The Legislative Session Might Be Over, But Advocacy Never Sleeps

May 22, 2018 Issue 57

The Legislative Session Might Be Over, But Advocacy Never Sleeps

Like many of you I’m sure, I breathed a sigh of relief when the 2018 legislative session finally drew to a close in April.

The meetings were contentious, and the media coverage constant. We had an idea going into the session in January that things might get hairy, but I don’t think anyone could have predicted just how intense the conversation would become.

Which is why I’m both impressed and thankful that the KMA was able to secure the passage of three very important pieces of legislation in the midst of such turmoil.

KMA Legislative Summary

2018 Kentucky General Assembly

Out of the Chaos, KMA Found Success

The 2018 session of the Kentucky General Assembly was widely forecast to be contentious even before the first taps of the gavel in January, but few could have predicted the volatility that would eventually ensue.

Between back-and-forth, last-minute negotiations regarding the state budget and aggressive conversation and protests surrounding the state’s public pension crisis, the 2018 session proved to be one both lawmakers and citizens will not soon forget. However, through the turmoil, the Kentucky Medical Association (KMA) was able to find success and secure passage of several pieces of legislation important to the practice of medicine.

Fun-Loving, Caring and Hardworking Describe Future Physician

Alex Emerson

Alex Emerson knew early in life that taking care of patients would be part of his future. “I’ve always been drawn to helping people,” he said.

He hopes the first thing people say when asked to describe him is that he’s “easygoing and “lighthearted,” he said. “I like to think I’m a funny person. I try to get others around me to laugh and loosen up. I hope that comes across in my patient care and my patients feel comfortable with me.”

KMA Mourns the Passing of Board Member Benjamin Kutnicki

Benjamin Kutnicki, M.D., passed away suddenly on April 25.

Dr. Kutnicki of Carrollton, was on KMA's board of trustees representing the 7th district since 2012. According to his obituary, he was a family practice physician for 43 years and Medical Director for Three Rivers Health District.

He is survived by his wife Faith Hershey Kutnicki; son Saul Kutnicki; brother Lawrence Kutnicki (Miriam) and sister, Barbara Kutnicki.