As Kentucky digs out from the latest winter storm and braces for yet another one on Wednesday and Thursday, leaders of the General Assembly have canceled all activities this week.
Written by Tom Latek of Kentucky Today
Lawmakers were off for Presidents’ Day on Monday and canceled Tuesday’s session. Legislative Research Director Jay Hartz sent an email Tuesday afternoon, extending the time off because of weather. “The Speaker and Senate President have decided not to convene the General Assembly this week and will move those legislative days,” he wrote.
In addition to the chambers not being in session, it also means all committee meetings scheduled for this week have been postponed.
To make up for this week’s cancellations, the chambers are now scheduled to convene on Feb. 22, March 1 and March 12 in addition to previously scheduled legislative days.
The last day to file bills in the Senate and House has been moved to Feb. 23.
Lawmakers’ final day of the General Assembly’s 2021 regular session is still scheduled to be March 30, the last day allowed by the state constitution.
Meanwhile, the state continues its snow-fighting efforts.
“Front-line emergency responders continue to work hard to clear roads, trees and branches and support communities across the commonwealth as needed, including Kentucky National Guard soldiers and Kentucky State Police troopers providing wellness checks in counties suffering power outages,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “We remind Kentuckians to please stay off the roads if possible. They are slick and dangerous.”
Power outages are also a major concern, with around 145,000 Kentucky customers without electricity as of noon on Tuesday. Downed trees are being reported in multiple counties.
There are widespread power outages across the Flemingsburg, Jackson and Pikeville highway districts, according to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, with several of their maintenance facilities in Eastern Kentucky being affected. Arrangements are being made to transport fuel for crew vehicles that have lost access to pumping stations. Power outages have also impacted traffic signals. Treat any dark signals as a four-way stop.
Clearing downed trees is also a major task in impacted areas. KYTC crews are being supplemented with state Division of Forestry employees and other support. Kentucky National Guard teams are on standby to clear-cut branches and brush.
Kentuckians experiencing a downed power line or power outage should contact their local utility company. If possible, use an alternate source of heat but be aware of the dangers of alternate heat sources and carbon monoxide poisoning. Generators, camp stoves or charcoal grills always should be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows. Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat a home.