The 2010 Kentucky General Assembly adjourned Thursday, April 1, 2010 to allow Governor Beshear to consider bills passed thus far and determine whether any of that legislation warrants his veto. Visit the KMA Action Center to learn about the issues KMA is tracking.
Since legislators left Frankfort without passing the 2010-2012 biennial budget, this "veto period" will also provide an opportunity for informal negotiations on budgetary sticking points. Formal action during the last two days of the session was originally intended to relate to the possible override of gubernatorial vetoes, but with a number of high profile bills still awaiting final action and the budget in doubt, April 14 and 15 could be action packed. In any case, legislators must adjourn the 2010 General Assembly no later than midnight on April 15.
Putting possible fireworks on the last days aside, KMA State Legislative Chairman Preston P. Nunnelley, MD, says he is pleased with the preliminary results of the session. He said, "Considering that the practice of medicine was under attack throughout the 2010 legislature, I think we had a good session. KMA physician efforts stopped scope expansions of any consequence, accomplished a couple of House of Delegates' objectives, and set a peg for future sessions by previewing legislative initiatives concerning health insurance reform."
Dr. Nunnelley complimented physicians for their willingness to call legislators on key issues during the session. However, he also noted that other groups, especially Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners, had mounted an extremely aggressive and organized grassroots effort. KMA will need to do the same. "We fully anticipate spending the summer and fall organizing at the local level, raising money for Kentucky Physicians PAC, and supporting those candidates who are pro-medicine. For now, however, we must concentrate on the final days of the 2010 Kentucky General Assembly to ensure nothing adverse to patients and the practice of medicine passes; that a few remaining KMA initiatives are passed; and that funding for state programs, like Medicaid and medical schools, is maintained."
It's unclear whether the budget impasse will be resolved when legislators return on April 14. Just remember, their business is not limited to that subject and they can consider other bills. KMA will keep you posted on any developments and provide an overview of the budget, if one is passed. If the General Assembly does not pass a budget before April 15, they may return for a special session that must conclude before the close of the fiscal year on June 30.
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