The Pennyrile Area Development Board of Directors held their annual meeting and Christmas luncheon Monday, where they heard from legislators on what to expect in the coming session and approved a resolution support a vet school at Murray State University.
In a bit of a different set-up from years past, legislators answered questions in a panel style format, and attendees got to hear from Representatives Walker Thomas—representing portions of Christian, Trigg and Caldwell counties—Wade Williams of Hopkins County, Rebecca Raymer of Muhlenberg County, Chris Freeland of Lyon and Senator Whitney Westerfield of Christian County. They spoke about their priorities heading into a budget session in January.
Senator Westerfield says he is once again filing a bill to set down language pertaining to online data security and what consumer’s rights and protections are pertaining to that, calling it vitally important.
In the House, Representative Raymer says she’s focused on cracking down on those who are selling vaping products to minors, and it’s become a real hazard to youth.
Representative Thomas fully intends to once again support tax-exempting military pensions, and he’s working with Murray State to develop a bill focused on cyber-security.
Representative Freeland says he’s focused on improving dental security for Kentucky residents, by expanding the coverage for Medicare and Medicaid and allow dental hygienists to provide common dental procedures they are not currently able too. Representative Williams says he believes the state is trying to transition too quickly from fossil fuel energy to other forms of energy and he’d like to find a way to balance that out.
The Board of Directors approved a resolution by PADD to encourage local, state and federal authorities to collaborate facilitating the necessary steps for establishing a School of Veterinary Medicine at Murray State—if successful, it would be the only one in Kentucky.
Dr. Brian Parr, Dean of the Hutson School of Agriculture, says it would help address the veterinary shortage in the state, while also providing opportunities for students in Kentucky.
The Commonwealth spent $5.6 million during fiscal year 2022-23 and another $5.6 million in 2023-24 to fund a total of 168 veterinary slots for Kentucky students with out-of-state universities.