(Aug 20, 2010) ... Crash barriers on the Gene Snyder and I-64; improved traffic flow at the Gene Snyder and Taylorsville Rd. exit; completion of Blankenbaker Rd.; widening I-64 east toward Shelbyville; ... Read more

(Aug 9, 2010) In 1900, as a new century dawned, our nation was in a state of constant evolvement: the Wright Brothers fixed-wing aircraft took flight, the Model T could be heard motoring down the road, and Pepsi-Cola was a freshly patented drink.  Amidst the introduction of these innovations, a grassroots movement that would have a life-altering impact was underway.  In 1920, decades of marches, jailings, and all-encompassing sacrifices gave way to passage of the 19th Amendment, which prohibits denying any citizen the right to vote based on their gender, therefore, granting women voting rights. Read more

(June 1, 2010) With a budgetary shortfall in excess of $1 billion and the possibility of a state government shutdown looming closer to becoming a reality, my colleagues and I returned to Frankfort for an Extraordinary Session to pass the Commonwealth’s executive branch biennial budget and six-year road plan. Read more

(Apr. 20, 2010) When the General Assembly arrived in Frankfort three months ago, it was expected that we would pass numerous key pieces of legislation.  I am proud to say that goal was mostly accomplished and some of those bills will have a positive impact on various segments of our Commonwealth.  Yet, the story of the 2010 Regular Session does not end there. Read more

(Apr. 5, 2010) Even before the Speaker’s gavel fell convening the 2010 Regular Session, my colleagues and I were fully aware of the budgetary challenge that lay before us.  Treading these economically turbulent waters, I understood that we needed to construct a budget that not only protects our state’s vital services and places our Commonwealth back on the road to financial stability, but also one that would not place a heavier tax burden on our citizens and businesses. Read more

(Mar. 26, 2010) Crafting a budget from two vastly differing pieces of legislation is a difficult process in itself.  Coupling that process with a limited amount of time is the situation in which members of the bipartisan, bicameral conference committee on House Bill 290 now find themselves as the end of this 60-day session draws near. The conference committee, which has been meeting since Mar. 24, is expected to work throughout the weekend in hopes of negotiating a compromise amenable to both chambers before we adjourn for the 10-day veto period. Read more

(Mar. 19, 2010) ... Passing 65-33, largely along party lines, House Bill 290, the state’s executive branch budget bill, is a $17.5 billion spending plan that will drive Kentucky into record high debt, while increasing taxes on our businesses and borrowing billions of dollars for projects. It would cut funding for state agencies and higher education, while providing more than $2 billion in bond issues for school construction, roads, and water and sewer infrastructure.  Revenue used to fund these projects would be derived from legislation passed by the House last week that I strongly opposed due to the extreme anti-business provisions. Read more

(Mar. 12, 2010) ... Passing 65-33, largely along party lines, House Bill 290, the state’s executive branch budget bill, is a $17.5 billion spending plan that will drive Kentucky into record high debt, while increasing taxes on our businesses and borrowing billions of dollars for projects. It would cut funding for state agencies and higher education, while providing more than $2 billion in bond issues for school construction, roads, and water and sewer infrastructure.  Revenue used to fund these projects would be derived from legislation passed by the House last week that I strongly opposed due to the extreme anti-business provisions. Read more

(Mar. 5, 2010) ... With the Governor proposing unrealistic measures, my colleagues and I hoped this year would provide the opportunity for a budget to be crafted in a bi-partisan manner, satisfying the needs of Kentucky in a fiscally sensible manner.  Now, with less than a month remaining in the 2010 Regular Session, I was disappointed to see the Democrat’s proposal, which raises taxes in House Bill 530. Read more

(Feb. 26, 2010) ... Government transparency would be extended to executive branch personal service contracts under House Bill 387, passed by the House State Government Committee.  All cabinets and departments within state government would be required to report the number of all full-time classified, unclassified and contract employees to the Personnel Cabinet.  This report would be submitted to the Legislative Research Commission within 15 days after the effective date of this act and on a quarterly basis thereafter. Read more

(Feb. 19, 2010) ... ... Combat veterans could receive additional help for post-traumatic stress and other disorders through House Bill 377, approved 97-0.  When combat veterans are arrested, they will be identified by pretrial officers as having served in the military and will be immediately connected to available assistance. By providing quick and effective aid to these veterans, we can help them ease back into work and home life after enduring the horrors of war. Read more

(Feb. 12, 2010) ... ... Breath-monitoring “ignition interlock” devices would be installed in the vehicles of first-time DUI offenders under House Bill 58, approved by the House Appropriations and Revenue Committee.  Courts would be required to order the installation of the interlock device, which electronically senses a driver’s breath alcohol concentration before the person can start his or her vehicle. If the device detects alcohol consumption in the driver’s breath content, the vehicle will not start. Read more

(Feb. 8, 2010) ... All public high schools would be required to provide seniors with voting information through legislation approved by the House Education Committee.  The information detailed in House Bill 212 would include how to register to vote, how to vote in an election using a ballot and how to vote using an absentee ballot. Additionally, teachers would be given the flexibility to disseminate this material as they see fit. Read more

(Feb. 1, 2010) ... Kentucky National Guard Members who were injured while on active duty would receive military pay during their rehabilitation through House Bill 237. Passed by the Military Affairs and Public Safety Committee, this legislation would provide immediate relief to our service members if signed into law. Read more

(Jan. 25, 2010) Last Friday, the Kentucky House of Representatives was transformed into a sea of blue as University of Kentucky Men’s Basketball Coach, John Calipari, addressed the legislature about his endeavor to raise money for the Haitian relief effort known as Hoops for Haiti. Read more

(Jan. 22, 2010) ... While opinions differ greatly on the issue of casino gaming in Kentucky, the sentiment shared by many is a budget based on money that does not exist is the not the path to financial stability. In the midst of a deep recession, we need to formulate a budget that is based on definite revenue.  The Governor’s plan is based on a thrice-defeated proposal. Read more

(Jan. 15, 2010) ... On Wednesday, House Bill 176 passed by a vote of 97-0, becoming the first bill of the 2010 Regular Session to pass out of the House chamber.  This legislation would offer districts ranking low in student achievement a variety of intervention options, such as consolidating with another school in the county, hiring a new principal, and enacting a stringent set of performance-enhancing reforms.  Additionally, it sets forth a definition for low-performing schools based upon graduation rates as well as math and reading proficiency. Read more

(Jan. 8, 2010) While the Governor claims his first two years have been an “indisputable success”, we must be frank in understanding the shape our Commonwealth is currently.  Instead of reflecting on the past, I am focusing on the future and committed to providing assurances to you and to restore financial viability to our Commonwealth.  I admit the problems we are faced with offer no simple solutions. Yet, I am fully committed to working with every member in a bipartisan, bicameral manner to usher our state through these uncertain times. Read more

(Jan. 6, 2010) ... Without question, the single greatest issue facing lawmakers this year is the state’s 2010-2012 biennial budget, which promises to present unprecedented challenges.  While Kentucky is facing a looming deficient of nearly $1 billion, House Republican Caucus members will not accept “quick fix” legislation to fill this financial gap, but rather will work for lasting solutions that protect essential state services and provide Kentuckians with the reassurance they need. Read more

Any act of the federal government that assumes a power not delegated to the United States government would constitute a nullification of the United States Constitution and all powers previously delegated to the United States will revert to the states.  Any future government of the United States would require ratification by three-quarters of the states. Read the bill

This time of the year conjures up many different images, but one theme is common: Christmas is a time of excitement and joy.  Neighborhoods and store windows brightly shine with lights and decorations.  Children dream of the toys that Santa Claus will place under their tree.  Adults pause a moment to remember the joys of Christmas past, reflect on time with loved ones and look ahead at the year to come. ... Read entire article

Representative Crimm, R-Jefferson County, joined an observation team of teachers, administrators and University of Louisville faculty in an effort to strengthen high school civics lessons. Read more