>> Renee: WITH TIME RUNNING OUT OF THIS YEAR'S LAWMAKING SESSION, THE HOUSE AND SENATE MAKE A MAD DASH THIS WEEK TO PUSH ACROSS MEASURES ON PUBLIC SKINS REFORMS, A BATCH OF GAMBLING BILLS, PRO-LIFE LEGISLATION AND LEGALIZING MEDICAL MARIJUANA.

WE BREAK DOWN THE WEEK'S ACTION IN THE STATE CAPITOL ON DAY 51 OF THE 2022 KENTUCKY GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN REGULAR SESSION.

GOOD EVENING, WELCOME TO "LEGISLATIVE UPDATE" I'M RENEE SHAW.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

WE BEGIN WITH HOUSE FLOOR ACTION TODAY.

A FLEET OF MEASURES ADDRESSING LEGALIZING SPORTS WAGERING, BANNING UNREGULATED GAMBLING MACHINES COMMONLY REFERRED TO A GRAY MACHINES, MODERNIZING, PARI-MUTUEL WAGERING STATUTES, AND CREATING A FUND TO FIGHT GAMBLING ADDICTION WERE ALL ACTED ON THIS week STATES LIKE INDIANA, TENNESSEE AND ILLINOIS ARE AHEAD OF KENTUCKY WHEN IT COMES TO ONLINE BETTING, AND KENTON COUNTY REPUBLICAN ADAM KOENIG'S HOUSE BILL 606 SEEKS T SPORTS BETTING AND REGULATE FANTASY SPORTS AND ONLINE POKER KENTUCKY IS ONE OF 17 STATES THAT HAVEN'T LEGALIZED SPORTS BETTING, AND ESTIMATES SHOW IT COULD BRING IN AT LEAST $22 MILLION IN ANNUAL TAX REVENUE TO THE STATE THAT THE BILL DIRECTS TO THE STATE'S PUBLIC PENSION S. >> AMERICAN GAMING ASSOCIATION ESTIMATES THAT OVER $2 BILLION A YEAR IS WAGERED ILLEGALLY ON SPORTS IN KENTUCKY.

WE KNOW THAT IT SURROUNDS US IN HYPER BOLLIC EVERY STATE EXCEPT FOR MISSOURI.

IT'S LEGAL IN ILLINOIS, INDIANA, OHIO, WEST VIRGINIA, VIRGINIA, AND TENNESSEE.

I BELIEVE, MR. SPEAKER, THAT THE PEOPLE OF KENTUCKY DESERVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO SOMETHING THEY ENJOY WITH THE PROTECTIONS AND REGULATION OF THEIR GOVERNMENTS.

>> Renee: THE BILL ALLOWS FOR IN-PERSON SPORTS BETTING AT EXISTING FACILITIES LIKE HORSE RANGES TRACKS AND THROUGH A MOBILE APP.

BUT MORAL OBJECTIONS TO GAMBLING DOMINATED FLOOR COMMENTARY TODAY, AND SOMEET QUESTIONED WHETHER THE ANTICIPATED BENEFITS WERE WORTH THE RISK TO KENTUCKIANS, WHILE OTHERS MAINTAIN THAT LEGALIZATION OF SPORTS BETTING THAT'S ALREADY HAPPENING IN THE SHADOWS IN KENTUCKY WILL ALLOW FOR TIGHTER REGULATION OF THE GROWING INDUS.

>> PROBABLY THE PEOPLE OF KENTUCKY ARE THOSE WAGERING WOULD HAVE TO LOSE $220 MILLION TO GET BACK $22 MILLION FOR THE STATE PENSION COFFERS, AND I JUST COULD SAY, OF COURSE, I'M OPPOSED TO THE BILL BECAUSE I BELIEVE THAT WE OUGHT TO MAKE POLICY THAT PUTS JOBS EVERYWHERE IN THE STATE OF KENTUCKY THAT WOULD ALLOW PEEP TO PEOPLE TO MAKE MONEY TO PAY TAXES FROM THEY'RE WEEK'S WORK AND TO GET MONEY THAT WAY RATHER THAN THE POLICY THAT WOULD TAKE AWAY FROM PEOPLE WITH NO REWARD.

>> I DO OPPOSE THE BILL.

I BELIEVE THAT MOVING DOWN THIS PATH IS JUST AN IRRESPONSIBLE WAY TO DRIVE REVENUE.

PROFIT AND LABOR, THAT'S AN OLD PROVERB.

IT'S ALWAYS WORKED.

AND AS WE DRIVE THIS STATE FORWARD ECONOMICALLY, WHEN WE PUT OUR HAND TO THE TASK, THERE'S PROFIT THAT COMES FROM THAT, AND I JUST BELIEVE IT'S IRRESPONSIBLE.

I OPPOSE IT.

I ASK PEEP TO VOTE NO WITH ME.

>> I'M A WIG BIG BELIEVER IN PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY, AND I THINK THIS BILL DOES MOVE US TOWARD THAT IN THIS STATE.

HOWEVER, I THINK THAT THE APPROPRIATE WAY TO DEAL WITH THIS ISSUE AND ALL ISSUES OF GAMING IN KENTUCKY AND GAMBLING IS THROUGH A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT THAT I WOULD SUPPORT AND THEN LET THE PEOPLE OF KENTUCKY MAKE THE FINAL DECISION INSTEAD OF THIS PIECEMEAL APPROACH THAT WE'VE BEEN TAKING.

>> FOR ME IT'S FAIRLY SIMPLE.

I'M FROM LOUISVILLE, REPRESENT SOUTH LOUISVILLE AREA.

AND FOR THE MOST PART, PEOPLE THAT ENJOY WAGERING ON SPORTS ALREADY DO IT.

IN MY AREA.

ACCESS IS NOT THE PROBLEM.

THEY EITHER DO IT ILLEGALLY OR THEY SIMPLY GO ACROSS THE BRIDGE AND DO IT THERE.

THE PROBLEM IS THERE IS A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF ANY GAMING ACTIVITY WHERE PEOPLE HAVE ADDICTION ISSUES.

RIGHT NOW WE GET NO FUNDING FROM OUR RESIDENTS WHO PARTICIPATE IN THIS ACTIVITY IN ORDER TO HELP SERVICES THAT HELP THAT SMALL PERCENTAGE THAT HAVE ADDICTION PROBLEMS.

LEGALIZING AND TITLE REGULATING THIS ACTIVITY -- TIGHTLY REGULATING THIS ACTIVITY AND ALSO PASSING 609 WHICH I HIGHLY ENCOURAGE THIS BODY TO PASS, APPROPRIATES FUNDING TOWARD KENTUCKY PROBLEM gambling >> Renee: THE SPORTS BETTING LEGALIZATION MEASURE WAS APPROVED BY THE HOUSE TODAY 58 TO 30 AND NOW GETS FORWARDED ON TO THE SENATE.

SKILL GAME MACHINES, OFTEN REFERRED TO AS GRAY MACHINES BECAUSE THEY OPERATE IN A GRAY AREA OF LAW, ARE POPPING BACK UP .

IN THE BACK ROOMS OF GAS STATIONS AND CONVENIENCE STORES AND OPPONENTS OF THEM SAY THEY'RE OPERATING BECAUSE OF A LEGAL loophole.

A LEXINGTON REPUBLICAN WANTS TO OUTLAW THEM REPRESENTATIVE KILLIAN TIMONEY SAYS GRAY MACHINES, GAINING POPULARITY IN RETAIL LOCATIONS, ARE UNFAIRLY COMPETING WITH THE KENTUCKY LOTTERY THAT FUNDS COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS.

HOUSE BILL 608 PROPOSES TO BAN THOSE GAMBLING MACHINES THAT AREN'T CONNECTED TO THE KENTUCKY LOTTERY, CHARITABLE GAMING OR HISTORICAL HORSE RACING.

LOTTERY OFFICIALS TESTIFIED THEY COULD LOSE $60 MILLION ANNUALLY IF STATE LAWMAKERS DON'T OUTLAW GRAY MACHINES THAT HAVE GROWN B MORE THAN 1500 SINCE NOVEMBER A NEARLY 400 RETAILERS IN 72 COUN.

>> SO WHAT IS THE OF ALL THESE MACHINES ON THE KENTUCKY LOTTERY?

IT'S EARLY BUT IT IS SIGNIFICANT.

AND IT'S BECAUSE OF WHERE THE MACHINES ARE LOCATED.

WE FACE COMPETITION FROM ALL FORMS OF GAMBLING, LEGAL AND ILLEGAL, BUT THESE MACHINES HAVE LANDED RIGHT IN LOTTERY LOCATIONS, WHICH IS CONVENIENCE STORES AND GAS STATIONS.

GRAY MACHINES TARGET THOSE VERY SAME LOCATIONS, AND THAT IS WHY UNREGULATED GAMING MACHINES ARE A MASSIVE BODY BLOW TO THE KENTUCKY LOTTERY.

>> BUT LET'S LOOK AT THE NUMBERS.

AT THE END OF QUARTER 2 WE LOOKED AT OUR STATEWIDE LOTTERY SALES.

STORES WITH THE GRAY MACHINES ARE LAGGING BEHIND THE OTHERS.

ABOUT 5.5%.

The >> Renee: THE KENTUCKY FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE SUPPORTS THE UNREGULATED SLOT STYLE MACHINES AND IS FINANCIALLY BENEFITING FROM THE SKILL GAME MAKER PACE OMATIC REPORTEDLY RECENTLY GAVE $125,000 TO THE KENTUCKY FOP FO A DISASTER RELIEF TRAILER.

THE FOP VICE PRESIDENT IS HOPING THE MACHINES CAN BE REGULATED INSTEAD OF OUTLAWED AS THEY'RE ENJOYING A CUT FROM THE GAMES' PROCEEDS THAT'S A BIG BOOST FOR THEIR ORGANIZATION.

>> THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE ARE PROUD TO PARTNER WITH EAST COAST MUSEMENTS AND PACE-O-MATIC AS NECESSITY PROVIDED MUCH-NEEDED FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR ORGANIZATION.

AFTER SPEAKING WITH MANY PRIVATE ATTORNEYS, MANY COUNTY AND MANY COMMONWEALTH'S ATTORNEYS WE BELIEVE THAT THESE MACHINES ARE LEGAL AND ALLOWED TO BE UTILIZED IN OUR BUSINESS COMMUNITY.

AFTER ALL, WE WOULDN'T BE SITTING HERE TODAY IF THE MACHINES WEREN'T LEGAL.

NOT ONLY DOES THE FOP GET THE MUCH-NEEDED FUNDS TO SUPPORT THE LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMUNITY AND THEIR FAMILIES, BUT THEY ALSO HELP SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS AT A TIME WHERE MAIN STREETS IN OUR STATE AND COUNTRY ARE STRUGGLING.

>> Renee: WHEN THE MEASURE CAM ON THE HOUSE FLOOR TODAY, HOUSE MEMBERS LAMENTED CONFUSION AND CONCERNS ABOUT CONSISTENCY, WHETHER LAWMAKERS WOULD BE ENDORSING EXPANDED GAMBLING WITHOUT REGULATIONS OR ENDANGERING CONVENIENCE STORES AEROC-STORES, AS YOU HEAR THEM CALLED WITH THAT ARE CASHING IN ON THE GAMES.

>> YOU CAN WALK INTO ANY C-STORE, MANY BARS, AND OTHER PLACES AND PLAY OUR LOTTERY AND KENO.

YOU CAN DO IT FROM MONKEYS EYEBROW TO STINKING CREEK WEEK GEORGIA FROM KNOX.

THIS BILL WANTS US NOT TO REDUCE GAMBLING BUT TO PICK THE WINNERS AND LOSERS.

I VOTE NO.

>> Renee: SPONSOR KILLIAN TIMONEY SOUGHT TO CLARIFY WHO AND WHAT IS GAINED FROM HIS LEG BUT OTHERS THINK HIS MEASURE WILL CAUSE IRREPARABLE HARM TO SMALL STORE OWNERS WHO MAKE MOR MONEY OFF GRAY MACHINES THAN JUST SELLING LOTTERY TICKETS.

>> LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE REASON FOR THIS BILL, IT'S A YES VOTE, IS FOR ALL THE CHARITABLE GAMING COMPANIES WHO WE HAVE TO PROVIDE TEMPORARY STATUTE RELIEF TO KEEP THEM AFLOAT DURING LAST SECTION SESSION.

ORGANIZATIONS SUCH AS SHIRLEY'S WAY IN JEFFERSON COUNTY, VILLA HILL CIVIC CLUB, THE OWENSBORO EAGLES, THE MASTER MUSICIANS FESTIVAL, THE WHITLEY COUNTY TOUCHDOWN CLUB, THE LIBERTY NATURE AND RAPTOR CENTER, AND COUNTLESS VFWs ACROSS THE COMMONWEALTH.

A YES VOTE IS FOR THE THE THOUSANDS OF E. CAN STUDENTS WHO ACCESS COLLEGE AND CAREER PATHWAYS, SOME OF THEM FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THEIR ENTIRE FAMILY, DUE TO THE KEES AND WORK READY SCHOLARSHIPS THAT THE LOTTERY PROVIDES, THE NEARLY $4 BILLION OVER THE LAST TEN YEARS, AND THAT'S BILLION WITH A "B."

A YES VOTE IS FOR THIS BILL IS FOR THE FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES WHO DON'T WANT GAMING MACHINES IN ENVIRONMENTS THAT ARE NOT AGE CONTROLLED OR WANT THEM AT ALL.

>> WE ARE PICKING WINNERS AND LOSERS WITH THIS BILL.

FOR OVER 30 YEARS, WE'VE HAD THESE MACHINES IN MY C STORTS STORES, UP THE HOLLERS, AS THE GENTLEMAN FROM JEFFERSON STATED, STINKING CREEK IN ONE OF HIS STATEMENTS.

THAT'S IN MY COUNTY.

THEY HAVE THESE MACHINES IN THE C-STORES.

THE GROCERY STORES UP IN STINKING CREEK.

AND I CAN TELL YOU RIGHT NOW, AND I'M GOING TO -- I DON'T HAVE A CRYSTAL BALL.

THE GENTLEMAN FROM FAYETTE.

BUT I WILL STAY THIS, IF YOU TAKE THESE MACHINES AS YOU'RE DOING TODAY AND PICKING THE WINNERS AND THE LOSERS, YOU'RE GOING TO PICK A LOT OF LOSERS OUT THERE.

YOU'RE FIXING TO SHUT DOWN A LOT OF BUSINESSES, AND YOU MAY SAY, WELL, I REALLY DIDN'T KNOW IT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN.

I'M GIVING YOU A LITTLE FORESIGHT.

IT'S GOING TO HAPPEN.

THEY'RE GOING TO CLOSE UP.

>> I'M JUST WONDERING, I GUESS, WHAT IS THE RATIONALE FOR NOT REGULATING THESE MACHINES IF WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE UNFETTERED PROLIFERATION, I GUESS, OF THESE MACHINES THROUGH THE STATE?

WHAT IS THE RATIONALE FOR NOT REGULATING THESE MACHINES?

>> GENTLEMAN FROM FAYETTE.

>> MR. SPEAKER, THE LADY ASKED AN EXCELLENT QUESTION.

I SPENT A LOT OF TIME LOOKING AT THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE, AND, YOU KNOW, TO TAX AND REGULATE TO BE EFFECTIVE REQUIRES TIGHT CONTROLS, CONTINUOUS MONITORING AND ENFORCEMENT TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE AND PROTECTION.

REGULATION CAN TAKE AT LEAST A YEAR TO IMPLEMENT IT.

RIRES PROM UMGATION OF LENGTHY REGULATIONS, IMPLEMENTATION AFTER COSTLY SYSTEM HIRING ANN ENFORCEMENT DIVISION AND ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF.

THE ATTEMPTING TO TAX AND REGULATE MANY MACHINES AMOUNTS TO COBBLING TOGETHER A PATCHWORK QUILT OF IRREGULAR AND LET'S INSISTS WHICH WE NEED TO avoid.

>> Renee: AFTER ATTEMPTS TO DELAY ON THE GRAY MACHINE BILL FAILED, IT WENT ON TO CLEAR THE HOUSE 50 TO 31.

IT NOW TRAVELS TO THE SENATE FOR CONSIDERATION TWO OTHER GAMBLING-RELATED BILL.

HOUSE BILL 607 THAT PROPOSES A 1.5% TAX ON PARI-MUTUEL wagers INCLUDING HISTORICAL HORSE RACING, SIMULCAST, AND ADVANCE DEPOSIT WAGERING, AND HOUSE BIL THAT CREATES A FUNDING MECHANIS FOR PROBLEM GAMBLING WEREN'T CALLED UP FOR A HOUSE FLOOR VOT GOVERNOR ANDY BESHEAR VETOED TODAY A BILL REVAMPING RULES TO GET UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS, HOUS BILL 4.

IN A VIDEO MESSAGE ON S MEDIA, THE GOVERNOR SAID IT QUOTE, CALLOUSLY REDUCES JOB BENEFITS FOR KENTUCKIANS WHO HAVE FALLEN ON TOUGH TIMES.

AND HE SAYS IT WON'T IMPROVE THE STATE'S WORKFORCE PARTICIPATION.

>> WHAT HOUSE BILL 4 WOULD DO IS CUT WEEKS OF UNEMPLOYMENT THAT FOLKS THAT HAVE WORKED MAYBE A DECADE IN A CAREER AND THEN BEEN LAID OFF NEED TO GET BACK UP ON THEIR FEET.

REMEMBER, UNEMPLOYMENT ISN'T AVAILABLE TO THOSE THAT QUIT.

THIS IS FOR PEOPLE THAT WERE WORKING, AND THROUGH NO FAULT OF THEIR OWN ARE SUDDENLY HAVING TO FIND A NEW CAREER.

39 STATES, THE VAST MAJORITY OF RED AND BLUE STATES, OFFER 26 WEEKS OF UNEMPLOYMENT FOR PEOPLE, AGAIN, TO GET BACK ON THE RIGHT PATH, TO BE IN A CAREER.

HOUSE BILL 4 WOULD CUT KENTUCKY'S TO AS FEW AS 12.

AND IT WOULD REQUIRE PEOPLE TO TAKE ANY JOB, NOT GET BACK ON A PATH TO A CAREER, IN AS FEW AS SIX WEEKS.

IT SETS A STATEWIDE AVERAGE, MEANING THE NUMBER OF WEEKS THAT YOU CAN GET IF YOU ARE IN EASTERN KENTUCKY IS FACTORED IN WITH THE MOST POPULATED COUNTIES THAT HAVE THE LOWEST UNEMPLOYMENT RATE.

WHAT IT'S GOING TO DO IS LEAD TO THE FURTHER DEPOPULATION OF PARTS OF EASTERN AND WESTERN KENTUCKY WHERE PEOPLE ARE GOING TO BE FORCED TO MOVE INSTEAD OF GIVING THOSE COMMUNITIES THE TIME THEY NEED TO GET BACK UP ON THEIR FEET AFTER BEING KNOCKED DOWN BY A CHANGING ECONOMY.

>> Renee: GOVERNOR BESHEAR SAYS THE VETOED MEASURE WOULD OVERLOAD AN ALREADY unstaffed UNEMPLOYMENT OFFICE WITH ANTIQUATED I.T.

SYSTEM THAT'S BEEN UNDER HEAVY SCRUTINY FOR SLOW CLAIMS PROCESSING.

HOUSE BILL 4 DOESN'T PROVIDE FUNDING FOR THOSE NEEDS.

EARLIER THIS WEEK, THE GOVERNOR VETOED SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 150 THAT ENDS THE COVID-19 STATE OF EMERGENCY IN KENTUCKY.

THE GOVERNOR SAYS IT WOO JEOPARDIZE FEDERAL FUNDING FOR FOOD ASSISTANCE FOR HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF KENTUCKY FAMILIES.

>> I BELIEVE THAT GIVEN WE HAVE ZERO STATEWIDE RESTRICTIONS AND WE HAVEN'T FOR SIX MONTHS, ALL THIS RESOLUTION DOES IS HURT THESE FOLKS BY CUTTING OFF THIS EXTRA FOOD AID WHILE DOING ABSOLUTELY NOTHING ELSE.

FOR THAT REASON, I AM VETOING JOINT RESOLUTION 150, AND I URGE OUR STATE LEGISLATURE TO NOT OVERRIDE THE VETO.

IT COMES DOWN TO THIS SIMPLE QUESTION.

IF YOU WANT OUR STRUGGLING SENIORS AND KIDS TO BE ABLE TO AFFORD ENOUGH FOOD AS WE NAVIGATE OUT OF THIS PANDEMIC.

I CERTAINLY DO.

>> Renee: BESHEAR SAID THE STATE RECEIVES NEARLY AN ADDITIONAL $50 MILLION EACH MONTH DURING THE PANDEMIC FOR THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, SNAP, FORMERLY KNOWN AS FOOD STAMPS.

CURRENTLY IT IS ESTIMATED THAT 540,000 PEOPLE IN THE STATE RECEIVE ABOUT 100 EXTRA DOLLARS A MONTH IN SNAP BENEFITS TO BUY YESTERDAY, THE KENTUCKY HOUSE PASSED NEW REFORMS TO THE STATE'S PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS LIKE MEDICAID AND FOOD STAMPS IN AN EFFORT TO CRACK DOWN ON FRAUD AND GET CERTAIN ABLE-BODIED PEOPLE ON THE JOB.

BUT CRITICS CONTEND THE MEASURE WILL CREATE BARRIERS FOR the NEEDIEST OF KENTUCKIANS TO GET FOOD AND MEDICINE.

HOUSE BILL 7, PUSHED BY THE HOUSE'S TOP LEGISLATIVE LEADERS, RESTRICTS PUBLIC CASH ASSISTANCE FROM BEING SPENT IN BARS, ADULT ENTERTAINMENT FACILITIES, CASINOS, ON ALCOHOL, TOBACCO OR LOTTERY TICKETS, AND CREATES PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THAT RANGE FROM A ONE-MONTH TO A FIV YEAR SUSPENSION.

EBT, OR ELECTRONIC BENEFITS CARDS, COULD ONLY BE USED TO BU ITEMS THAT ARE, QUOTE, NECESSAR FOR THE WELFARE OF THE FAMILY.

75% OF MONTHLY SNAP OR FOOD STAMP BENEFITS ARE RECOMMENDED TO BE USED ON HEALTHY FOODS.

THE ARCHITECTS OF HOUSE BILL 7 SAY IT STREAMLINES THE PROCESS FOR SENIORS AND THOSE WITH DISABILITIES TO ENROLL AND MAINTAIN PUBLIC ASSISTANCE BENE AND IT ALSO REACTIVATES THE SNA WORK OR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR ABLE-BODIED ADULTS WITHOUT CHILDREN, MAKES THEM MEET MORE REPORTING RULES ON INCOME CHANGES, AND CONTAINS PROVISIONS TO REMOVE INELIGIBLE WELFARE RECIPIENTS FROM THE ROL.

>> THE ENEMY HERE IS NOT SNAP BENEFITS.

IT'S NOT WORKFORCE PARTICIPATION.

THE ENEMY HERE IS THAT 1.4 MILLION OF OUR CITIZENS, OUR SISTERS AND BROTHERS, ARE LIVING BELOW THE POVERTY LINE.

IT IS NOT SOMETHING THAT ANY INDIVIDUAL OF THEM IS SOMEHOW DEFRAUDING US ALL, BUT CONDITIONS, PANDEMICS, ALL OF THESE THINGS HAVE CALLED FORTH FROM US NOT THE LIFEBOAT THAT IS NEEDED TO GET TO SHORE, BUT IT SEEMS LIKE IT'S CALLED FORTH A BUNCH OF CARPENTERS WITH DRILLS LOOKING TO DISMANTLED THE BOAT WHILE WE'RE SILL AT sea.

>> Renee: THE SECRETARY OF THE STATE HEALTH CABINET SAYS IT WOULD NEED TO DOUBLE ITS WORKFORCE TO UP TO 500 MORE EMPLOYEES AT THE COST OF TENS O MILLIONS OF DOLLARS TO COMPLY WITH THE WELFARE REFORM PLAN.

SOME DEMOCRATS CLAIM THE MATH DOESN'T ADD UP FOR THEM AND THEY DENOUNCE THE MEASURE AS, QUOTE, A WAR ON THE POOR.

>> WE WILL REGRET TAKING THESE ACTIONS JUST TO FEEL THE SATISFACTION OF CATCHING AND PUNISHING AN INFINITESIMALLY SMALL NUMBER OF POOR PEOPLE WHO ARE DOING THE WRONG THING.

WE WILL INSTEAD PUNISH GROCERY STORES AND FARM SEES, HOSPITALS, WORKING FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AND FOR WHAT?

WHO GAINS?

WHO IS BETTER OFF WHEN WE SPEND MILLIONS OF DOLLARS TO SAVE THOUSANDS?

IF IT'S ACCOUNTABILITY WE'RE AFTER, WE NEED TO LOOK ELSEWHERE.

WE NEED TO LOOK AT EMPLOYERS COMMITTING WAGE THEFT, NOT PAYING THEIR EMPLOYEES FOR THEIR LABOR, WHETHER IT'S NOT PAYING OVERTIME OR TAKING THEIR TIPS.

THIS COSTS KENTUCKY MILLIONS.

WE NEED TO LOOK AT THE CORPORATIONS WHO ARE PAYING THEIR EMPLOYEES POVERTY LEVEL WAGES, KNOWING THAT THE STATE WILL SUBSIDIZE THEIR BUSINESSES BY PROVIDING PUBLIC CINCHES TO THEIR EMPLOYEES.

>> Renee: HOUSE BILL 7 BY THE HOUSE SPEAKER AND SPEAKER PRO-TEM WOULD PUNISH THOSE WHO TRAFFIC EBT CARDS WITH TEMPORAR OR PERMANENT INELIGIBILITY FROM ALL PUBLIC ASSISTANCE programs THE MEASURE AUTHORIZES THE KENTUCKY ATTORNEY GENERAL TO ENFORCE THE LAW IF IT'S NOT FOLLOWED BY THE STATE HEALTH CABINET.

A JOB PLACEMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM WOULD BE CREATED FOR ABLE-BODIED ADULTS ENROLLED IN MEDICAID.

THE MEASURE WAS GIVEN A FLOOR VOTE THURSDAY AFTERNOON AFTER I PASSED COMMITTEE JUST A COUPLE OF HOURS EARLIER.

REPRESENTATIVE DAVID MEADE DEFENDED HIS MEASURE AGAINST THE CRITICS.

>> WE ARE NOT CHANGING ONE SINGLE REQUIREMENT TO ENROLL IN SNAP, NOT ONE.

THERE ARE ALREADY WORK REQUIREMENTS IN PLACE IN OUR STATE.

THEY HAVE JUST BEEN PUT ON STOP BY THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION THROUGH THIS PANDEMIC.

THEY WERE IN PLACE PRIOR TO COVID, AND THEY ARE GOING TO BE IN PLACE AFTER COVID.

IT'S FALSE THAT THIS WILL AFFECT FREE AND REDUCED LUNCH AND THOSE OTHER PROGRAMS MENTIONED BECAUSE THAT SACHS, AGAIN, WAS DELETED.

AND AT LAST TO SUM IT UP, THE ONLY WAY, THE ONLY WAY YOU LOSE YOUR BENEFITS IS THAT YOU EITHER VIOLATE THE LAW OR YOU ARE AN ABLE-BODIED ADULT WITH NO DEPENDENTS THAT DOES NOT PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM.

>> IT'S IMPORTANT THAT WE REBUILD OUR WORKFORCE.

IT'S IMPORTANT THAT WE GIVE PEOPLE THE SAFETY NET THAT THEY NEED SO THAT WHEN THINGS GO WRONG, THEY'VE GOT SOMETHING TO FALL BACK ON.

BUT IT'S ALSO IMPORTANT THAT WE GIVE PEOPLE A HAND UP AND NOT A HAND OUT.

>> Renee: THE HOUSE REPUBLICAN WELFARE REFORM PLAN PASSED THE HOUSE LARGELY ALONG PARTY LINES YESTERDAY 71 TO 26.

IT'S NOW IN THE POSSESSION OF THE SENATE.

A BILL TO LET PATIENTS WITH CERTAIN AILMENTS USE MEDICAL MARIJUANA TO TREAT THEM WON APPROVAL IN THE KENTUCKY HOUSE LOUISVILLE REPUBLICAN JASON NEMES SAYS THIS YEAR'S MEASURE IS MORE NARROW IN SCOPE THAN PREVIOUS VERSIONS.

LEE SAYS YOU CAN'T SMOKE MARIJUANA, PATIENTS MUST HAVE A BONA FIDE RELIGION WITH DOCTORS TO GET A PRESCRIPTION FOR IT, AND THERE ARE RULES FOR KENTUCKY GROWERS, PROS ORS, DISPENSARIES AND SAFETY TESTERS.

>> DON'T THINK FOR IS A SECOND THE THIS BILL BRINGS MARIJUANA TO KENTUCKY.

IT'S HERE.

THE BEST PART ABOUT THIS PILL, AND I'M CLOSING WITH THIS, THE BEST PART ABOUT THIS BILL IS THAT 85-YEAR-OLD WOMAN AND THAT 43-YEAR-OLD FATHER AND ERIC CRAWFORD CAN GO AND GET PRODUCT THAT'S MADE IN KENTUCKY BY KENTUCKIANS, TESTED IN KENTUCKY, AND IT'S SAFE.

HE KNOWS IT'S SAFE, AND NOT PEDDLED TO HIM BY SOMEBODY WHO MIGHT WANT TO GIVE HIM MORE.

SO LET ME -- I ANSWERED THE QUESTION HOW CAN KENTUCKY WIN?

THAT'S HOW.

LET ME ASK YOU A QUESTION.

AND I'M GOING TO CALL THE QUESTION.

IF YOUR PHYSICIAN OR YOUR WIFE PHYSICIAN OR YOUR HUSBAND'S PHYSICIAN ORE, GOD FORBID, YOUR CHILD'S PHYSICIAN TOLD YOU THAT THIS PRODUCT WORKS IN OTHER STATES AND IT WILL HELP YOUR CHILD, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

>> IF YOU LOOK UP, IF YOU GOOGLE, WATCH THE MOST USED DRUG IN AMERICA, NUMBER ONE, ALCOHOL.

NUMBER TWO, TOBACCO, NICOTINE.

NUMBER THREE, MARIJUANA.

AND I GUESS WE CAN SAY IT'S FOR MEDICAL PURPOSES, AND I GUESS WE COULD ALL GO HOME AND FEEL GOOD ABOUT OURSELF.

WE'VE HELPED SOME PEOPLE.

WE COULD JUSTIFY IT AS THE STATE OF KENTUCKY.

I DIDN'T COME TO FRANKFORT FOR LIQUOR, FOR GAMBLING, OR FOR MARIJUANA.

I CAME HERE TO STAND AGAINST IT, TO NOT PROMOTE IT, TO TRY TO HELP MY COMMUNITIES RATHER THAN ADDING TO THE DEVASTATION GOING ON IN PEOPLE'S LIVES ALREADY.

>> Renee: THE HOUSE APPROVED A SEPARATE MEASURE TO CREATE THE KENTUCKY CENTER FOR CANNABIS RESEARCH AT THE UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY TO STUDY ITS SAFETY AN IT PASSED WITHOUT OPPOSITION.

IT WAS A MUCH NARROWER MARGIN OF VICTORY FOR MEDICAL MARIJUANA LEGISLATION SPONSOR JASON Nemes AS HIS HOUSE BILL 136 EARNED PASSAGE 59 TO 34 AND NOW WAITS FOR ACTION BY THE SENATE WHERE SENATE JUDICIARY CHAIRMAN WHITNEY WESTERFIELD HAS SAID TH WILL GET A HEARING IN HIS COMMI.

A FEW BILLS THAT COULD SEE FINAL RESOLUTION THIS NEXT WEEK: SENATE BILL 83, BARRING TRANSGENDER GIRLS OR BIOLOGICAL BOYS WHO IDENTIFY AS FEMALE, FROM PLAYING SCHOOL SPORTS IN MIDDLE, HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE HOUSE BILL 121 THAT REQUIRES AT LEAST A 15 MINUTE COMMENT PERIO AT LOCAL SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS IS CLOSE TO FINAL PASSAGE, AND A BILL TO DEEM CHURCHES AS ESSENTIAL SERVICES DURING A STATE OF EMERGENCY, ALL HAVE JUST ONE LEGISLATIVE HURDLE REMAINING BEFORE BEING SENT TO THE GOVERNOR'S DESK.

A PROGRAMMING NOTE, MONDAY NIGHT ON "KENTUCKY TONIGHT" I'LL MODERATE A DISCUSSION ABOUT ABORTION LEGISLATION UNDER CONS THIS WEEK, THE SENATE APPROVED SENATE BILL 321 THAT BANS ABORTIONS AFTER 15 WEEKS OF pre WE'LL TALK ABOUT THAT BILL AND AN OMNIBUS PRO-LIFE MEASURE THAT ORIGINATED FROM THE HOUSE MONDAY NIGHT ON "KENTUCKY TONIGHT" AT 8:00 EASTERN, 7:00 CENTRAL.

THAT'S ALL FOR DAY 51 COVERAGE OF THE 2022 KENTUCKY GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN REGULAR session.

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS, CALL 1-800-633-9650.

YOU CAN ALSO FOLLOW OUR GAVEL-TO-GAVEL COVERAGE THROUGHOUT THE DAY BY DOWNLOADING KET'S LEGISLATIVE COVERAGE APP TO YOUR SMARTPHONE OR TABLET.

YOU CAN WATCH ON OUR CHANNEL OR FOLLOW ALONG ONLINE AT KET.ORG.

AND YOU CAN FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER TO GET UPDATES THROUGHOUT THE DAY.

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU AGAIN MONDAY NIGHT AT 11:00 EASTERN, 10:00 CENTRAL TIME FOR "LEGISLATIVE UPDATE."

THANK SO VERY MUCH FOR WATCHING.

I'M RENEE SHAW.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND, AND I'LL SEE YOU SOON.