By: Patrick Flannery
Representative, State of Kentucky
The legislative interim is in full swing, with 13 interim joint committees (IJC), task forces, and statutory committees meeting to discuss topics that range from substance abuse to expanding access to education and skills training. Here are just a few examples of the past week’s agenda items, visit the Committee page at legislature.ky.gov for more information:
IJC on Local Government: Lawmakers heard from officials from Lexington-Fayette Urban-County and Louisville Metro Government about the obstacles they face and the steps they have taken to increase hiring and retention in their own workforce. Officials spoke about the increased emphasis on mental health and the part it plays in retention.
IJC on State Government: Members heard from the Secretary State, Board of Elections, Kentucky State Police, and other agencies on how illegal immigration is addressed and how it impacts state programs. In addition, committee members also discussed HB 575, legislation filed during the 2024 Regular Session that would prevent the purchase of Kentucky agricultural land by countries that the federal government has identified as a threat to national security.
IJC on Health Services: Legislators focused on the state’s efforts to address substance abuse and had the opportunity to hear from the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy, the Kentucky Judicial Commission on Mental Health, the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission, the Kentucky Office of Rural Health, Faculty from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, University of Louisville College of Medicine, and the University of Louisville School of Nursing. According to testimony, Fentanyl was responsible for approximately 79.1% of overdose deaths in Kentucky last year, more than Oxycodone, cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin. Members also heard about the extensive efforts throughout the state to facilitate collaboration between law enforcement agencies, mental health services, and rehabilitation facilities, and health care institutions to provide a more effective strategy of caring for individuals who have been arrested for drug related crimes, that also suffer from substance abuse disorder. In discussion of the healthcare workforce, officials from the Kentucky Office of Rural Health outlined their Healthcare Worker Loan Relief Program, which has provided student loan assistance to 66 healthcare professionals in underserved communities. Finally, leadership faculty from state medical schools discussed efforts to collaborate with rural health care facilities to develop residency programs in underserved communities.
IJC on Families and Children: Lawmakers discussed the state’s adoption and foster care process with the Department of Community Based Services, Kentucky Youth Advocates, and a Family Court Judge. The presenters discussed the barriers within the processes and the importance of permanency placement homes for the youths involved in the foster care system. Members also discussed SB 151 with the Department of Community Based Services and its statutorily required implementation as of July 1, 2024.
IJC on Economic Development and Workforce Investment: Legislators heard from utility companies that operate within the state as well as an organization that works with purpose-driven businesses. The utility companies discussed the importance of utility infrastructure in economic development and focused on their community partnerships with businesses and municipalities. Canopy Kentucky provided an overview of their mission and purpose to members, which is to increase the number of purpose-driven businesses in the state. According to testimony, purpose-driven businesses often have more success in their bottom line, less turnover, and support their local communities.
IJC on Licensing, Occupations, and Administrative Regulations: Members discussed certificate of need, a process that certifies there is a need for either new healthcare services or an expansion of existing services. For example, whether or not a hospital can enter a new community, add extra beds, or provide additional types of care. Certificate of need (CON) laws were adopted in Kentucky more than half a century ago and require healthcare providers to prove there is an area-based need for its facilities or services before expansion can occur. CON laws were created with the purpose of increasing access to care, increasing the quality of care, and decreasing the cost of care. However, some who testified made the argument that CON laws have resulted in outcomes contrary to its intended results. They argue that states without CON laws have more access to care, better quality of care, and lower costs of care. Certificate of Need supporters suggested that repealing CON laws would have a negative effect on rural hospitals and healthcare providers, which serve a disproportionate number of Medicare and Medicaid patients. I serve on this committee and appreciated the chance to have a discussion on something that relates to access to affordable healthcare, but I know it will continue to require our attention.
Workforce Attraction and Retention Task Force: Lawmakers began discussion into areas of focus and goals for the task force’s work over the next several months. The panel will collaborate with employers, state and local economic development officials, employment specialists and others as they devote future meetings to topics like data on work force participation, education needs, retraining of skilled workers, and the removal of barriers to business and workforce entry in the state.
As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via e-mail at Patrick.Flannery@lrc.ky.gov and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.
