Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By Rick Girdler

Guest columnist

Just as the crisp autumn air begins to turn towards winter frost, Kentucky enters into a new season of thanksgiving and transition. The hustle and bustle of the holidays are well underway, but we continue to remain busy in Frankfort with interim joint committee meetings and other legislative business in preparation for the 2020 Regular Session of the General Assembly.

Thankfully, election season is behind us and we can shift our focus to what this time of year is really about — family, friends and our communities. Each Thanksgiving, I look forward to being home in my district hearing from constituents and spending time with loved ones.

As we enjoy our Thanksgiving meals, let us not forget those who are in need, especially during the colder winter months. ‘Tis the season of giving; I encourage you and your families to reach out to the community food bank or a local charity to ensure that the homeless are sheltered and the hungry are fed. We have so much to be thankful for this holiday season and volunteering time and resources can make an incredible difference in the lives of our neighbors in need.

We must also remember our service men and women, many of whom will be without their families this Thanksgiving, as they are away serving our country. It is important that we honor these individuals and our veterans, as we give thanks for the many blessings and freedoms we have here in the United States because of their sacrifices.

Many of our cities also host a number of family-friendly events this time of year. This is a great opportunity to get out in the community and meet your neighbors, all while supporting local businesses. Please consider your locally-owned stores as you prepare your holiday shopping lists — small businesses drive our local economy.

While the holidays are in full swing, the General Assembly is also in a season of transition. This Thanksgiving, I am especially proud of the Republican-led legislature and the many successes we have had over the last few years. No matter who is in the governor’s office, we must push forward and continue working towards what is best for the commonwealth.

Whether it’s with food, football or family, I encourage you to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday with loved ones and refrain from discussing political differences. Trust me, there will be plenty of time for that next year!

If you have any questions or comments about the issues or any other public policy issue, please call me toll-free at (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.legislature.ky.gov.

 

Sen. Rick Girdler (R-Somerset) represents the 15th District including Boyle, Lincoln and Pulaski counties.