I ran for state Representative in Kentucky in 2010, and lost in the primaries. As part of my campaign I developed a number of proposed laws that I would have introduced into the state Legislature. These proposed laws were in three main areas: The Environment, Democracy, and Economic Development. What follows is a brief description of those laws, along with a link to more information:
Environment:
Modify Building Code to Require Light-Colored Roofs
Require New Public Schools to Incorporate Solar Power
Automobile energy Efficiency Taxing:
(Base vehicle licensing tax on gas milage)
Zero Emission Energy Requirements
Currently 28 states have requirements that the power companies produce a certain amount of energy from renewable sources, such as hydro-electric, solar and wind. California has the most aggressive requirement, and by 2025, state power companies will be required to produce a third of their power from renewable energy sources. These requirements have multiple benefits. They broaden the energy supply base, which makes the state less dependent upon fossil fuels and less subject to price fluctuation. These requirements create a market for alternative energy sources, which drives their instillation. They also create opportunities for innovation and job creation.
Kentucky should require that by 2015, regulated power companies within the state produce 10% of their power through “zero emission” energy. This would include both “renewable” energy sources such as solar, wind and hydroelectric, but would also include non-carbon emitting sources such as nuclear and certified zero emission coal fired plants that use carbon capture technology. Kentucky power companies are leading the nation in developing carbon capture and sequestration technologies, and this requirement would allow them to prove to the world that it can be done.
To find out more, click here.
Economic Development Issues:
Develop Innovative Investment Financing (IIF)
An Innovative Investment Financing Fund (IIF) is a special government fund to provide financing and tax assistance to innovative companies. In IIF is similar to TIF (Tax Increment Financing) but geared toward new businesses and not simply brick and mortar improvements. Kentucky’s TIF program has been a valuable tool to improve local development areas (like the Distillery District in Lexington). An IIF would provide a similar set of tax abatements and funding opportunities, but would focus on home grown start up businesses.
These programs are being implemented across the country. Pittsburgh and Cleveland have model programs that are providing financing for many new businesses. These programs are also popular in England, Canada, and Australia.
Kentucky needs to follow the model of these other programs and establish and Innovative Investment Financing mechanism.
To find out more about IIF, click here.
Increase Jurisdictional limits for small claims court
Small claims courts allow people to resolve small matters without requiring the often costly assistance of attorneys. Currently the maximum dollar amount for a claim in small claims court in Kentucky is $1,500. This means that a case with $1501 at issue must be brought in District Court, which typically requires the assistance of an attorney. In many cases the cost for hiring an attorney, even for a relatively simple matter, can greatly exceed $1500. This is particularly burdensome for small businesses that must defend themselves in court.
Most states have jurisdictional limits for small claims court of between $3000 to $5000, and Kentucky should follow suit and raise the limit. KRS 024A.230 should be amended to increase the amount at issue to $5000.
To find out more, click here.
Five Percent Mass Transit Set-Aside
Public Transportation is an important component of the Commonwealth’s transportation inventory. Ridership of public transportation has increased across Kentucky and will continue to increase as the price of gasoline goes up. As a result, more public transportation options need to be made available to the citizens of the Commonwealth.
Transportation is a vital component of the economic success of a city or a region. Increasing the transportation options between the major metropolitan areas of Kentucky – Louisville, Lexington and Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati – will increase the economic integration and dynamism of the region.
Kentucky’s transportation budget is currently devoted almost entirely to building and maintaining roads. This is certainly important in a rural state such as Kentucky, but increase public transportation, will benefit the entire state. To ensure that this happens, the transportation budget should allot no less than five percent (5%) to public transportation.
To find out more, click here. [Note: This proposal is still a work in progress.]
Democracy:
Our ability to solve the difficult issues facing this nation depends, in part, on input from as many people as possible. It is important, therefore, to involve as many people as possible in the political process. There are a number of fairly simple ways to do this.
Extend voting day from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The polls in Kentucky close at 6 p.m. on voting day. This is much earlier than most states, and undoubtedly creates a burden for many working people who wish to vote. It is particularly difficult for people who commute to work, or who have children in day care or after school programs. While state law requires employers to give workers time off to vote, that is not convenient for those who work some distance from their home (and voting precinct).
Every effort should be made to encourage voting, and as a result, KRS 118.035(1) should be amended to require the polls be open until 8 p.m.
To find out more, click here.
Restore Voting Rights to Felons who have completed their full sentences.
To find out more, click here.
Eliminate requirement for early voting
Most states allow early voting for any reason, but in Kentucky a voter must explain why they need to vote early. Many states not only allow, but encourage early voting. This increases participation, and reduces lines and problems on Election Day. Kentucky, in contrast, has numerous impediments to early voting. A voter must sign an affidavit explaining reasons for not being able to vote on Election Day.
Kentucky law should be changed to encourage early voting. Therefore, the requirements of KRS §§117.075, .077 & .085, which require a voter verify and sign a statement regarding the reason for voting early, should be eliminated. A new section to KRS §§117.085 should be added to allowing voters to vote early for any reason.
To find out more, click here.
Restore Voting Rights to Rehabilitated Felons
Miscellaneous
Here are a couple of other random ideas.
Organ Donor Opt-Out
In 2006, Kentucky enacted legislation to allow people to note on their driver’s license their wish to donate their organs in the unfortunate event of their death. This is an important step to increase the availability of organs for donation. Unfortunately, studies show that while most people are willing to donate their organs, the various paperwork requirements to become an organ donor are often confusing or burdensome. Many countries are now modifying their laws to make organ donation the default. These laws include simplified opt-out provisions that allow a person to opt-out of the system for reason.
Kentucky law should be modified to create an organ donor opt-out system.
To find out more, click here.