The main part of the 2009 legislative session got underway this week even as Kentucky continued to cope with one of the worst natural disasters ever experienced in the Commonwealth. 

The record ice and snow storm, power, water and communication outages, road problems, and dangerously cold temperatures tested Kentuckians as perhaps never before.

With the help of local, state and federal officials - and many power companies - service is being restored throughout the state, even though it may take weeks to get things back to normal.

The extraordinary tenacity and fortitude of Kentucky citizens helped us bear the harsh circumstances of the past week as we shoveled walkways, checked on neighbors, and in some cases, saved lives.

Kentucky legislators will need to mirror that fearless spirit as we tackle one of the toughest budget scenarios in our history.  Facing a $459 million shortfall for this fiscal year alone, we know tough decisions will have to be made in this short session. 

The governor, House and Senate leadership, budget committees, and administration officials have been meeting for weeks to determine our options.  Cutting more from a bare bones budget is not an alternative House members want to consider because of the increased stress those cuts would put on our social services, schools, public safety and healthcare programs; however reality may force those terrible decisions.

There are several alternative revenue producing proposals.  Currently, Kentucky’s 30-cent tax per pack is one of the lowest in the nation, so an increase in the tobacco tax is an option.  A tax on liquor has been suggested as well.

In addition, we are hopeful that Kentucky will receive funding from President Obama’s economic stimulus plan currently being discussed in Congress.  Legislators and the governor have worked together to provide lists of “shovel ready” projects to the president which, if selected, could provide much needed jobs and economic growth in communities across Kentucky.

The clock is ticking and with this being a short session, a plan to address the budget must come in the next two or three weeks in order to have time to be passed out of the House of Representatives and the Senate. 

The bipartisan cooperation that has guided our discussions is expected to continue, and I am confident that we will reach consensus and solutions to our difficult budget problems within our time constraints. 

I will keep you informed of our progress through these weekly Legislative Updates, but if you have any thoughts on the budget or other issues, please leave a message for me in Frankfort by calling the legislative toll-free Message Line at 800-372-7181, or through the Legislative Research Commission’s website at .  It is an honor to serve as your representative and I look forward to hearing from you.