Another Christmas is upon us, and I’d like to extend warm wishes and a sincere hope you and your loved ones are enjoying a holiday season in good health and full of happiness.

This season, in particular, I can say I am looking forward to just being home, in my district, with friends and family to enjoy the holidays and spend more time with the people I am proud to represent.

As a new year approaches, I always become nostalgic about the past and reflect on the accomplishments of the concluding year.

We passed pivotal legislation to ensure safety in our schools, provide pension relief for our quasi-governmental entities and regional universities, and we continued to defend the lives of the unborn.

Even though there has been a change in the governor’s office, the Kentucky State Senate will continue to champion responsible policies and work toward the betterment of the Commonwealth.

During the interim session, my colleagues and I worked diligently to finalize our policy goals for the upcoming 60-day budget session. It appears it will be a difficult budget as we continue to try and balance the ever-growing needs of the Commonwealth while, at the same time, trying to secure the pensions of our state workers, teachers and current retirees.

I would like to personally express my gratitude to each and every one of you who reached out, provided input or testified before the General Assembly this past year. Your assistance was crucial and truly helps guide us as we finalize our legislative priorities for the 60-day session, which will begin Jan. 7, 2020.

On a personal note, I suppose what will be most etched in my memory about 2019 was the opportunity to visit nearly every county in Kentucky during a political run for lieutenant governor. I never dreamed I would be afforded the opportunity to run for statewide office.

Dawn and I considered it an honor and a pleasure to meet so many Kentuckians and hear so many stories about the needs that press on our families every day.

The experience politically matured me, but also confirmed I represent the best Senate district in Kentucky.

And, although the result was not what I expected or wanted, I am always comforted to know God remains in control of all things. He has a plan for each and every one of us; not just in the daily tasks and problems of our lives, but also on an eternal perspective.

Let us not forget the true reason for Christmas — the reminder of the “good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

This, our salvation, is also in God’s plan for all of us if we just recognize it and accept it.

It is my wish that everyone has a very Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.

Be well, and I look forward to hearing from you again in 2020.

Please feel free to call me about this issue or any other public policy issue toll-free at 1-800-372-7181 or email me at Ralph.Alvarado@LRC.ky.gov. You can also review the Legislature’s work online at www.lrc.ky.gov.

State Sen. Ralph Alvarado (R-Winchester) represents the 28th State Senate District including Clark and Montgomery counties and the eastern portion of Fayette County.