Session successful despite toxic environment, says Thayer

The environment was often "toxic," but overall the recently concluded session of the Kentucky General Assembly was a great success, said Sen. Damon Thayer, R-Georgetown.

"Actually from a policy point-of-view there were a lot of great successes and bills passed that we can build upon," Thayer said. "It was a very difficult session. Very challenging and in some ways a very toxic environment.

"When the smoke clears, though, I think most people are going to be pretty happy with the results."

Legislators passed a pension reform bill that was signed by Gov. Matt Bevin and voted to override the governor's veto on a tax reform bill. A key to the success of the tax reform bill, especially was due to the House approving the bill and getting it to the Senate so there was time to make mistakes, the senator said.

"We had the opportunity to go over the bill and to over-ride the governor's veto," Thayer said. "That also gave us time to correct any mistakes."

One of "mistakes" was the elimination of the Kentucky Jobs Retention Act (KJRA), the foundation for the tax incentive package used by Toyota for its $1.33 billion architecture production project, as well as bringing Lexus to Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky. The KJRA has also been used to keep the Ford truck plant and a possible expansion of the GE plant, both of which are in Louisville.

"I was not aware that was in the bill, otherwise I would have voted against it," Thayer said about KJRA and the tax reform bill. "The bill also eliminated the Kentucky Tourism Act, which is very important to Scott County.

"There was a misunderstanding; a miscommunication, but luckily we had someone in the room to fix those items and I did."

The pension bill was another success, Thayer said.

"I would have liked for it to go further, but I'm a believer in the philosophy that you do not let the perfect stand in the way of the good," he said. "This is a good bill that we can build upon."

The pension reform bill, which was passed after being attached to a storm wastewater bill, places teachers hired after July 1, 2018 in a hybrid cash-balance retirement plan, extends the years of service for future teachers to 30 years and ends the inviolable contract for new teachers. Most of the provisions for current teachers remains intact.

"Scott County had a very good road plan passed in this session," Thayer said. "The governor presented his road plan and we didn't have to make any changes. There was enough money in this year's budget to start the final section of the bypass and we included enough money in this budget to finish it."

Overall, some $11 million was approved for Scott County roads and bridges, including $5 million to complete the bypass to Delaplain and $200,00 for reconstruction of the horizontal curve on Duvall Station Road. The current budget includes $18.25 million to start the last leg of the bypass, Thayer said.

Bevin frequently infuriated teachers with various remarks including last Friday when he criticized teachers for rallying at the Capitol and said he guaranteed a child was being sexually assaulted because school was not in session.

"I thought his comments were indefensible," Thayer said. "At the same time, he has apologized, so it's time to move on."

Despite Bevin's often caustic remarks, Thayer said there is much to like about the governor.

"I like this governor's policies," the senator said. "I think he has been a good leader for the state and he has been very good to Scott County and my district."

When the emotions die down and people see what was actually accomplished, most will be pleased," Thayer said.

"I really believe it was a great session," he said. "It wasn't pretty and at times very difficult, but I feel very good about what we accomplished."

Mike Scogin can be reached at mscogin@news-graphic.com.