Darryl Owens KY State Representative 43rd District Louisville

As the State Representative for the 43rd Legislative District I take great pride in advocating legislation and issues that promote economic development, protect the vulnerable, create fair and just workplaces and improve education at all levels.

The 2011 legislative session of the Kentucky General Assembly is underway and I will use my website to keep you up to date on bills under consideration including committee status, floor discussion and votes and their progress in the Senate.

I am chair of the Elections, Constitutional Amendments and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee and issues that come before us will be reported here as well. I am sponsor and co-sponsor of many important pieces of legislation - including lowering the interest rate to 36% charged by payday lenders – and their progress will be highlighted as well.

It is an honor and a pleasure to serve as the 43rd District State Representative and I hope you will visit this website daily to chart our progress.

Darryl Owens

2011-03-18
Legislative Update

In spite of our best efforts, consensus on the Medicaid shortfall could not be reached with the Senate in the Regular Session, so the governor called the Kentucky General Assembly back into Special Session to make another attempt.

Republicans and Democrats in the Kentucky House of Representatives had worked diligently with the governor to shift funding from the Medicaid budget for 2012 to address the shortfall of this last three months of the 2011 fiscal year. This shifting of funds is necessary to save programs vital to our children, elderly, and disabled.

Answers to most frequently asked questions about this special session.

2011-03-04
This is a letter House Democrats are sending to our friends in education that outlines the Senate’s intent to pay for Medicaid on the backs of our teachers and children. I urge you to read it.

To Friends of Education: Your support is needed to stop the Senate’s proposal to close a gap in the state’s Medicaid program on the backs of our school children and teachers.

Unfortunately, this very serious issue has become needlessly embroiled in politics, and if the state Senate has its way, it could mean cuts to your classroom. That is why I am writing to you today.

You may remember that last spring, when the state’s two-year budget was finalized, the House and Senate made the assumption – as did more than two dozen other states – that we would receive an additional $238 million from the federal government for our Medicaid program.

Kentucky did receive that amount, but Congress said that it had to be used for both Medicaid and education. That left Medicaid $100 million short of expectations. Because this program requires state funding before a federal match is made, the deficit is actually much larger: It easily tops more than a half-billion dollars.

2011-02-25
Legislative Update

Over the course of the last week, the Kentucky House of Representatives honored fallen military members and their families in a solemn, moving ceremony in the House chamber. This tradition began in 2004 and the service has become one of the most significant experiences of the session.

Thirteen Kentucky families were invited to the House this year to hear a citation about their loved one’s service as it was read to the entire body. It is a fitting and important tribute to Kentuckians who have made the ultimate sacrifice so we can remain in a free and safe world. We are forever indebted to these heroes and their families.

As we head into the final days of the regular session the House has passed several bills with the hope that the Senate will give them full consideration.

2011-02-23
Fallen Military Honored on House Floor

Rep. Owens participated in a solemn but important ceremony where families of our fallen military witnessed their loved ones being honored on the House floor. Pictured to the left is the family of Private 1st Class Michael S. Pridham during the honoring of our fallen military in the House Chamber.

2011-02-17
Bates Memorial Baptist Church Youth Visit

Rep. Owens
The Youth Group from the Bates Memorial Baptist Church in Louisville visited me on February 17th. I enjoyed talking with the group and want to congratulate Dr. F. Bruce Williams, Sr. Pastor, for the great work he's doing with our young people.

2011-02-16
Payday lending bill failed, but not my resolve

Rep. Owens Three years ago I began working with individuals and groups to halt the exorbitant interest rates payday lenders charge Kentuckians. I joined with AARP, churches, civic groups, victims of payday lending, and many others to craft a bill that would cap the interest rate of payday loans at 36%. I filed legislation every year and did not meet with success in getting a hearing on the bill - until this year.

House Bill 182 was heard in the House Banking and Insurance Committee Wednesday morning and we presented clear evidence of the debt trap and financial spiral Kentuckians suffer under the practice of predatory payday lending.

Read More
www.courier-journal.com/article/20110216/NEWS01/302160106/1008/news01/House-panel-rejects-payday-loan-bill www.kentucky.com/2011/02/17/1637741/proposed-cap-on-payday-loan-interest.html