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At the end of a legislative session, months of preparation and weeks of debate give way to a handful of days where the General Assembly and governor decide what will become law and what will have to wait.

It’s a predictably busy time, especially when the budget is in the mix during even-numbered years. 

In one sense, Kentucky’s budget doesn’t change much from year to year.  A little more than half of every state dollar, for example, goes to our schools, colleges and universities.  Another fourth is dedicated to Medicaid and other health services, a little more than a tenth is spent on criminal justice and the final dime goes to everything else.

While there is relatively little discussion in the General Assembly about those ratios, there is often lively debate on the best way to move each major area forward.

Starting to exercise and keeping at it can be a real struggle.  Here are a few ways that helped me to get and stay motivated.

1. Lighten goals

Sometimes when starting to exercise, your goal may be too big for you at that time. Make smaller goals (go to the gym three times a week,  walk a mile, drink more water). Slowly change your exercise habits and eating habits. Doing everything at once can be overwhelming.

2. Track or journal your progress

As other Kentucky House leaders and I were putting the final touches on a proposed two-year state budget last week, legislators received not one but two reports of good economic news.

On Thursday, state officials said that revenues have grown 4.3 percent so far this current fiscal year, all but guaranteeing a surplus with less than four months to go.  The sales tax – one of the state’s major revenue sources and a strong indicator of consumer confidence – has now increased in 24 of the past 26 months.