Tandy says money for health initiatives can come from the federal government through community development block grants. But those funds could soon be scarce. The U.S. House has proposed cutting the grants by more than 60%.
Tag Archives: House
Federal Legislation to Expedite EPA Decisions Mirrors Governor’s Stance
Congressman Hal Rogers filed the bill, which is similar to legislation introduced by Senators Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul in their chamber. The lawmakers say the EPA takes too long to approve or deny mining permits, and the delays may be an indirect method of rejecting permits.
Dick Brown with the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet says Rogers, Paul, McConnell and Governor Steve Beshear share a common frustration with the EPA.
Indiana House GOP Approves Fines for Boycotting Democrats
House Speaker Brian Bosma says Democratic leader Patrick Bauer has told him the boycotting members will not return Friday. Bosma says he will hold off on formall censuring them as he had discussed earlier.
The fines will begin Monday. Such charges have been threatened in previous House walkouts, but have been waived when the minority party returns.
Bill to Expand and Elect Public Service Commission Revised, Now Calls for Study
A Senate bill aimed at expanding the Kentucky Public Service Commission to seven members, elected by the people, has been altered in House committee. The bill now calls for creation of a legislative task force to study the issue and make recommendations for next year.
Crossroads Ads to Target Chandler
Kentucky Congressman Ben Chandler is among a dozen Democrats being targeted in a series of radio ads from the conservative-aligned Crossroads GPS organization. The ads criticize the representatives for voting against a Republican-backed bill to fund the government through the end of the fiscal year, largely through major spending cuts.
Anti-Bullying Bill Passes House Committee
Several committee members expressed concern about bullying but indicated current law should address the issue. Sponsor Mary Lou Marzian says the legislation gives school officials power they don’t currently have to better deal with bullies who target gay students.
School Bus Ad Bill Passes House
Mills says several states already allow school bus ads, and Ohio, New Jersey and Utah are considering similar legislation. He says such ads have already raised one million dollars this academic year for the Dallas, Texas, school system. The bill now moves to the Senate.
House Passes Bill That Requires Contractors To Verify Workers’ Immigration Status
The legislation puts the onus on employers to verify the immigration status of their employees. A Senate bill that puts the onus on law enforcement to verify the immigration status of suspected illegal aliens remains in a House committee.
House Passes Ignition Lock Bill
Legislation requiring ignition interlock devices on the vehicles of convicted drunk drivers has won the unanimous support of the Kentucky House. Vehicles equipped with the devices won’t crank for drivers with illegally high blood-alcohol levels.
Bill Raising Dropout Age Moves To House Floor
Last week, the bill won House Education Committee approval. Now, it has the House budget committee’s blessing. Education Commissioner Terry Holliday says any new costs associated with the bill will easily be covered in coming years.