Teacher shortage, road safety, and more discussed in Frankfort

As we near the end of July, I would like to take this opportunity to share more about what my fellow legislators and I have been working on. We are currently in the Interim Session, with just over five months until the start of the 2024 Regular Session, and committees are meeting with many organizations to prepare for the upcoming legislative session.

From solving the teacher shortage to improving road safety, committees heard testimony from organizations across the state.

Legislative Oversight and Investigations Committee: In this month’s meeting, members received a report from the LRC on the Kentucky Juvenile Justice System. Committee analysts gave 30 recommendations to the Department of Juvenile Justice on improving the juvenile justice system. The secretary of the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet and the Department of Juvenile Justice commissioner also testified in front of committee members about plans to implement the recommended procedures into the department.

IJC on Appropriations and Revenue: Members heard from Kentucky’s public universities and the Kentucky Community College and Technical Schools about how they are preparing students for careers in cyber security. This field is expected to grow exponentially over the next ten years, with an expected 35% jump in available cyber security analyst positions. Lawmakers also received an update on how the state is implementing legislation that legalized and regulated sports wagering. According to the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, which already regulates wagering on horse races, Kentuckians should be able to place their first bets using online apps or at a participating horse racing track on September 7.

IJC on Transportation: Members began the meeting by discussing work-zone safety. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet reports that in 2022, there were over 1,000 car crashes in work zones, resulting in 5 fatalities. Of those car crashes, 40% were caused by distracted driving. To solve this issue, committee members discussed the use of road surveillance cameras or more signage. The committee also heard from KYTC and its progress in repairing eastern Kentucky roadways damaged by last year’s floods. According to KYTC, 160,000 tons of debris from roadways and an additional 330,000 tons of debris from waterways were removed by contractors. Altogether, the debris removal process has costed more than $200 million. Lastly, members received an update on the status of rest area availability. Currently, there are not enough parking spaces at rest areas for commercial vehicles, so vehicles have begun to park on the rest area ramps. KYTC suggests a possible solution is to have signage near rest areas that state how many parking spots are available.

IJC on Education: Members heard testimony from educators on solving the teacher shortage in Kentucky. Superintendents from three Kentucky school districts gave testimony on ways to incentivize Kentucky students to become Kentucky teachers. The superintendent of Green County Schools spoke on the success of the school district’s Grow Your Own initiative that assists students pursuing a career in education. The superintendent of Nelson County Schools was joined by faculty from Western Kentucky University as they presented their Teaching Apprenticeship program that is launching this school year. The superintendent of Livingston County Schools spoke on behalf of the Coalition to Sustain the Education Profession developing ways to keep educators in the state.

While we begin these meetings to form the legislative agenda for 2024, I would like to hear from you regarding your interest in any of the issues before the Kentucky General Assembly. Feel free to reach out any time through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181 or by email at Felicia.Rabourn@lrc.ky.gov. For more information, please visit the legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.