State Rep. Chris Freeland Legislative Update

While my work as your State Representative has kept me busy over the past week, I have also been closely monitoring the state’s response to COVID-19. Without a doubt, our lives have changed in a big way since last week. As I write this update, we have 20 diagnosed cases of COVID-19, a new strain of the Coronavirus, and an extremely contagious respiratory virus. We have monitored this virus as it has crossed the globe. Now that it is here, our public health leaders are working hard to contain its spread and help those who have it recuperate.

Of course, containing it means taking some common-sense steps like washing your hands regularly, avoiding large crowds, and staying home when you feel ill. At the recommendation of our state's public health director, schools across the state are closed for several weeks, courts are open only for emergency business, and state athletic events are canceled for this year. And, we are not alone as states across the nation are taking similar states.

This will likely be our new reality for a few weeks. However, I think it is important to recognize that all of this is done out of extreme caution and not panic. According to the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Human Services, our risk rate is still low. As with most contagious illnesses, those who come into direct contact with someone who has COVID-19 are the most likely to get it. While COVID-19 can feel like a common cold, it can be far more dangerous to Kentuckians who are already sick or have weakened immunity. It is important to be aware of the symptoms: fever, coughing, and shortness of breath. If you have these symptoms or questions, call the COVID-19 Hotline at 1-800-722-5725. Of course, go to an emergency room if you believe you have an emergency situation. For more information about COVID-19 and our state’s response, visit www.kycovid19.ky.gov.

I want to take a moment and commend the Governor and our Department of Public Health for how they are handling this situation. They are providing a great deal of information while stressing that the actions we take today should be about limiting exposure and not overreacting. I agree that it’s time to be prepared, not panicked.

It is statewide public health issues like COVID-19 that make us realize how critical our public health system is. In light of that, I am particularly pleased to share that the Public Health Transformation Act is now on the Governor’s desk awaiting his signature. This measure, HB 129, will allow local health departments to return their focus to communicable disease control and emergency preparedness. It will not only save valuable resources but also lead to improvements in the delivery of health services and overall public health. House Bill 129 comes as many public health departments are dealing with budget problems that amount to an almost $40 million deficit. As many as 41 local health departments are at risk of financial insolvency for the 2020 fiscal year. A portion of that deficit can be attributed to the tremendous increase in their pension liability. However, public health experts believe that many health departments offer services that duplicate those offered by other private agencies.

In addition to HB 129, I also joined my colleagues in the House in unanimously passing a measure to help health departments and other quasi-governmental agencies with their pension burdens.  House Bill 171 would allow the organizations to make payments based on what they owe, rather than as a percentage of payroll. This is called “level-dollar” funding, meaning they will only pay what they owe into the pension system. The amount owed will remain fixed and will be paid back with steady payments for the next 27 years. This stability allows entities to budget appropriately. In addition to health departments, the bill provides a way forward for rape crisis centers, spousal abuse centers, and other similar agencies.

Thank you for taking the time to read this week’s update. I appreciate that our paper is willing to run these columns and, of course, hope you’ll let me know if you have any comments or questions. I can be reached during the week from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. (EST) through the toll-free message line at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via e-mail at Chris.Freeland@lrc.ky.gov. You can keep track of committee meetings and potential legislation through the Kentucky Legislature Home Page at legislature.ky.gov.