Beech Tree News Network

BELTON, KY— As summer nears an end and schools go back in session, I wanted to share a few items that might be of interest especially about an exciting addition to Muhlenberg County and the western end of the state. However, I would be remiss if I did not mention our fellow Kentuckians in Eastern Kentucky who have been devastated by recent flooding.

The difference between the tornadoes we experienced in December of last year and the recent floods is that tornadoes have paths, whereas floods have affected entire counties and not just specific towns, cities, or communities. There is talk of a Special Session towards the end of the month to address financial assistance much like what happened for us here in Western Kentucky. The state provided advance monies so that communities could begin cleaning up and rebuilding without having to wait so long for federal dollars to be made available. Many of those costs are reimbursable, so the assistance will be more in the form of loans so as not to tax the budget unnecessarily; more to come as plans progress.

Leadership in both legislative chambers and the Administration are in dialogue to prepare so that when the Special Session is called the work will be efficient and effective. In the meantime, many including fellow citizens of the 15th District are donating money, essential items, and their time to deliver those items and help in the clean-up efforts. That’s what Kentuckians do.

As school begins again, high school students, particularly seniors, need to be aware of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, otherwise known as the FAFSA, as they think about their future.  While some are hesitant to fill it out, it is good to know that there is no income cutoff when receiving federal student aid. The funds not only cover the cost of tuition but can also be used to help pay for educational supplies such as a computer or textbooks as well. Billions of dollars of financial aid for furthering ones education are left on the table because students fail to fill out the form.

Some things to know about the FAFSA is that the application process opens October 1, so it would be good to begin gathering all of the information required prior to that time so that filling it out is easier and quicker. The form can be completed online at fafsa.gov or by hand and the sooner it is filled out increases the likelihood of actually receiving help.

Some of you may not be aware, but FAFSA is not limited to high school seniors and college students but to any Kentuckian who wants to further their education. Many careers require some type of education or training such as a trade certificate or associate degree. Federal financial aid can be accessed for education besides a full college degree.

On Monday, August 1st, the first Safe Haven Baby Box located in an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) facility in Kentucky and the nation was blessed and made operational at 504 Doss Drive in Powderly; it was the 11th overall in the state. This had been the dream of Diana Anderson, the Executive Director of Pathway of Hope, Muhlenberg County’s Pregnancy Resource Center, for several years. 

Even though prior to 2021 babies could be legally left at specific locations, 2021 RS HB 155 allowed for Safe Haven Baby Boxes to be installed at 24-7 manned police stations, fire stations, or hospitals. When Muhlenberg County was considering where to install one, the best location was the 911/EMS Center that is centrally located in the county. It is also less conspicuous because there are fewer people going in and out and sitting outside, such as at a fire station, to make a surrender more likely. 

Unfortunately, HB 155 did not legally allow for that option. So with the passage of 2022 RS HB 442, EMS ground ambulance providers facilities were added as legal options. Through the cooperative efforts of the Muhlenberg County Fiscal Court, County Attorney, 911 Director, Owensboro Health and EMS Director alongside Pathway of Hope’s Board of Directors, the mentoring of Monica Kelsey, Founder of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, combined with an abundance of support from the community financially, physically, and spiritually, Muhlenberg County’s box finally became a reality. 

A young girl or woman who has a baby and for some reason does not feel she can parent them can surrender the baby anonymously to the box with no legal ramifications. Alarms are set off in the building where staff will respond within minutes to retrieve the baby, have a medical evaluation performed, and surrender the baby into state custody to be adopted within 30 to 45 days. 

The installation of the Safe Haven Baby Box is another tool for life and something we can be proud of having in our district and Western Kentucky. As was pointed out in comments that day, this is not just for Muhlenberg County, but for the entire region. 

As many of you know, my Mother passed on July 23rd and my Dad continues under the care of Hospice. Thank you for all your prayers, acts of kindness, and support shown to my family and me; they are much appreciated.

As always, I welcome your comments and concerns on any issue and can be reached, regardless of if in session or not, through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at-1-800-372-7181, at 502-564-8100, Ext. 59010, or via email at [email protected]

Please follow me on Facebook @melindagibbonsprunty. You can also keep track of committee meetings and potential legislation by visiting our website at https://legislature.ky.gov and watch both live and recorded meetings on YouTube at KY LRC Committee Meetings or on Kentucky Educational Television at https://ket.org/legislature.

Note: Representative Melinda Gibbons Prunty represents the 15th House District. She is Vice-Chair of both the Health & Family Services Committee and the Budget Review Sub-Committee on Health & Family Services. She serves on the Appropriations & Revenue, Education, and Natural Resources & Energy Committees as well as Medicaid Oversight & Advisory and the Kentucky Colon Cancer Screening & Prevention Advisory Committee.