Eastern Kentucky members meet with Senator Turner

In February, members of the Big Sandy Chapter and KFTC members in nearby counties met with Sen. Johnnie Turner to begin to build a relationship and urge his support for a few important issues. Participants included Kathy Curtis, Erik Fields, and John and Jean Rosenberg from Floyd County, Dayjha Hogg and Jacob Mack-Boll from Letcher County, Carl Shoupe from Harlan County, and Lisa Abbott from Madison County.

The group urged him to oppose HB 272, a bill that allows water companies to add a 10% late fee to customers bills and restricts oversight by the Public Service Commission. He agreed it was a bad bill and said he would oppose it when it came to the Senate. 

He later made good on that commitment when the bill came before a committee he serves on. However, HB 272 still passed the Kentucky legislature. It was vetoed by Governor Beshear on March 24. Unfortunately, on the final day of the General Assembly, the legislature overrode Governor Beshear’s veto and HB 272 was made law. KFTC members also urged him to support legislation proposed by Rep. Angie Hatton to make it easier for sick miners to get diagnosed with Black Lung disease. He agreed and said that issue is one of the reasons he ran to serve in the state legislature.