The weighty issues of the 2018-19 biennial budget and, more importantly, the failing pension system have put Frankfort lawmakers in a precarious place. Clearly, cutting programs or raising taxes in an election year to make the budget balance are not good political options. Similarly, trying to find the solution to the very real pension crisis without changing “anything” that pension recipients expect is also complicated in an election year.
That is exactly what legislators are trying to do, particularly those in the majority in both Chambers – the Republicans.
These legislators are going to make tough choices on both of these tough issues. Then, after the Session is over, these same legislators will be facing stiff competition in the November elections by candidates supported by the most powerful union in Kentucky – the Kentucky Education Association.
Given that heavy load, legislators are eagerly looking for things to do that do not cost the state money, but that will enrich family life in Kentucky and, therefore, they will be appealing to their base. Enter pro-family legislation. If ever there was a time to pass legislation that protects marriage, that supports the sanctity of life, that affirms religious liberty, that slows sex trafficking and drug use, and that strengthens healthy education programs, NOW IS THAT TIME!
The bulk of the 2018 Session will be over in just three weeks. If something is going to pass it needs to be moving – very soon! Without doubt, the best way to get things moving is with a prayer and then this step of faith: calling the Legislative Message Line 1-800-372-7181 and letting your legislators know what you desire.
The Pastor’s Protection Act (House Bill 372) could move!
It has only 3 weeks to make it through the Assembly, but it can! In these times when many activists and political leaders are trying to use the power of government to force pastors, churches and religious organizations to comply with all of the LGBT demands, it is refreshing to see Kentucky state legislators work to protect religious leaders and pastors.
The opportunity is NOW to pass this legislation and be a leading state that helps work out the details of the 2015 Obergefell same-sex marriage U.S. Supreme Court decision. For example: During oral arguments Justices John Roberts and Samuel Alito asked Solicitor General Donald B. Verrilli, Jr. (the lead attorney for the U.S. Government) whether a ruling that same-sex marriage is a constitutional right requires a religious college that has married housing to afford such housing to same-sex couples and whether a college could lose its tax exempt status if it failed to do so. The Solicitor General responded “It’s certainly going to be an issue. I don’t deny that . . . It is going to be an issue.”
We can help settle that issue here in Kentucky!
