The hallways were packed with Kentuckians from across the state making their voices
heard as we began the second part of the 2017 Legislative Session in Frankfort. I
was especially heartened at the passionate crowd for the Rally for Life on
Wednesday, February 8, and later in the evening that energy and excitement continued
during Governor Bevin’s State of the Commonwealth Address.
Hundreds of people filled the Capitol to celebrate the sanctity of life alongside
Governor Bevin and members of the General Assembly. The governor ceremonially signed
Senate Bill (SB) 5 and House Bill (HB) 2, both pro-life bills that help protect
unborn Kentuckians who cannot protect themselves. As Governor Bevin noted, 83
percent of the General Assembly supported these bills—a great reflection of the
pro-family values of Kentuckians—and I was proud to be a member of those ranks.
During the State of the Commonwealth Address, the governor told compelling stories
from citizens across the commonwealth both praising our state’s progress and
offering suggestions for improvement. From addressing tax reformation to our pension
crisis to assistance for veterans, Governor Bevin hit the nail on the head when he
outlined these issues. I look forward to continually working with him to solve
these problems.
Between the rallies and visits from citizens from across the commonwealth, the
Senate was busy hearing bills in committee and passing some out of the chamber.
Although this week was not quite as hectic as the first week of session in January,
we kept a quick pace and sent four bills to the House.
Senate Bill 2, a bill I cosponsored, encourages transparency and accountability in
the state pension system. This bill passed unanimously from the Senate, and I am
proud to stand up for taxpayers and retirees alike by taking another step toward
fixing our broken pension system.
Senate Bill 18, which protects the confidentiality of peer review information
conducted by doctors.
Senate Bill 50 was another bill that passed with bipartisan support. This
legislation gives local school districts control over their school calendars, giving
them the option to push back their school start dates so families have more time to
enjoy the summer months. I voted to support this bill only after changes to the
original bill made this change optional for local school districts.
Senate Bill 17, which protects students’ rights to religious and political speech,
is another bill I cosponsored and was the last bill to pass this week. I feel this
piece of legislation will strengthen the First Amendment rights of our students and
allow for expanded discussion of religion and politics in our schools.
On a personal note, I was honored to accept a 2017 “Champion for Children” award
this week during Children’s Advocacy Day.
I also had the pleasure of welcoming several folks from home to the Capitol this
week including Jennifer Jordan, Morgan Guess and her mother, Susan Guess, Paducah
Fire Chief Steve Kyle, members of the Paducah Board of Realtors, Mary Foley from the
Merryman House, Julie McKeel from ChildWatch, Jennifer Beck Walker and staff from
the PADD office, Calvert City Administrator John Ward and staff from the City of
Calvert City, Mr. and Mrs. Barney McNeill with NAMI Paducah, Mrs. Lana Trice Blish,
and last, but certainly not least, a group of awesome young people from the Oscar
Cross Boys and Girls Club.
[Oscar Cross Boys & Girls Club of Paducah-Sen. Carroll, D. (02-09-17) -1]
I would like to thank all those in my district who have taken the time to reach out
with their questions, concerns, and support, and those who responded to Facebook
posts asking for input. It is an honor to be in Frankfort on your behalf.
If you have any questions or comments about these issues or any other public policy
issue, please call me toll-free at 1-800-372-7181 or email me at
danny.carroll@lrc.ky.gov<mailto:danny.carroll@lrc.ky.gov>. You can also review the
Legislature’s work online at www.lrc.ky.gov<http://www.lrc.ky.gov>.
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Note: Senator Danny Carroll (R-Paducah) represents the 2nd District encompassing
Ballard, Carlisle, Marshall and McCracken counties. Senator Carroll serves as the
chairman of the Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government, as well as the
co-chair of the Program Review and Investigations Committee. He also serves as a
member of the Appropriations and Revenue Committee, the Education Committee, the
Budget Review Subcommittee on Education, the Health and Welfare Committee, the
Judiciary Committee, and the Government. For a high-resolution .jpeg of Senator
Carroll, please visit http://www.lrc.ky.gov/pubinfo/portraits/senate02.jpg.