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Senator C. B. Embry Jr. Legislative Update

The world is continuing to learn more about the COVID-19 pandemic with each passing day. As your State Senator, I am proud to see how Kentuckians are responding. Even while implementing safety precautions such as “social distancing” that physically keep us apart, we are pulling together like never before in order to fight this invisible enemy. Our motto has never been more evident: “United we stand, divided we fall.”

 

Members of the Kentucky General Assembly returned to Frankfort on Thursday with the primary goal of advancing the state’s biennial budget plan. While negative economic impacts due to the coronavirus are inevitable, I am confident in the legislature’s ability to reconcile political differences and craft a balanced two-year financial plan for the Commonwealth.

 

The budget conference committee began meeting this week. This bipartisan and bicameral group is tasked with reexamining the current budget document and determining the most financially responsible avenue moving forward, given the economic climate. To get a clearer view of what the state’s financial future could look like, the committee heard a report from the Consensus Forecasting Group, whose members offered a less than optimistic projection with an estimated $300 million in revenue losses over the next two years. These difficult financial conversations and budget revisions will be ongoing until a final version of the budget is agreed upon.

 

We are constitutionally required to pass a budget prior to adjourning the legislative session. Therefore, it is anticipated that both chambers will vote on the finalized budget bill when we reconvene on our next legislative day on Wednesday, April 1. We will be in veto recess until the session’s final days on April 14 and 15.

 

There are many ways for you to stay informed on legislative happenings as we continue our work in Frankfort. Livestreamed video feed is available for all General Assembly meetings. Kentucky Educational Television (KET) currently livestreams Senate and House proceedings as well as many committee sessions. The Legislative Research Commission (LRC) will livestream any committee meetings that aren’t covered by KET on YouTube. 

 

To see the daily meeting schedule with links to livestreams visit:

 

LRC: legislature.ky.gov (link to watch is on the homepage). 

 

KET: ket.org/legislature

 

I understand that these are troubling times, and it feels like there are more questions than answers. However, I believe it is important that all Kentuckians are informed of the resources that have been made available to help with any questions or concerns that you may have. I would ask for your assistance in sharing this information with those in your community as well.

 

The COVID-19 hotline is still available to those in need: 1 (800) 722-5725. The hotline is a service operated by the healthcare professionals at the Kentucky Poison Control Center who can provide advice and answer questions. They ask that you first review their website, kycovid19.ky.gov, before calling. Guidance and updated information is being provided as it becomes available.

 

The Education & Workforce Development Cabinet is working expeditiously to better serve those who have been displaced from work during this frustrating and challenging time. To expedite the process, Unemployment Insurance (UI) claims will be filed on a specific day of the week based on the first letter of your last name:

 

Sunday: A – D

Monday: E – H

Tuesday: I – L

Wednesday: M – P

Thursday: Q – U

Friday: V – Z (And all who missed their day)

 

Please be on the lookout for UI information and other updates from the cabinet via social media and its website: www.kcc.ky.gov.

 

As we maneuver through the final legislative days of the 2020 Regular Session, I encourage you to utilize resources mentioned to stay updated on the coronavirus situation and budget discussions. Take care of each other and stay healthy.  It is an honor to represent you in Frankfort.

 

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Note:  Senator C.B. Embry, (R-Morgantown), represents the 6th District including Butler, Hopkins, Muhlenberg, and Ohio Counties. He is vice chairman of Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection Committee and co-chairman of the Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight Committee. He also serves as a member of the Natural Resources and Energy Committee; the Transportation Committee, and the Budget Review Subcommittee on Education.

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