Each of Kentucky's public universities has someone managing governmental affairs, who follows pieces of legislation affecting higher education and its impact on a regional level. Murray State's Director of Governmental Relations Jordan Smith joins Kate Lochte on Sounds Good to talk about some of the bills passed in this year's Legislative Session, an internship opportunity with the Legislative Research Commission for qualified college students and his thoughts on what it's like to work with Murray State President Dr. Bob Davies in Frankfort.
Jordan Smith says a variety of bills passed in this year's Legislative Session that affects all Kentuckians. Namely, the heroin bill, which he says not only provides harsher punishments for drug traffickers but also more funding for addiction treatment. House Bill 8 allows civil protective orders to unmarried, dating partners. The booster seat bill expands the use of booster seats for children to the age of 8. The Kentucky Road Fund was stabilized, he says, reducing the drop in gas tax and capping it at 26 cents per gallon. The pension issue regarding the Kentucky Teachers Retirement System and its $14 billion shortfall failed to get House Speaker Greg Stumbo's proposal to put $3.3 billion in bonds off the ground. Smith says a task-force will study the issue further and says it will likely be looked at in the budget session.
The 2016 Legislative Research Commission Internship program is underway. This paid internship opportunity is taking in applicants. Smith says it's a prestigious chance for students to live in Frankfort for a semester - from January to April 2016. They'll be placed in the public information office or a committee staff assignment. Education majors may get placed with the budget review subcommittee on postsecondary education. A journalism student may get placed in the public information office.
Murray State students can apply by sending him their resume information. His office is 220 Wells Hall, or email jsmith3@murraystate.edu.
