State Government

Beshear is still scheduled to propose a new two-year budget during a televised address on Jan. 13, but Republican leaders of the House of Representatives unveiled their plan about a week early.

Under Senate Bill 1, School-Based Decision Making councils would become advisory groups. Important decisions would be finalized by district superintendents and, by extension, local school boards.

Lawmakers approved the measure because of how late they are tackling the once-per-decade redistricting process for seats in the legislature.

Gov. Andy Beshear called for unity during his State of the Commonwealth Address, saying Republicans and Democrats need to work together.

The congressional plan dramatically changes Kentucky’s 1st Congressional district, snaking from Fulton County in the westernmost tip of the state all the way to Frankfort, 300 miles away.

House Speaker David Osborne will also have the option to limit how much time lawmakers spend explaining their votes.

Lawmakers return to Frankfort on Tuesday to write a new state budget, redistrict Kentucky’s political boundaries and consider a slew of bills.

The affected lawmakers include Rep. Lynn Bechler, who represents a portion of Christian County.

People can register to vote, update party affiliations or check on their registration statuses on the secretary of state’s website.

The Kentucky government has provided to school districts only enough funding for half-day kindergarten for decades, despite the fact that most districts offer full-day kindergarten. Districts are expected to use local general funds to cover the remainder of the costs.

Gov. Andy Beshear has launched a website providing extensive information on resources for Kentuckians impacted by the recent tornadoes.

Many Western Kentucky tornado victims will spend the holiday at state parks that have been turned into free emergency housing for tornado victims.