RICHMOND —
As her second two-year term as a legislator begins, Rep. Rita Smart, D-Richmond, has been appointed chair of the House of Representatives’ Education Assessment and Accountability Review Subcommittee.
The committee reviews administrative regulations and advises the Kentucky Board of Education on implementing the state system of assessment and accountability, Smart said. It also provides oversight and direction to the Office of Education Accountability.
In addition to heading a subcommittee, Smart also with serve on another subcommittee and four other committees.
They include: the Budget Review Subcommittee on Post-secondary Education; the Agriculture and Small Business; Education; Local Government; and Veterans, Military Affairs and Safety committees.
“It’s going to be a busy schedule,” Smart said, “but I am looking forward to my new chairmanship and serving on important committees that impact so many Kentuckians, including those in my district.”
Smart said she was pleased that a bipartisan spirit has prevailed early in the General Assembly’s off-year “short session” with the announcement of “an innovative financing proposal to allow our public universities to invest in their schools.”
Gov. Steve Beshear, with the support of leaders in the Republican-controlled Senate and the Democratic-controlled House, joined university presidents in announcing the issuance of bonds by the state’s public universities for campus improvements to be paid with the schools money.
No money from the state’s general fund will be used for 11 university projects, Smart noted.
The cost of the projects, which range from classroom, dormitory and academic building construction and upgrades to new student centers and sprinkler-system improvements, is $393 million. However, Smart said the projects’ economic impact is calculated at $623 million, Smart said, more than 5,100 construction jobs are expected to be created by the projects
Dormitory, dining-hall and athletic revenue, as well as private donations will finance the projects, she said.
Before legislators wrapped up their first week back in Frankfort, they heard reports from committees that met during the interim on issues that will be on the session’s agenda, Smart said. Those include: tax reform, state pension system, redistricting, special taxing districts and Medicaid.
“The fate of expanded gaming may be part of the 2013 legislative discussion as well,” Smart said.
“I am hopeful that we will put our differences aside and reach consensus on these issues that are of great importance to Kentuckians,” she said.
Constituents can keep informed of legislative action on bills of interest to you by logging onto the legislative Research Commission website at www.lrc.ky.gov or by calling the LRC’s toll-free Bill Status Line at 866-840-2835.
To find out when a committee meeting is scheduled, call the
LRC’s toll-free Meeting Information Line at 800-633-9650.
Local News
Related Photos
-
Rita Smart
Smart to head House subcommittee, serve on five other panels
- Local News
-
-
Board eyes cost-cutting options
In a special-called work session Tuesday, the Madison County School Board looked at ways of reducing a projected $2.84 million draw from its reserves to fund the 2013-14 budget.
-
‘Berea’s Unsung Heroes’
A group of Bereans were honored Tuesday night at the Berea Community School Board, many of which had never been in the spotlight before.
-
Berea relaxes yard sale ordinance, may restrict fireworks
The Berea City Council adopted a new yard sale ordinance Tuesday, but only after it was amended twice.
-
Items stolen, but no one injured in home invasion
Berea police are looking for a man who broke into a First Street home Monday and threatened a resident with a knife.
-
Madison County veterans to host Memorial Day ceremonies
The Madison County Veterans Association, which includes a number of local veterans’ organizations, will be hosting two Memorial Day ceremonies Monday.
The first will take place at the Richmond Cemetery near the flagpole at 10 a.m., and the second will follow at noon in Madison County Memorial Gardens on Berea Road.
Everett King of the American Legion, which is coordinating this year’s events, said U.S. Rep. Andy Barr, R-Sixth District, will be present at the morning ceremony.
Every year the Memorial Day event has a theme. Last year’s theme was honoring Vietnam veterans, King said, while this year’s theme is honoring all American soldiers. -
Another arrest made in rash of business burglaries
Another local man has been arrested in connection with a “smash-and-grab” business burglary in April.
-
Memorial Day 5K to benefit Hospice Care Plus
For the second year, Chick-fil-A is donating the proceeds from its Spicy Memorial Day 5K race to Hospice Care Plus.
-
Donations to national charities is best way to help disaster victims
The best way to help with relief efforts associated with the recent tornadoes in Oklahoma is to contact national organizations such as the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army, according to a statement from the Madison County Emergency Management Agency.
-
Storm topples towering motel sign
No one was injured late Tuesday afternoon when a brief but severe storm blew a Red Roof Inn sign from its base and sent it crashing into a pickup truck parked at the motel. Strong thunderstorms are expected today.
-
Craft lovers fill Kirksville Community Center
The Kirksville Community Center was packed with artists and craft lovers Saturday for the Spring Gathering craft/vendor fair.
Many talented local and regional crafters were set up for the event.
One of the youngest was Laisha Gaines, a 10-year-old from Georgetown, who was selling homemade crafts with her grandmother, Jayne Gaines of Paris. Gaines said she started crafting with Laisha when she was only 3.
Laisha has now taken up most of her grandmother's stand with her creations, from wooden owls to beaded jewelry to small quilted items that are quirky and cute. - More Local News Headlines
-
Board eyes cost-cutting options
Britain Attack Believed Linked to Radical Islam
Raw: Kevin Durant Tours Moore After $1M Pledge
Weiner Launches Bid to Become NYC Mayor
Okla. Teens Get Video of Deadly Tornado Overhead
Man Shot While Questioned in Boston Probe
School Storm Protection Spotty in Tornado Zones
9-year-old Tornado Victim Loved Family, Singing
Moore Native Toby Keith Tours Tornado Damage
Oklahoma Survivors, Heroes Survey Damage
Okla. City Mayor: Up to 13K Homes Hit by Tornado
Raw: Aftermath of Deadly Attack in London
Paperless Scanner, Vision of the Future
Florida FBI Shooting Has Boston Bombing Links
Garcetti Elected Los Angeles Mayor Over Greuel
Raw: New Video of Deadly Oklahoma Tornado
IRS Official Pleads 5th Amendment
Lawyer: Feds Investigating Susan Powell Case
