Following a long weekend honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Kentucky General Assembly returned ready to work on your behalf in Frankfort.

The atmosphere in the Capitol was one of anticipation as hundreds of citizens rallied for causes in the rotunda and met with their legislators to discuss issues facing the Commonwealth.

This week included Children’s Advocacy Day at the Capitol, an event promoting children’s safety, health, education and economic well-being.

I was humbled to receive the “Champion for Children” award from Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children — an initiative through Kentucky Youth Advocates (KYA).

KYA has partnered with non-profits, public and private organizations to speak with a collective voice and create a brighter future for Kentucky children.

As a medical professional, I only want the best for our youth. I am blessed to be in a position where I can work with great organizations like KYA to improve the lives of Kentucky children.

I sincerely thank them and others who go to bat every day for our kids.

In light of this annual gathering, I would like to emphasize the importance of a complete count of our children and students in the upcoming 2020 Census.

The Census count helps determine how much money communities receive for critical resources that our children and families will depend on for the next 10 years, including food assistance, housing support, child care and public education.

Knowing how many children there are and where they live is essential to getting the proper access to those critical programs and services here in Kentucky. 

It is also imperative that we take necessary action to ensure the safety and security of our students.

Two years ago, the Commonwealth grieved the loss of innocent lives due to a senseless act of violence at Marshall County High School. This tragedy prompted last year’s Senate Bill 1, the School Safety and Resiliency Act, a multi-faceted approach to better secure Kentucky schools through increased physical safety measures, a supportive learning environment and preventative behavioral health services.

SB 1 passed with bipartisan support and was signed into law in 2019.

On the anniversary of the tragic Marshall County High School events, the Senate Education Committee passed SB 8, a measure that would amend the current statute to expand school personnel, including the designation of a school safety coordinator for each district and by requiring one school-based mental health counselor per 250 students.

SB 8 would also require school resource officers to carry firearms. 

Also passing favorably through committee this week was SB 9. This Senate priority measure is a testament to our unwavering commitment to protect and defend the right to life here in the Commonwealth.

Also known as the “Born Alive Infant Protection Act,” SB 9 requires a physician to take all medically appropriate and reasonable steps to preserve the life and health of a born-alive infant. I am a proud co-sponsor of the legislation and look forward to being an emphatic yes when it comes to the full Senate body for a vote.

I pray to see continued success for the bill in hopes it will arrive to the governor’s desk for final action. If vetoed, I look forward to overriding his veto and ensuring the voice of Kentuckians are heard and that we continue to be a state that champions pro-life legislation.

While it was only a four-day workweek for the Kentucky General Assembly, committees made progress with important legislation, and the Senate passed a number of bills out of the chamber that will now go on to the House for consideration.

I’m happy to say two of my bills were passed with overwhelming support. The first was Senate Bill 5, an act requiring special purpose governmental entities (SPGEs) to seek approval from their establishing body to levy at tax rate or fee increase above the compensating rate.

SB 5 provides much-needed oversight of people who are unelected and not currently accountable to the people.

Taxpayers of Kentucky deserve to know there is no taxation without representation.

The law would encourage dialogue and provide fiscal courts or city councils the ability to approve, amend or deny tax or fee increases.

The second bill of mine that passed was Senate Bill 56. This bill brings Kentucky law in alignment with recently-passed federal law that made 21 the legal age for sale, purchase and use of tobacco products.

An aspect of this bill I am proud of is the elimination of possession penalties for youth up to 21.

Some other pieces of legislation that passed this week were: 

— SB 2: A legislative priority that would require a voter to present a photo ID at the polls. Under the amended bill, an expired photo ID would be accepted.

The bill will also allow for those who arrived without a photo ID to cast a provisional vote. If done, they must finalize their vote within three days by verifying their identity at their local county clerk’s office.

SB 2 is backed by Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams and promotes confidence in the integrity of Kentucky elections. The bill is similar to legislation passed in Indiana. The 6th Circuit Court has upheld it. Worth noting is that the ruling was made. At the same time, the 6th Circuit Court was primarily made up of appointees of President Barack Obama.

I was a proud co-sponsor of SB 2.

— SB 66: Amends current statute to provide that someone criminally charged in the death of another cannot make the funeral, burial or other ceremonial arrangement decisions for the decedent.

SB 66 is a good bill that provides dignity to victims and peace of mind to their families.

— SB 72: A delicate but vital piece of proposed legislation. Kentucky is among 15 states where female genital mutilation is still legal.

FGM is any procedure involving the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or another injury to the female organs for nonmedical purposes. 

SB 72 makes sure there are no exemptions to allow this heinous procedure to be performed.

I added my name as a co-sponsor to this legislation. 

— SB 20: Prohibits the certification of assisted-living communities if they are owned, managed or operated by who has been convicted of felony offenses relating to adult abuse, child abuse, drugs, homicide, kidnapping, sex offenses, robbery, arson, pornography and other offenses.

— A report from the Health and Welfare Committee, which I chair, this week includes the favorable passage of Senate Bill 79, an act relating to school background checks. The bills merely makes some corrections to statutory language from 2017’s Senate Bill 236.

It ensures due process for prospective new hires in school districts who have been assigned an administrative hearing for potential findings of child abuse or neglect.

It requires those employees who have substantiated claims found against them, self-report to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. SB 79 is now eligible for a vote by the full Senate body. 

As I have alluded two in recent columns, during even-numbered years, the Kentucky General Assembly is tasked with preparing a balanced two-year budget for the state.

The budget address by the governor is one of the first steps in crafting this vital document that will guide the Commonwealth’s financial decisions for the next two years. Once the governor outlines his plan, the Kentucky Senate and House will propose our own budget plans. 

I am interested to see how the governor intends to financially keep all of his political promises that he has made over the past several years. He has continued to offer rhetoric that calls for unity.

Still, in his first weeks a governor, his actions have stood in stark contrast with his words.

The governor will be delivering his budget address at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 8.

The pace in Frankfort is quickly picking up, and I anticipate an increase of visitors and advocates from across the Commonwealth.

As always, I welcome your input on these issues.

It is an honor to serve on your behalf in Frankfort.

As always, do not hesitate to call me about this issue or any other public policy issue at 1-800-372-7181 or email me at Ralph.Alvarado@LRC.ky.gov. I am grateful for the opportunity to represent the 28th District (Clark, Montgomery, and Fayette Counties) and encourage your feedback throughout the legislative session.

God bless you and be safe.

Sen. Ralph Alvarado (R-Winchester) represents the 28th state Senate District, which includes Clark, Montgomery and part of Fayette counties. He can be reached toll free at 1-800-372-7181 or by email at Ralph.Alvarado@lrc.ky.gov.