The 2021 Kentucky General Assembly session is underway. Most activity in the state capitol Tuesday came in House and Senate Chambers.
Lawmakers in the House and Senate gathered in their respective chambers for traditional first day matters. New members were sworn in and already announced legislative leaders given official standing. Winchester Senator and physician Ralph Alvarado says additional vaccinations will help in Frankfort and all across the state..
“It’s gonna be difficult but at least the good news is I think there is a light at the end of the tunnel at this point. So, we’re starting to see as vaccinations start to come on line, then hopefully we start to see in the next several months things making it a little bit easier. But it’s going to be challenging as it always is,” said Alvarado.
Louisville Representative Mary Lou Marzian, a retired nurse, watched House proceedings remotely. The veteran lawmaker said there’s no reason for a full 30 day session. She said the budget and vaccination distribution could be addressed in a one week remote session. “It’s a super-spreader event. Even with masks on you can still get the virus and down in the House. I was watching it. I mean they are packed in like sardines,” said Marzian.
Marzian noted rule changes will allow for bills to move quicker with less public review. House Speaker Pro Tem David Meade said the emphasis will be on the state budget. Meade added he doesn’t expect, quote, “a ton of bills to go through.” The House leader said it will be at what he termed a “fairly calm pace.”
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