VOL. 71, NO. 29- March 3, 2010
(215-360)

Published weekly except, Labor Day, New Years, Christmas, Easter, 4th of July, Thanksgiving and Quilt Show

"Kentucky Bluegrass Turns Green"

That's the name of a bill written by David Mast, which survived some rough and tumble political gamesmanship in Frankfort over two years to become law. Mast, Vice President of Governmental Affairs for Utilities Dynamics, says the bill has also been selected as model legislation to be adopted by other states by the Council of State Governments.

The legislation encourages states to look at their public buildings as an asset rather than a liability. In effect, by retrofitting existing buildings for energy conservation the state saves money on operating expenses. The cost of the bill, which allocates funds to the private sector, as well, is essentially paid for by the capitalized interest on a bond sale to fund the initiative. It will net millions to the state's bottom line in coming years.

Despite that fact, Mast soon learned that members of the state legislature had a steep learning curve when it came to energy supply and conservation. Senator Bob Leeper became a champion of the bill and through a crafted agreement between the Senate and House leadership, along with support from Governor Beshear's office, it finally passed and was signed into law last week.

The bill is one of only 34 out of 140 to be deemed "suggested legislation" for other states. Currently West Virginia has similar bill, based on Kentucky's language, under consideration and six other states are now reviewing it.

Mast said we should all be proud that Kentucky is now considered a leader in environmental legislation that positively impacts both the public and private sectors.

 

Michael Dees - Benefit Concepts LLC ,

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Mike Muscarella reminded Rotarians that the annual Quilt Show is only 7 weeks away. Sign-up sheets for volunteers and pins will be available at next week's meeting. He said the Club has already sold 600 tickets to the Antique Quilt Show through the AQS pre-registration process this year. He said a host is also needed for the curator of this year's featured exhibit, which is WWII quilts.

GUESTS

Bill Holt, Brandon Moore, Shelby Reynolds,Jessica Stinson- Mike Muscarella; Rayla Bridges - Amy Clevidence; Melisa Mast, Gary Zakutney, Kevin Baer-Elaine Spalding; Mike Deaton- Brent Gaines; Trish Stechenrider-Mary Hammond

FEBRUARY STUDENT GUESTS

Kayla Baugus-Reidland; Ted Roush-Paducah Tilghman; Christian Biggers- Community Christian; Paige Souder- Heath; Rachel Lundberg- Lone Oak; Audrey Wood- St Mary

BIRTHDAYS THIS MONTH