Biting Legislation

Pension, spending bills may die

The House and Senate adjourned last night without resolving their differences over a state pension bailout and spending proposals. Yesterday was the last scheduled day of the session for passing bills, though lawmakers will return for two days later this month to consider any measures that Gov. Ernie Fletcher vetoes.

We elected them. Apparently, decision skills are not required.

Horse Park projects stall

The House and Senate deadlocked last night over proposed changes to the state budget and state retirement systems, leaving any resolution until they reconvene March 26 for two final days of work. Major money matters left hanging were $38 million for improvements at the Kentucky Horse Park, $9 million to relocate a runway at Blue Grass Airport and $25 million, if needed, for south-central Kentucky communities dealing with the repair of a leaky Wolf Creek Dam.

Once again, decision skills optional.

Measure sent to governor ‘very strong,’ sponsor says

A toughened mine-safety bill designed to stave off incidents like the May explosion that killed five Harlan County miners won unanimous legislative approval yesterday and will soon become law.

Very strong measure? Excellent. Our Governor is very weak.

Fletcher hasn't decided on horse sales bill

Gov. Ernie Fletcher has not decided whether to sign a bill aimed at heightening integrity in horse sales, his spokeswoman said today. House Bill 367, sent to Fletcher by the legislature on Monday, amends a law created last year that requires an agent representing both a buyer and a seller to disclose the position before many sales.

Obviously, Fletcher would have qualms concerning raising integrity.

Ky. House blocks pro-private measure

The long-running sports controversy between public and private high schools has landed in the Kentucky state legislature, with the public schools winning a round. Last night the House of Representatives rejected a measure aimed at heading off the public schools' latest attempt to address what they see as private schools' unfair advantage in sports.

Private schools can recruit. Public schools cannot. Why would this produce an advantage?