Roundup

Its been awhile since we sent out something on general political news, but with the end of the year approaching and a lot of items percolating around now seemed like a good time, so here goes... 

2011 Session - Priority Issues for Governor Beshear and Legislative Caucuses

With the 2011 Session around the corner the Governor and Legislative Leaders have been announcing their policy platforms for the upcoming session. With everything from a sportsman's bill of rights to immigration reform on the minds of policymakers, the real question remains....What will they accomplish?

Beshear wants limited agenda for legislative session does a good job of laying out the top priorities for Governor Beshear...Medicaid budget corrections and raising the dropout age.

President Williams and the Senate Republicans announced their agenda last week and it includes a Commission on Tax reform, providing for Charter schools, reforming pensions, and several others...Download Here

House Democrats are caucusing in Frankfort this week though no formal announcement of their platform has been made, however the Chamber heard House Speaker Stumbo's legislative priorities at a meeting earlier this week.

House Republicans - Announced their 2011 platform prior to the November elections back in September. Ky. House GOP unveils accountability agenda

Senate Democrats caucused earlier this week, though no platform has been announced yet this was up on their website: Democrats moved Kentucky forward, renewing our commitment to improving education, safeguarding our youth, promoting energy independence, creating and keeping jobs and protecting Kentucky’s small businesses through tax relief and improved health care.

General Assembly Organization - Leadership Races, Committee Assignments, and New Chairs

The 2011 General Assembly session will begin in January with the ever-important Organizational Session where the legislature will elect leaders, appoint Committee Chairs, and assign members to committees. Although most of this will not be official until the first week in January some of the Caucuses have made a few announcements.

Senate Republicans - These articles lay out several announcements related to their 2011 organization:

GOP caucus again elects David Williams to head state Senate

David Williams places all 4 freshman GOP senators on budget committee

NKY gains clout in state Senate

House Democrats - Won't finalize their organization until the first week of the session, but their may be some contested leadership races Former House Speaker Jody Richards reportedly to challenge Larry Clark.

Senate Democrats - With the retirement of Sen. Ed Worley, the Senate Democrats must elect a new Senate Minority Leader..R.J. Palmer seeking Democratic Senate leader post, Julian Carroll might too

Meet the Freshman
The 2010 Elections have produced some new faces that will arrive in Frankfort in January. Here are a few resources to help you get to know them better:
LRC Freshman List with Pics
CN2 - Focus on Freshmen and CN2 - Freshman State Senators
House GOP - Videos w/ Freshmen

November Revenue
Sort of interesting that nearly no one in the mainstream media reported that the state revenue report was released last week and the news was good. General Fund and Road Fund revenues were both up in November making it five months straight of revenue growth. The three main takeaways are:
1. These increased revenues were budgeted for, meaning that there really isn't any surplus, revenues are only slightly ahead of budget.
2. In order to meet the General Fund budgeted revenue projections, revenues have to increase 3.7% more by July 2011.
3. There is almost no way the Road Fund will not beat the budgeted revenue estimate, it only has to grow 0.4% more in the next 7 months.
Download Full Report

Secretary Jackson Stepping Down-Longmeyer Named Replacement

Gov. Steve Beshear today announced that Nikki Jackson, secretary of the Kentucky Personnel Cabinet, has submitted her resignation to accept the position of vice chancellor for human resources with Maricopa Community Colleges in Tempe, Ariz. Jackson’s last day with the Cabinet is Jan. 7, 2011. Gov. Beshear has named Tim Longmeyer as the new Personnel Cabinet Secretary. He has served as deputy secretary of the Cabinet since January 2008. Press Release

Kentucky's U.S. Senators, New Louisville and Lexington Mayors Announce Staff Appointments

Senate aide Josh Holmes named McConnell’s next chief of staff:

U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell has named Josh Holmes, who heads the Senate Republicans’ communications center, as his next chief of staff in his his Washington, D.C., office. Holmes will take over for Billy Piper, who is leaving at the end of the month to join a Washington lobbying firm after serving as McConnell’s top aide since 2002.

Sen.-elect Paul announces staff appointments: U.S. Sen.-elect Rand Paul, R-Bowling Green, announced several appointments Tuesday to his official staff.

Fischer begins shaping administration with 8 appointments: "Louisville Mayor-elect Greg Fischer gave a glimpse into his new administration Friday, naming a diverse group of people to eight key positions."

Mayor-elect Gray names transition team: "Lexington Mayor-elect Jim Gray announced Tuesday the process he will use for his transition into office, and he named leaders of a team that will help make it happen."

With the new year approaching we will be posting more...stay tuned.