SENATOR PHILLIP WHEELER’S LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
The world is continuing to learn more about the COVID-19 pandemic with each passing day. As your State Senator, I am proud to see how Kentuckians are responding. Even while implementing safety precautions such as “social distancing” that physically keep us apart, we are pulling together like never before in order to fight this invisible enemy. Our motto has never been more evident: “United we stand, divided we fall.”
Members of the Kentucky General Assembly returned to Frankfort on Thursday with the primary goal of advancing the state’s biennial budget plan. While negative economic impacts due to the coronavirus are inevitable, I am confident in the legislature’s ability to reconcile political differences and craft a balanced two-year financial plan for the Commonwealth.
Economic relief for COVID-19-impacted businesses and workers passed both chambers with overwhelming bipartisan support. Senate Bill 150, which originally dealt with out-of-network insurance billing, was amended in free conference negotiations between the House and Senate. A key provision would extend unemployment eligibility to the self-employed, including many small business owners, and independent contractors who were not previously eligible for unemployment benefits under Kentucky law. Many people are out of work due to no fault of their own. In this time of great national distress where we are all having to make shared sacrifices, it is imperative that every working man and woman should be free from financial distress.
The budget conference committee began meeting this week. This bipartisan and bicameral group is tasked with reexamining the current budget document and determining the most financially responsible avenue moving forward, given the economic climate. To get a clearer view of what the state’s financial future could look like, the committee heard a report from the State Budget Director who offered a less than optimistic projection with an estimated $300 million in revenue losses over the next two years. The revenue losses as a result of the measures necessary to contain the COVID-19 virus could in reality be much greater and difficult financial conversations and budget revisions will be ongoing until a final version of the budget is agreed upon.
We are constitutionally required to pass a budget prior to adjourning the legislative session. Therefore, it is anticipated that both chambers will vote on the finalized budget bill when we reconvene on our next legislative day on Wednesday, April 1. We will be in veto recess until the session’s final days on April 14 and 15.
There are many ways for you to stay informed on legislative happenings as we continue our work in Frankfort. Livestreamed video feed is available for all General Assembly meetings. Kentucky Educational Television (KET) currently livestreams Senate and House proceedings as well as many committee sessions. The Legislative Research Commission (LRC) will livestream any committee meetings that aren’t covered by KET on YouTube.
To see the daily meeting schedule with links to livestreams visit:
LRC: legislature.ky.gov (link to watch is on the homepage).
KET: ket.org/legislature
I understand that these are troubling times, and it feels like there are more questions than answers. Many of our legislative priorities have been placed on hold to combat and invisible enemy which knows no party and threatens us all. However, I believe it is important that all Kentuckians are informed of the resources that have been made available to help with any questions or concerns that you may have. I would ask for your assistance in sharing this information with those in your community as well.
The COVID-19 hotline is still available to those in need: 1 (800) 722-5725. The hotline is a service operated by the healthcare professionals at the Kentucky Poison Control Center who can provide advice and answer questions. They ask that you first review their website, kycovid19.ky.gov, before calling. Guidance and updated information is being provided as it becomes available.
The Education & Workforce Development Cabinet is working expeditiously to better serve those who have been displaced from work during this frustrating and challenging time. To expedite the process, Unemployment Insurance (UI) claims will be filed on a specific day of the week based on the first letter of your last name:
Sunday: A – D
Monday: E – H
Tuesday: I – L
Wednesday: M – P
Thursday: Q – U
Friday: V – Z (And all who missed their day)
Please be on the lookout for UI information and other updates from the cabinet via social media and its website: www.kcc.ky.gov.
As we maneuver through the final legislative days of the 2020 Regular Session, I encourage you to utilize resources mentioned to stay updated on the coronavirus situation and budget discussions. Take care of each other and stay healthy. It is an honor to represent you in Frankfort.
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 Phillip.Wheeler@LRC.ky.gov. Remember, you can review the Legislature’s work online at www.legislature.ky.gov
# # #
Note: Senator Phillip Wheeler (R-Pikeville) represents Kentucky’s 31st State Senate District, which includes Elliott, Lawrence, Martin, Morgan, and Pike Counties. Senator Wheeler serves as Chair of the Natural Resources and Energy committee, the co-chair of the Public Water and Wastewater System Infrastructure Task Force. He also serves as a member of the Senate Standing Committees on Judiciary, and Appropriations & Revenue. Senator Wheeler is also a member of the Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government, Finance and Public Protection; the Program Review and Investigations Committee; the Government Contract Review Committee, and the 2020-2022 Budget Preparation and Submission Statutory Committee. For a high-resolution .jpeg of Senator Wheeler, please visit https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate131.jpg
Keep up the good work Mr. Wheeler!