Governor’s 10-day veto period during which he will review the bills passed by both House and Senate for his approval … Continued

FRANKFORT, Ky. – After a successful beginning to the week in the Senate, extreme weather conditions on Wednesday evening into Thursday prevented us from holding session on Thursday and Friday. The legislative offices were closed on Thursday, but were re-opened on Friday and we held a majority caucus meeting to discuss some remaining issues facing … Continued

FRANKFORT, Ky. – As we approach the final days of the 2015 legislative session, we have been working diligently to complete our consideration of Senate bills, while also vetting legislation that has passed the House chamber. We will begin considering several House bills next week, and on Monday the Senate plans to pass the first … Continued

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Bitter cold and record-breaking snow accumulation forced us to cancel the legislative session on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. While the House took off for the entire week, the Senate convened Thursday and Friday to do the people’s work. With the session nearing the halfway point, it was a busy couple … Continued

FRANKFORT, Ky. – There was no shortage of visitors in the Capitol during our third week of the 2015 legislative session. Hundreds of friends, colleagues, constituents and interest groups filled the hallways and met with legislators to weigh in on what issues were most important to them. As we welcomed the many visitors, we also … Continued

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The 2015 legislative session of the Kentucky General Assembly began “part two” of the 2015 session on Tuesday, which made for a busy week for legislators in Frankfort. On Tuesday morning I spoke at the Consignors and Commercial Breeders’ Association’s annual symposium, where I discussed the current state of Kentucky’s Thoroughbred industry … Continued