By Rick Girdler

State Senator 

The leaves fell and the weather grew cooler as we transitioned into this blustery November. As Thanksgiving quickly approaches, the Legislature continues to hold Interim Joint Committee meetings throughout the Commonwealth and in Frankfort.

This Thanksgiving season, I reflect on the many great men and women who have made sacrifices for our country and those who continue to make those sacrifices for the future of our nation. Many of our veterans and soldiers still defending our country are underserved in some manner. It is important that we give back by reaching out to our local Veterans Affairs offices and veteran-serving organizations by volunteering our time, talent, and financial assistance.

I also want to remember those who cannot fend for themselves, especially during the colder winter months. I encourage you and your family to reach out to your community in whatever means possible to ensure the homeless are sheltered and the hungry are fed this holiday season. There are so many ways we can give back to our local communities. Volunteering with your local church or food bank is a wonderful place to start.

Many of our cities also host a number of family-friendly holiday events in the days leading up to Thanksgiving and Christmas. This is a great time to get to know your neighbor and fellow citizens in addition to supporting our small local businesses. Please consider your locally-owned stores for your Christmas gifts this season—our small business owners are the backbone of our communities.

Finally, I want you to know that I have been hearing your legislative questions and concerns. Although we have been busy in Frankfort preparing for a possible special session and the upcoming 2018 Budget Session, I always look forward to being home in my district hearing from constituents and spending time with family and friends. I hope you and your family have a blessed and safe Thanksgiving filled with family, friends, and football.

If you have any questions or comments about the issues or any other public policy issue, please call me toll-free at 1-800-372-7181 or you can email me at Rick.Girdler@LRC.ky.gov.  You can also review the Legislature’s work online at www.lrc.ky.gov.

Note:  Senator Rick Girdler (R-Somerset) represents the 15th District including Boyle, Lincoln, and Pulaski counties.  Senator Girdler is the vice chairman of the Senate Economic Development, Tourism and Labor Committee. He also serves as a member of the Appropriations and Revenue Committee; the Banking and Insurance Committee; the Budget Review Subcommittee on Economic Development and Tourism, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection; and the Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee. For a high-resolution .jpeg of Senator Girdler, please visit http://www.lrc.ky.gov/pubinfo/portraits/senate15.jpg.