Frankfort - The full Senate reconvened this week after a three-week break for committee meetings.  We made it a priority to begin our strong push on improving Kentucky's education policy.  On our first day back, we passed Senate Joint Resolution 19 which, if passed by the State House of Representatives, will streamline math standards in schools.  Right now, our requirements are too vague for our high school students to receive the specific math training they need for their careers.  Another effect of the current policy is that our students, when they graduate, are not prepared for college algebra.  We must ensure that our children understand the fundamentals of math and master them before they leave high school.  We chose SJR 19 as our first piece of legislation this week in order to highlight how important it is to the Senate to move forward on this issue without delay.

The Senate also passed Senate Bill 4, a drug diversion bill.  SB 4 requires that anyone charged with a felony be screened for substance abuse before trial.  The presiding judge can then order a recovery program as a condition for bail.  If the person successfully completes the pretrial diversion program and does not commit any other offenses, the charges can be dropped and the felony erased from their record.  But make no mistake, long-term monitoring will be provided.  SB 4 will allow law enforcement officials to balance accountability with rehabilitation.

Finally, the Senate also passed Senate Bill 5 which will allow law enforcement to arrest anyone caught driving under the influence of drugs, within certain parameters.  Blood or urine tests would be used to determine whether the driver was impaired; but prescription drugs taken as directed would not be illegal in this situation.  Also, highly intoxicated drivers could face incarceration for a first DUI offense.

This week also saw both chambers gather together to hear the Governor's State of the Commonwealth address.  The Governor laid out his vision of how to close the projected $456 million shortfall in the budget.  Discussions on this serious problem are ongoing between the Senate and the House.  It is the Senate's priority to protect education, health services, and infrastructure.  I am confident that we will be able to arrive at a resolution in a timely manner.

As I close this column, I want to acknowledge the sacrifice of so many Kentuckians during the past two weeks who have struggled without power and some even without water.  I am also grateful to the National Guard and the utility workers who have worked tirelessly during this difficult time.

Thank you,
Senator Damon Thayer

District 17

Senator Thayer represents the 17^th District which includes Owen, Scott, Grant, and Southern Kenton County. Along with being chairman of the State and Local Government Committee, Senator Thayer sits on the Transportation Committee, Agriculture Committee, and Licensing and Occupations Committee. He is Senate Chairman of the Horse Farming Subcommittee and the Task Force on Elections and Constitutional Amendments.