The second full week of session and already so much has happened. The alcohol and cigarette combined legislation passed through the Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee and was sent to the Orders of the Day. This controversial bill had an almost split vote being 9-7 for it. The majority of constitutes that live in Senator Givens area are against the bill completely, but the majority of constituents in urban areas are split on the bill. The constituents in urban areas are wanted higher taxes on cigarettes and no extra taxes on alcohol and this means that a large amount of citizens do not like the mechanics of the bill. This bill almost came as a shock to me because Republicans tend to always strike down legislation pertaining to tax increases especially on agricultural products but because of the shortfall of the budget even Republicans are voting yes on this bill. But, I’m sure there will be debates on the floor as the bill moves on to the General Assembly.

The other piece of legislation that is thoroughly being debated is dealing with Education. Senator Winters has proposed legislation for early high school graduation and Senator Shaunessy is very hesitant about the bill because it cuts out a large portion of extra courses and courses outside of the main curriculum. So this bill passed on the floor but there was Admendments attached on from Senator Shaunessy. Also, I am sure there will be thorough debate in the House. The other Education legislation is on the removal of CATS testing and the replacement of an shorter achievement exam. Senator Winters feels that the students of Kentucky are not thoroughly prepared for college and the curriculum that comes with college courses and one reason behind this is that the CATS testing does not do a accurate job at determining this. This legislation has yet to make it through the Senate but continues to dominate the regular conversations.