District 36 Newsletter
March 2023
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Greetings!
We are into the "meat" of the legislative Session now. The Ambassador from Taiwan gave us an inspirational talk about free nations standing together to oppose international bullies who seek world domination. Taiwan is a major trading partner of the US and Kentucky. She explained to the me the microchip shortage that has affected the Ford Truck Plant in District 36. It's a long story, but the situation is improving and Taiwan interests are helping build a $40 Billion chip factory in Arizona to give America more supply chain security long term.
I have been following my top secret 3 point political plan this Session:
1) Know what you stand for
2) Promise it to the voters
3) Do it
My promised 2 top priority bills that I originated got passed in the House, and a 3rd will be worked on this summer in committee. You can see videos of the House votes here on HB214 (government surveillance) and HB230 (election integrity). Both bills are in the Senate now for their concurrence, along with many other good bills I helped co-sponsor.
Over 800 bills have been filed in the House and the Senate, each with the potential for many amendments and substitutions. It is nearly overwhelming to keep up with, but I am keeping my nose above water, and I will not cast an un-informed vote. Most legislation has been passing by wide margins or unanimous consent so far, but we are getting to the more controversial bills now, and those get all the media attention and hype. I get many hundreds of messages, calls, emails and comments on bills every week, and I do read them all and take them into consideration. No bill is perfect, we discuss, debate, and amend them, but in the end I only get 2 choices: the green button or the red button, and you may not always agree with my choice. Just know that I ingested a ton of information before making the best decision I could on my final yes or no vote, even if somtimes I wish there was a "neither" button.
I welcome your input and perspective on the bills that may impact you, although I will caution you that the details of many bills do not match the pro and con hype and talking points around them - please read the bills online, then give me your input on the legislative message line:1-800-372-7181.
My office number is 351D in the Capitol Annex.
Office number is 502-564-8100.
- Elections & Constitutional Amendments
- State Government
- Transportation
Watch live internet video of the session and committees 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.
This newsletter will provide a monthly recap.
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.
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English Station Road Widening |
The section of English Station just north of Shelbyville Road is way too narrow for heavy traffic and creates a bottleneck. Fixing it will be a challenge, but it is underway... road projects take years.
- KYTC has acquired all necessary right-of-way, including the control of access rights when applicable, including legal and physical possession.
- The Final roadway design is near completion.
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Utility relocation may begin in late 2023 or early 2024, with approximately two years to relocate and clear, barring any unforeseen delays.
- KYTC anticipates letting the project to construction by the end of 2025, with construction work between 2026-2027. The construction letting date is to be determined.
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The Right to Trial by Jury in Lawsuits |
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US Constitution, Amendment 7:
"In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law." - 1787
When citizens have been wronged by an individual, a company or even the government, this Amendment gives the right to hire a lawyer and sue to get individual justice. Of course that means that citizens can be sued by others. The vast majority of suits settle out of court, with defendants fearing huge judgements by a jury, so this right tends to encourage people not to wrong or defraud others, and if they do, to settle quickly. (Either way, lawyers can make a good living, as they say!)
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The KY Constitution Section 231:
"The General Assembly may, by law, direct in what manner and in what courts suits
may be brought against the Commonwealth." - 1891
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Keep track of legislation I am supporting via co-sponsorship here, by House Bill (HB) number.
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 in process:
1) Ban on warrent-less government surveillance on private land HB144 - passed the house, in Senate
2) Election integrity bill enhancement bill focusing on post election audits and cleanup of the voter rolls HB 214 - working in committee this summer
and HB 230 - passed the House, in Senate
3) Juvenile Justice Center for Jefferson County to combat crime HB3 - Passed the House, in Senate
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Reducing KY income tax - Enacted! Income Tax rate lowered to 4% next year
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Medical freedom issues, HBs 57, 58, 74, 129. 101 passed House
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School choice, student protection, and parental rights HB 18, 27, 30, 60, 92, 174, 177, 204. 470, 538, 547 passed house
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2nd Amendment 153 - passed house
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Reducing "red tape" and needless government regulation - HBs 213, 226 HJR 37. 191,225 passed house
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Getting Kentuckians back to work - HB18
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Protecting America - HB500 passed House
This list is a heavy lift for a 30 day session, but we have a lot of things to do to protect liberty. It will be a race to get all these bills considered and voted on.
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Political Happenings in Dist 36 |
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Republican Primary Governor Debate March 7 |
I watched the GOP Governor Primary debate, and I think my friend Daniel Cameron gave the most compelling case for my vote endorsement as governor, although I know and like all 4 of the candidates featured, and would be happy for any of them to be Governor.
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 in the Primary and why.
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Recent Media Appearances:
84 WHAS – listen to my interview with Dwight Witten on Warrant-less surveillance and privacy
84 WHAS - Jim Strader Outdoors podcast - everything you might want to know about HB144 banning warrent-less surveillance, and how Fish & Wildlife concerns are impacted.
Archived Recent Newsletters:
February 2023 - Part 2 of Session, Eastwood cutoff project, election law
January 2023 - How to track the Session and bills, new legislation, Eastwood Cutoff project
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
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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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