Columns

At the start of each legislative session in even-numbered years, the governor appears before the General Assembly twice: First, to give the State of the Commonwealth address and then, later in the month, to present a two-year budget proposal.

Given the tough economy the country has weathered during the last several years, it wasn’t much of a surprise when Gov. Steve Beshear spent much of his first speech last week talking about the second one he will give on Jan. 17.

Gov. Steve Beshear will help set the stage when he gives his State of the Commonwealth address this week and, later this month, presents his two-year budget proposal. 

Redistricting, something done each decade to align the state’s legislative and Kentucky Supreme Court boundaries to changes in population, will also be a major issue in the session’s opening days.

There will be dozens of other bills to consider as well, and as is often the case, they will generally focus on education, health and safety and economic development.

I wrote a piece saying farewell to my friend Tricky back in August.  She was moving to a different home, a different job.  Last week I wrote another farewell and was one of many who shared our thoughts at the service celebrating her life.  This week, through the heartbreak and tears that so many feel, I share those remarks with you.

Steve Beshear was formally sworn into his second term as governor Tuesday, kicking off what is Kentucky’s 59th inauguration.

While the governor is often the most well-known official in the state – like presidents, their tenures serve as guideposts to our history – the truth is that few of our past leaders are well known beyond the counties named in their honor.

This week is a good time to learn a little more.