District 36 Newsletter
January 2023
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Greetings!
Well, it's official now! I got sworn in with my colleagues Jan 3rd at the Capitol, and can now vote on legislation. My new office number is 351D in the Capitol Annex if you are in the neighborhood. Office number is 502-564-8100. State email is [email protected]
My 3 Committee assignments are Elections & Constitutional Amendments, State Government, and Transportation - all areas where I have some useful experience from my prior life. The 2023 "Short Session" is a week in January, and then most of the days in Feb and March, with most Committees holding hearings each week to debate legislation. Most of the detailed discussion occurs in committee (vs on the floor of the House), as you might expect. You can usually watch live internet video on this KET link.
I will post frequent legislation updates on social media during the Jan-Mar Session, and will explain every significant vote I cast. Keep track of legislation I am supporting here. This newsletter will provide a monthly recap.
My first vote was to lower the income tax rate to 4.5% right now, and 4% Jan 1 2024, with a goal to get to 0% income tax by shifting to a base of consumption taxes to make KY more competitive with other states.
I will do my best to answer your questions and consider your input on District 36 issues if you would like to contact me. Liberty is a team sport! |
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Let's protect faith, family, and freedom in KY! |
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District 36 Road & Traffic Plans
The 2022 KY Highway Plan is posted, with $281 Million in improvements near District 36. Crews are moving dirt on KY 155 and paving lanes on on I-265 when winter weather allows.
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What's all that dirt moving about? |
The choke point of Taylorsville Rd traffic is at the 2-lane bridge over the creek at Pope Lick. It has to be widened to allow the rest of the road to be widened, with turn lanes and potential traffic signals. The master plan is to make the road 5 lanes from Gene Snyder all the way into Spencer County, but that will take years and multiple projects, and of course more funds. This first step is the hardest, and the most critical, and should be done by the end of 2023 IF we can get some water pipe materials that are backordered in the supply chain logjam. It's slow, but we are on the right track, and I am working with my neighboring elected officials and KYTC to git 'r dun!
The Old Henry extension project is about to start moving dirt as well, with utility relocation. Expected completion in late 2024. |
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Rights of the Accused - Due Process, Speedy Trial, Bail |
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US Constitution, Amendments 5-8
None shall "be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law". (5th)
"the right to a speedy and public trial" (6th)
"the right trial by jury " (7th)
"excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted (8th)
This collection of rights ensures that the government cannot just take your stuff and lock you away without the protections listed above. When government crosses the line, lawsuits can and should be filed. However, this must be balanced with the public's interest in not being victimized by violent crimes, as the KY Constitution states.
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The KY Constitution is clear on crime and speedy justice in Section 14:
"All courts shall be open, and every person for an injury done him in his lands, goods, person or reputation, shall have remedy by due course of law, and right and justice administered without sale, denial or delay".
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Juvenile Violent Crime –
You have likely seen news reports of violent criminals being released due to inadequate detention facilities, or released by some outside group paying the bail. This occurs far too often in Louisville, and increasingly these violent crimes are committed by those under age 18, incentivized by the fact that the young criminals know they will not serve hard time, and they will be freed soon. Right now, youthful violent offenders each take up many hours of valuable police time just to be transported far out of the County for pre-trial detention, or worse yet, they are just released to their parent(s) with no bail or legal supervision, and are back on the streets.
One of my top priorities is joining my colleague Rep Bratcher in supporting his bill that will require a Juvenile Justice center be established in Jefferson County, and also hold parents legally responsible for ensuring their criminally charged minor children show up for court and follow court orders. The accused have the right to speedy and public trial, but the public must be protected from violent criminals while they await trial.
Your actions as a citizen count - calls to the Legislative hotline (800-372-7181) to advocate for and against bills do have an impact on legislative leadership decisions.
My 2023 Legislative Priorities
Every legislator focuses on different areas, and my area of emphasis is in protecting our Constitutional Rights. You will find me advocating for things that limit the power of government over our lives, and in creating a level playing field for all citizens under the law. I am not a fan of government picking winners and losers via legislation.
My top 3 priority bills are:
1) Ban on warrent-less government surveillance on private land
2) Election integrity enhancement bill focusing on post election audits and cleanup of the voter rolls
3) Juvenile Justice Center for Jefferson County to combat crime
Other issues I plan to support or co-sponsor bills on:
- Reducing the KY income tax
- Medical freedom issues
- School choice and parental rights
- Banning internet censorship of political speech
- Reducing "red tape" and needless government regulation
- Getting Kentuckians back to work
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Political Happenings in Dist 36 |
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- My friend Russell Coleman is running for KY Attorney General in 2023, the only Republican to file.
- Russell was a US Attorney for Kentucky, with a reputation as a tough prosecutor, and a former federal law enforcement officer, someone who upholds law and order and puts violent criminals in jail.
- Russell has been very helpful to me in developing my bill to ban warrentless surveillance on private lands, showing me that he shares my desire to protect civil liberties.
Check out his website as you consider who to support in this election.
- Kentucky will elect a new Governor in 2023. There are 12 people running for the Republican nomination, more than I ever recall seeing in my lifetime. KY is one of only 3 states that have a Governor election in 2023, and it is considered a "bellwether state" for predicting the Presidential election the following year. So... all eyes will be upon us. It will be interesting. I would be interested in your thoughts on who you are supporting and why.
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Recent Media Appearances:
84 WHAS – listen to my interview with Dwight Witten on Warrant-less surveillance and privacy
Archived Recent Newsletters:
December 2022 - Election recap, legislative preview, how a bill becomes law
September '22 – Eastwood Cutoff project, Constitutional Privacy protection
August '22 – KY 155 / Pope Lick project, Limitations on Government Power
July '22 – First newsletter – our God-given Rights
Interns:
I am seeking a few unpaid interns to help with policy research and other duties a few flexible hours a month. Most activities could be done remotely. If you know a student (age 16+) that loves America, and would like some public policy experience and resumé-building, contact me.
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Thanks for reading and being involved!
John Hodgson
State Representative District 36
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Address: PO Box 74
Fisherville, KY 40023
Phone: (502) 276-5213
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