♪ >> Brace yourself for more rain as Kentucky prepares for possible flooding.

>> God put Co under our feet so that we can use it.

>> Kentucky lawmakers weighed into a debate on state standards on water, quality coal and jobs.

>> Since we started this, we realized how bad some of the situations are.

We make a big difference.

>> husband and wife to clean up.

>> Production of Kentucky Edition is made possible in part by the KET Millennium Fund.

♪ ♪ >> Good Evening and welcome to Kentucky EDITION on this Friday, February, the 14th, happy Valentine's Day.

I'm Renee Shaw and we thank you for spending some of your Friday night with us.

>> We're expecting more rain and possible flooding this weekend.

And because of that, Governor Andy Beshear has already declared a state of emergency for Kentucky.

He says Kentuckians can expect 2 to 5 inches of rain this weekend.

That's on top of rain that's already fallen in recent days.

The Kentucky National Guard is standing by ready to help.

If flooding does indeed occur.

Call protection us say state water quality rules are out of sync with the feds to strict and weaponized for political gain.

That was a repeated argument today in the state Senate over a measure that would lower Kentucky's water protections to match current federal standards.

Proponents of Senate Bill 89 say it's a matter of removing red tape that stifles progress and co production and even home building.

But critics worry the move will endanger the environment and public health as our June Leffler reports.

This in our legislative update that the changes would impact Kentucky shallow but plentiful waterways.

>> The new senator from Pine Bill says his bill is one step to reverse the war on Kentucky coal.

>> As always say, when I'm talking about Co. God put Co under our feet so that we can use it.

It's one of the greatest natural resources and it's our job to push back on an elected bureaucrats Verstappen safeguard are constituents from government overreach.

>> Senate bill 89 would ease land permitting for various industries and uses western Kentucky.

Senator Robby Mills says this bill will protect the 1400 coal jobs in his district, which he says have been under attack from Democratic administrations.

>> Mr. President, this is just another way.

>> 4 liberals, Washington liberals and yes, even Frankfort levels.

To shut down the coal business to make it harder for them to do business.

Even in a really challenging business environment.

>> If the bill reaches the TIRZ, what waterways are worth the protections outlined by the Clean Water Act of 1972.

The conversation started at the federal level and 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that wetlands, groundwater and so-called ephemeral streams don't deserve those same protections.

The Republican from Winchester agrees.

>> And I don't get myself with an excavator about 200 yards long.

And this person said what about that during a show?

That's not a string legend She said no, that just ring and I should get your did.

She should have just rain with a show.

You just during.

>> Environmental groups oppose this measure.

So did most Democrats in the Senate recounting environmental hazards in Jefferson County and the possible impact on the bourbon industry.

>> But when I heard about the change of regulations on Kentucky's water, honestly, I wasn't thinking about cold automatically thought about places like Flint, Michigan and Memphis.

Tennessee's current crisis will water.

It also maybe think about communities in Louisville, such as Robert Down, which is an industrial area in West Louisville.

>> My father worked to Robert him.

He worked to KDKA, become a free after there and they got hit several times.

Large plumes into the waterways into the Ohio River destroyed.

I'll tell you that he's had 21 assists taken off his body from living in that area.

And the people in there.

We look at some of the higher teacher, great and all these other issues and we can go all the liberal that ridiculous.

But those are the people that we represent with 45 before we care about streams and creeks of underground wells and natural water.

>> Those are very valuable resources for our beloved bourbon industry.

Under the passenger's bill today.

Those waterways now.

Are going to be exposed to open to pollution and harm and our state can't come in to protect.

Those was going to even calls for the fall.

Top of the industry.

>> The vote was 30 to 5, a longstanding Democrat from eastern Kentucky sided with Republicans.

The bill now heads to the House for Kentucky June LaFleur.

>> Thank you.

June state lawmakers will return to the Capitol Tuesday for day 13 of the 30 day session next Tuesday and Wednesday are also the last days for lawmakers to file new Bills.

And now post script.

A recap of some developments in Frankfort throughout the week that we hadn't previously reported on.

>> Judges will be able to finalize adoptions for families who lost a child during the adoption process under a bill known as Braylon slaw, it cleared the House Committee on Children and families Thursday.

The foster mother of the child who inspired House Bill 164 told committee members Braylon had severe medical problems and died one month before their adoption hearing.

She says fortunately they had a judge who was willing to finalize the adoption after he passed away.

>> We buried him without legal parents on his birth certificate or his death certificate.

And thankfully, I was able to.

Get those amended to where they had us listed likely.

But if a child passed away tomorrow in Kentucky, there is no law that says that another judge has to do what was done for us.

And I think that it's very unfair for children to be.

Buried without those parents listed 3 brothers, Republican State Representative Bill Wesley, who sponsored the bill and you see there said it's about closure for the parents and not financial gain.

>> Also passing that same committee House Bill 242, which allows researchers to evaluate child welfare program data.

Supporters of the bill say it will ensure decision makers have the information they need to make evidence-based policy decisions.

Both bills now move on to the full House for a vote there.

This week.

The Senate also unanimously passed a bill that would bar adults with mental or physical disabilities from having their parental rights terminated or adoption petition is denied simply because of their disability.

Speaking on the Senate floor, Republican State Senator Brandon Storm of London said this bill could also help reduce the number of children in state foster care through an amendment that was adopted by the body.

>> Senate for amendment number one to Senate Bill.

26 simply expands to bring relative caregivers and fictive kin caregivers and the protections of Senate Bill.

26 bikes Presley stating that the Cabinet for Health and Family Services shall not disapprove.

Any placement where custody arrangement, including but not limited to foster care, relative care services fictive kin placement, temporary custody, permanent custody or adoption.

I'm the sole basis of disability.

>> As someone who practice family, what long with vulnerable families, this is a really, really important Bill that's going to help a lot of families and particularly a lot of children.

And I just wanted to thank him publicly for his work on this.

It's excellent, excellent legislation.

>> Having passed the full Senate Senate Bill, 26 now heads to the House where it awaits a committee assignment.

>> How Young is too young to start driving this week, the House passed a bill that would lower the age to apply for a driver's permit from 16 to 15 years old.

>> The bill sponsor Republican Representative Ed Majority Floor Leader Steven Ready says this change would move Kentucky in line with surrounding states.

>> 15 year-olds from Tennessee Drive in Kentucky every day.

15 year-olds from Ohio, Indiana.

Even the People's Republic of Illinois Drive in this commonwealth.

Every single today, House Bill 15 simply lowers the age.

The eligibility to get a instructional permit to 15.

As it is in all the states in the South.

With one exception.

That exception being Arkansas, Arkansas allows 14 year-olds to get permits.

My 15 I have been teaching 2 drives on the farm since she was 12.

I recognize that children need.

>> More time to practice driving safely so that when they do get their full driver's licenses, they can do, they can drive safely.

So I voted in favor of this because I believe that everyone needs that extra practice time to be able to drive safely.

And I think ultimately that extra supervision time we'll KET our roads safe.

>> House Bill 15 would also require that a driver have a permit for 180 days and be 16 years old before they can obtain an intermediate license.

6 months later, the driver could then apply for a driver's license.

Later, Rudy says ultimately his bill would allow drivers to get their full license 6 months earlier than the current law.

The bill passed the full House 86 to 13 and now heads to the upper chamber for consideration.

There.

This week.

The Senate also passed a bill that would help with the state's housing crisis over the summer.

Lawmakers learn Kentucky needs more than 200,000 houses and rental units to meet demand.

Republican state Senator Jimmy Higdon introduced Senate bill.

59, which would allow religious organizations to build affordable housing units on their property.

Speaking on the Senate floor this week, Senator Higdon clarified that such developments would not be tax exempt.

Most of his colleagues expressed support for the bill.

Even one Republican who said he still had some concerns.

>> And the Kentucky Constitution is very clear about that.

If a religious organization has a piece of property is not used by the use of the >> religious order, religious organization as it's intended purchased.

Purpose to house one of their members.

It is taxable.

So at this, these developments, if they're sold or these developments, if they're built to rental property, that is not intended purposes.

Purpose of the 5, a one C 3 and they will be taxable.

>> As a guy that is in the developed, a business going to be planning zoning currently on the development of working on the Madison County.

I understand the restrictions and requirements and the cost of what it takes.

But when a bill comes like this and we're going to give another group the availability to do something that the consumer that the person out here on the street, that's kind of the developments, can't do.

And I have some reservations about what happens if somebody wants to sail.

That's something for the SATs to build.

It keeps it retains it for 2 or 3 years and then decide that they can't manage to maintain it and then they sell it to outside individual who's an investor.

And this property is not the been done the same way that I would head to do it to develop missile.

Lots of concerns.

Just last week I was with the mayor of Lexington.

>> At a church called will be Christian Church, which is right across from a public park near downtown looks to called Woodland Park.

And that church is just develop a 38 unit housing private jet that's affordable for seniors.

Just several other churches to buildings at this time.

But also looking at doing that same kind of development if it count.

I think that's a good step.

A very promising for my community.

As we look to address how the shortage.

>> The bill passed the full Senate by a vote of 34 to 3.

It's now waiting to be assigned a committee in the state House.

On Tuesday.

State lawmakers in the House and Senate convened in the old State Capitol.

As you see there, it was a fitting setting to pass a bill designating June as Kentucky History Month.

The bill unanimously passed both Chambers.

State Representative Kim King, who you see there sponsored the bill in the House, making her their first female representative to pass a bill in the historic building states.

Senator Phillip Wheeler carried the bill in the Senate.

♪ Time now to talk about some big political news of the week by a couple of our favorites here with us in the studio to recap the week that was at the state Capitol.

We have joining us by Skype that you see on screen left Kelsey Coutts who is the educator, Democratic strategist and principal at Blue DOT Consulting and screen right.

Tre Watson, who is Republican strategist.

>> Podcaster and founder of Capitol reins PR.

Thank you both for being with us today.

Absolutely.

So let's talk about a couple of bills.

Our time is little short.

So we'll jump right into it.

Senate bill 2, I want to start with you.

Try watch.

And this is a bill about public dollars not going to award inmates who are seeking gender affirming care.

Why number one is this the second priority of the Republican controlled state Senate?

And what does the bill actually sick to do?

I think there's some frustration that a regulation that promulgated by the Bush administration can do without.

>> Joe, someone found out roundabout.

You know, through a open Reagan making process.

I think that's probably why you're seeing it as it's a higher because a lower bill number is.

>> Frustration with the way that it came about.

As far as why it's the priority.

But talk about president mates and paying an overnight pay for breast implants are packing plants from for me that they want all while a different.

You know, it's it's about making sure that that our tax dollars went with a lot of problem.

Prison system already.

It's a huge lack lack of funds.

We can't afford to pay the first employees enough.

We need more jails.

That money needs to go to other places not to gender reassignment procedures that the lot of people disagree with.

Let's suspend our taxpayer dollars.

Were the most officially spent.

>> While Kelsey, as you know, the committee hearing on this this week, you had Democrats who are saying that even the medical association has declared this as medically necessary care.

Your take on this bill that did pass that committee and is now waiting for a vote on the Senate floor.

Yeah, I'm glad you said that.

>> I mean, for me, the impact of this bill is it's taking health care away from folks which I will never before.

And frankly, I think it's a lower bill number, because it's just again, another politically motivated attack against one of our.

Smallest and most vulnerable communities.

And I think it was Senator Thomas who said something like we are not damaging our overall budget by treating 67 people.

We're talking about only 67 people here.

And so again, I just think it's another cynical version of politics to use this community as a political punching bag.

>> Let's do it any anything that we did.

They spend money on the sets a precedent.

And so you open one door to one thing the open the door to multiple others.

So I think, you know, we're a situation where what would I like people the the gender affirming care to get personally.

Yeah, especially if if if you if you're coming in, are Sweden generate from a cat, that's especially given situation.

If you're an inmate and then want to start it.

And to me, that's a no-go bill doesn't make that decision.

Should correct.

But by that point, though, is for for anything, though.

What's setting a precedent?

Well, what other things do open the door to think that that's that's a broader concern.

Beyond just the 67 people, the guardian system.

Yeah.

>> Yes.

It's a good, good debate.

That was good debate in the committee hearing.

And we know there will be a when that floor vote happens about a sand.

So let's move to another bill that doesn't have action yet.

It was filed just this Jennifer DEC or who had filed?

I can't I D I measure last year.

It has resurfaced this year.

All start with you this time.

Kelsey, your take on this bill.

Do you think it's better or worse and you to find what's better or worse in your mind that what was presented last year.

>> I just think that diversity, equity and inclusion programs open the doors for Kentuckyian, you know, for sure ration college students, veteran Searle students, women, those are all folks.

You can be serviced under these dei programs, right?

Which has been made out to be some big, scary term, which we know it's not.

So these are, you know, the D I policies are taking from one group and giving to another.

It's about making sure that everybody gets a good you know, shot or a fair shot at economic said excess of these other opportunities.

And so I just I don't understand why this is a high priority.

>> And this is targeting Kentucky's public universities and colleges.

And so we want to make sure that people understand that.

Your thoughts on it right over saw out set to counties point.

If you look up the word equity in the dictionary, it is actually.

>> Literally defined is taking from one person and giving to another.

I think I've always said the E as a branding problem.

It's that it's that Middle East have been diversity, equality, inclusion and would be happy to have a different discussion.

But I also think the voters in Kentuckyian voters nationally spoke last year very loudly that they're they're tired of dei as it exists.

Doesn't mean that we shouldn't promote diversity shouldn't promote inclusion.

We certain promote people to be involved.

They're tired of the as it exists.

I think Jennifer Decker bill, it may in being a non-factor cause.

You may see a lot of racism, federal things passed and that make it the unnecessary.

And you see the university's already taking steps the cells to cut it to kind of move beyond that.

But you not think the government sometimes has to be roughly of the and reflective of the voters.

And I think we all know if you look back at last year's election, a large part of it was in reaction to this issue.

Yeah.

>> And speaking of universities out as particularly the University of Kentucky.

I believe you have Al is also expressed some concern about a possible federal funding freeze that the Trump administration had tried.

A judge has temporarily blocked, but they're really concerned at UK about cancer research dollars.

I'm sure U of L has the same concern, Tre Watson about what could happen there because they are research institution as well.

>> And nearly beyond that, you have farmers are concerned he wants money and is already contracts already signed money that they're supposed to have.

I think yellow of the Trump administration is trying to do something laudable, which is the size of government, find wasteful programs and eliminate them.

I think it's it's going to be a learning process for the people involved in it.

I think that eventually we're going to get there and we're going to make the ones that need to be eliminated.

Do I personally think they're moving a little bit recklessly little bit kind of like a baby deer learned that a walk here.

Yeah.

I don't think this is where we'll end up that.

But I do think, you know, where where we're moving awkwardly right now.

Yeah.

How do you see it?

Kelsey?

>> Yeah, everyone is against waste, fraud and abuse, which is what they, of course, claim to be looking for.

But there is a way to go about it where we are harming innocent people.

I think Elon Musk and his 19 year-old hackers do not have an interest in improving health outcomes of Kentuckians or economic outcomes of Kentuckians.

Are Americans for that matter.

And UK standings to lose tens of millions in one year due to these cuts.

It's not just about, you know, attacking sort that infrastructure.

It's how it's also going to affect these good-paying jobs.

It's millions in lost economic impact for our local communities, which hurts everybody.

>> We thank you both.

If you got one bill that you want to KET your eye on for next week, what would it be that?

>> Related to balloons.

Okay.

We're gonna let you look at it because it's a really good.

And then Chelsea, you get one too.

>> Now all I can think about is blaming the other.

Well, how about an act relating to roses?

And I give each one to you on this Valentine's Day.

Have that's piled nowhere, but it's just a stable.

Thank you both.

Have a good one.

>> So stuff we may not love.

Sometimes we look around our house and we think, gosh, we've just got too much stuff.

But for some piles and piles of staff is more than just unsightly.

It's a problem on this Valentine's Day.

We introduce you to a Grayson County couple who work together to tackle projects.

Most of us would not dare our Laura.

Just Jordan's them on site and Litchfield.

>> When I walked in and I see a big mess.

I get excited.

Ash road and even more foul.

There was a house that had a chicken coop in a bedroom.

Eddie and Karen Anderson of Litchfield are junk lovers.

It's a in care would jump lovers.

A husband and wife team a clean up what others leave behind.

>> The next year or more grow said it is.

We know a lot of people don't want to do it.

So part of us takes pride in doing something that most people don't want to do.

>> It's like this current cleanup, the House will work on the day.

It is a hoarder house.

I would say a stage 5, which means that the place was very, very cluttered.

There was stuff piled everywhere.

In fact, this house has such permanent damage.

It will soon be demolished by the city.

This is something that >> typically gets change behavior.

Intervention.

Specialist Haley Smith says mental illnesses like depression and anxiety.

>> We the hoarding disorder.

Sometimes they can get very overwhelming to take care of your house, your job, your kids, your family.

The Andersons are usually called by a realtor or a surviving relative after their loved one has passed away.

A lot of times they don't know how bad the situation has actually gotten because a lot of people with hoarding disorder, they're ashamed of what people in the House.

>> People don't want to live in that type of environment.

It's not good for anybody.

But Smith says people are often hesitant to reach out for help, sometimes unable to afford those services.

When your space is messy and you feel overwhelmed and kind of make you shut down another area.

And if you don't feel like you can move through your home or you can find what you need in order to be productive with whatever you're trying to do.

Then.

>> They can definitely cause some issues with your productivity, your brain, just a functional.

and he and Kara estimate, they've completed about 50 projects since they started junk lovers and 2022.

On a house like this.

If there's about 5 bedrooms, it might take about 5 days.

They do come across some interesting paying.

>> We were cleaning out an attic in an abandoned house and there were a million dollars or more baby Doe.

>> Care was in the attic because she smaller and she can sit up there.

>> Just wait till you see what I'm about to give you.

And she said, look at this when she dropped down some prosthetic legs, we try to recycle anything.

We can anything that salvageable.

We do salvaging either donate or we take our free market.

But a lot of it goes the dot camera and daddy say the hard work and sometimes hazardous conditions.

Sometimes the floor caves in are worth it.

Knowing they're helping people who are physically or emotionally able >> to do it themselves.

This job is a lot more purposeful.

>> Then we expected here.

Yeah.

I've met with the the sister whose brother passed away and he was a hoarder and she live so far away that she can't take care of it.

The lady who >> has a dad who is a veteran and he's ill and his house was left in disarray.

I didn't know how many people needed the service till we got in here.

And that makes the process of clearing the junk.

That was a lot of work to little easier to love.

>> A Kentucky edition.

I'm Laura Rogers.

While the couple that cleans together stays together, half the dog lovers are teaming up with the aim wellness in Grayson County to help some of their clients who struggle with hoarding.

Count the birds and enjoy some Motown are Toby gives has more on your weekend options.

And this look at what's up around the Commonwealth.

>> Experience Motown and more in Bowling Green tomorrow Orchestra, Kentuckyian the Re wonders will treat you to the best of Motown, Philly, Soul and R B at this groovy musical performance.

If you're looking for a night of nostalgic music, vibrant vocals and smooth beats this event is for you.

Where did those it's around?

The world are participating in the great Backyard Bird count this weekend.

There's lots of guided.

Birding experience is happening in our state parks.

But if you're in the Olive Hill area, consider joining the guided hike at Carter Caves, State Resort park tomorrow and about the big 2 residents of Carter Cave that make your own bird feeder back at the lodge.

If a personalized charcuterie board has been missing from your culinary covered.

Sign up for the brand.

Your own poured class happening tomorrow at Lake Barkley State Resort Park.

I use an iron stamp to brand your personal branded with cheese board and fill it with delicious meats, cheeses and desserts.

Tomorrow is the Wild and Scenic Film Festival in Frankfort presented by the woods and water land trust join activists and nature enthusiast for the screening of 6 short films about humanity's connection to the natural world.

Enjoy the film.

Snack on some popcorn and support efforts to safeguard the Lower Kentucky River watershed at this great event.

Experience Yamato, the drummers of Japan and Danville next week.

Thursday is your chance to witness the tour that has captivated audiences for more than 30 years.

Get drawn in by the delegates, then knocked back by the immense power of 40 Tyco drops.

Be sure to grab your seats before they're all sold out.

And that's what's happening around the Commonwealth.

I'm Kobe get.

>> Thank Youto begins and we help you make it a great weekend and celebrate Valentine's Day and we love the fact that you've joined us all this week.

We hope to see you right back here again, Monday night at 6.30, Eastern 5.30, central for Kentucky Edition, we inform connect and inspire.

Connect with us all the ways you see on your screen, Facebook, X and Instagram to stay in the loop.

>> Thanks again for watching.

Have a great weekend and we'll see you Monday night.

Take good care.

♪