Biting Legislation

Mine safety bill moving in House

A mine safety bill given up for dead last month by its sponsor has been resuscitated and will likely clear the House Tuesday, according to two coal-field lawmakers who have battled over the legislation.

Hallelujah! This legislation is critical. I am elated the bill is alive. Incidentally, where was Governor Fletcher as this bill floundered?

Senate plan calls for bond issue for retirement overhaul

Legislative leaders are considering issuing more than $500 million in bonds and changing benefits for future hires in hopes of solving the financial woes of the state retirement systems. Senate President David Williams, R-Burkesville, today said the plan enjoys bipartisan support in the Senate, and that he is hopeful the House will sign on in the final days of this year’s legislative session.

Governor Fletcher should also champion this reform. He is where?

Hospital tax limit passes Senate

The Kentucky General Assembly today put a permanent cap on a tax that hospitals pay on their revenue. Starting in mid-2008, the tax will be based on the revenue that hospitals received in the 2005-06 fiscal year. That freezes collections from the tax at their current level and protects hospitals from yearly fluctuations.

Limiting taxes… A grand accomplishment.

Bill requiring fire-safe cigarettes passes House committee

A proposed mandate on cigarette manufacturers to only sell self-extinguishing cigarettes in Kentucky cleared a House committee on Monday. Proponents say the measure would cut down on fires and fire-related deaths because the cigarettes automatically extinguish themselves when left unattended. The measure heads to the full House for consideration. A similar plan is pending in the Senate.

One less excuse when your house burns down.