District 36 Newsletter
February 2023
|
|
Greetings!
"Part 2" of the legislative Session started Feb 7. I was able to get a lot of work done during the January break, working on writing some bills and engaging other legislators via bill co-sponsorship. I have filed my 3 priority bills - HB144 banning warrent-less surveillance on private land,
HB214 enhancing post-election audits, and
HB230 providing transparency to voter roll cleanup efforts. They will all require committee hearings and several votes to get passage, stay tuned.
Keep track of other legislation I am supporting via co-sponsorship here.
I welcome your input on the bills that may impact you - hundreds are filed every session, and it is hard to understand them all in detail.
My office number is 351D in the Capitol Annex.
Office number is 502-564-8100.
- Elections & Constitutional Amendments
- State Government
- Transportation
Watch live internet video of the session and committees on this KET link. I will post frequent legislation updates on social media during the Jan-Mar Session, and will explain every significant vote I cast.
This newsletter will provide a monthly recap.
I will do my best to answer your questions and consider your input on District 36 issues if you would like to contact me. Liberty is a team sport!
|
|
Let's protect faith, family, and freedom in KY! |
|
District 36 Road & Traffic Plans
The 2022 KY Highway Plan is posted, with $281 Million in improvements near District 36. Crews are moving dirt on KY 155 and paving lanes on on I-265 when winter weather allows.
|
|
|
|
Traffic... so much traffic |
Eastwood Cutoff Intersection with US 60
Shelbyville Road traffic in District 36 is heavy, growing, and frustrating, but the Eastwood Cutoff intersection is a particular problem. The existing sharp angle intersection creates a visibility problem and has led to many accidents. The problems will get much worse with the addition of school buses for the new Middle School nearby. The KYTC project to fix the intersection is funded with $2.8 million in the budget, and is currently in the process of identifying and acquiring the necessary land "right of way" to allow construction. The project is a high priority of the State and Metro legislators, and strong pressure from community groups is helping to keep attention focused on the project. I personally have to cross this intersection regularly (sometimes saying bad words in the process), so I share the frustrations at how long it is taking to complete, and I will keep attention on it!
The Old Henry extension project is about to start moving dirt as well, with utility relocation. Expected completion in late 2024. |
|
Election Law, The Right to Vote, Registration |
|
US Constitution, Article 1 Section 4:
"The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof;"
While the Federal government has some role in election law regarding Federal candidates in the states, the State Legislature holds the ultimate authority to govern elections in KY. The other 49 states have their own unique laws regarding elections. KY has made substantial improvements in our election laws since 2020, unlike some other states. See our KY Election Integrity law ranking vs other states, and look for more improvements via this year's bills. |
|
The KY Constitution Section 147:
"only persons registered shall have the right to vote. The mode of registration shall be prescribed by the General Assembly". I introduced legislation to enhance cleanup of voter rolls this year, HB 230
|
|
Keep track of legislation I am supporting via co-sponsorship here, by House Bill (HB) number.
Your actions as a citizen count - calls to the Legislative hotline (800-372-7181) to advocate for and against bills do have an impact on legislative leadership decisions.
My 2023 Legislative Priorities
Every legislator focuses on different areas, and my area of emphasis is in protecting our Constitutional Rights. You will find me advocating for things that limit the power of government over our lives, and in creating a level playing field for all citizens under the law. I am not a fan of government picking winners and losers via legislation.
My top 3 priority bills are filed:
1) Ban on warrent-less government surveillance on private land HB144
2) Election integrity enhancement bill focusing on post election audits and cleanup of the voter rolls HB 214 and HB 230
3) Juvenile Justice Center for Jefferson County to combat crime HB3
Other issues I will support or co-sponsor bills on:
- Reducing the KY income tax - passed! Income Tax rate lowered to 4% next year
- Medical freedom issues HBs 57, 58, 74, 101, 129
- School choice, student protection, and parental rights HB 18, 27, 30, 60, 92, 174, 177, 204
- Reducing "red tape" and needless government regulation - HBs 213, 225, 226 HJR 37
- Getting Kentuckians back to work - HB18
This list is a heavy lift for a 30 day session, but we have a lot of things to do to protect liberty. It will be a race to get all these bills considered and voted on.
|
|
|
|
Political Happenings in Dist 36 |
|
Republican Primary Governor Debate March 7 |
Kentucky will elect a new Governor in 2023. There are 12 people running for the Republican nomination, more than I ever recall seeing in my lifetime.
There is a GOP Primary Debate On Tuesday, March 7th, from 7-8pm. The event will be at The Henry Clay in Downtown Louisville. Click here for tickets.
KY is one of only 3 states that have a Governor election in 2023, and it is considered a "bellwether state" for predicting the Presidential election the following year. So... all eyes will be upon us. It will be interesting. I would be interested in your thoughts on who you are supporting and why.
|
|
Recent Media Appearances:
84 WHAS – listen to my interview with Dwight Witten on Warrant-less surveillance and privacy
Archived Recent Newsletters:
January 2023 - How to track the Session and bills, new legislation, Eastwood Cutoff project
December 2022 - Election recap, legislative preview, how a bill becomes law
September '22 – Eastwood Cutoff project, Constitutional Privacy protection
August '22 – KY 155 / Pope Lick project, Limitations on Government Power
July '22 – First newsletter – our God-given Rights
|
|
Thanks for reading and being involved!
John Hodgson
State Representative District 36
|
|
|
|
Address: PO Box 74
Fisherville, KY 40023
Phone: (502) 276-5213
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
