— House Bill 203 would require all — not just some — government agencies to post expenditures on the Internet. A few state agencies currently post some expenditures online, but HB 203 would make it mandatory for all of state government.
— House Bill 204 would make all government contracts subject to an open, competitive bidding process.
We filed these bills in large part because of what we were hearing from constituents across Kentucky last year. They asked that we, as legislators, remember that government is for the people and by the people, and they wanted more accountability from government to them.
All four bills were assigned to committee on the first day of the session in January, but thus far have not been called up for consideration.
With only a few days remaining, we will do what we can to make sure these bills are called to the House floor. That includes possibly attaching our proposals as amendments to other bills in hopes of getting them heard.
However, if we are not successful in this session, rest assured that we will file these four proposals again for consideration in the 2012 session, which will give us double the time to ensure that the call for a new direction for government in Kentucky is not forgotten.
As always, I welcome your comments and concerns for the upcoming session via social media or traditional forms of communication.
I can be reached at home or through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at (800) 372-7181.
A taped message containing information on legislative committee meeting schedules is available by calling (800) 633-9650, and information on the status of each bill is available by calling (866) 840-2835. If you have Internet access, I can be reached at donna.mayfield@lrc.ky.gov, or you may keep track of legislation through the Kentucky Legislature Home Page at www.lrc.ky.gov.
State Rep. Donna Mayfield represents the 73rd House District, which includes Clark and northern Madison counties.
