Bluegrass leaders to meet this week with Kentucky Congressional delegation

Will promote government accountability, protecting state’s low electricity rates, critical investments in infrastructure

LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 15, 2013) — Business, government and community leaders in Central Kentucky are gearing up for the Regional Public Policy Group’s annual Washington, D.C., Fly-In presented by Columbia Gas of Kentucky.

Attendees will meet July 17-18 with members of Kentucky’s Congressional delegation and their legislative staffs to learn about and discuss critical issues facing the nation and Kentucky. The trip also provides the opportunity for regional leaders to advocate for key issues that advance regional economic development and improved quality of life in Central Kentucky.

“The regional policy group comprises a cross section of members from business and industry, government, education, health care and nonprofits, who work together to build consensus and advocate for key projects and legislation that are important to the Bluegrass Region. It sends a powerful message to the members of our Congressional delegation when we arrive with a unified message,” said Kim Menke, manager with Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky Inc., and a member of the Regional Public Policy Group.

This year, the group’s legislative priorities include support for efforts to increase government accountability. This includes support for the REINS ACT (Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2013), which requires congressional approval for any rule that has an annual economic impact of $100 million or more that is proposed by the Executive Branch before it can be enforced on the American people or businesses.

Many employers in Central Kentucky remain uncertain about how the implementation of regulations associated with federal laws will impact their bottom line. The group will convey concern from the business community to the Congressional delegation about the negative impacts of government over-regulation on job creation in the areas of energy, environment, health care and financial services. Restoring government accountability to the regulatory process is essential to stopping unnecessary regulations that stifle job creation.

Other policies and priorities for which the group will advocate include protecting Kentucky’s low electricity rates and energy economy, as well as ensuring critical investments in transportation infrastructure, higher education, research and innovation, and workforce development programs.

The Central Kentucky Regional Public Policy Group (CKRPPG), of which Commerce Lexington Inc. is a member, is responsible for crafting the federal policy statements each year. The CKRPPG meets monthly to discuss issues important to the region, and membership includes 45 business, community and government leaders within the eight-county region of Bourbon, Clark, Fayette, Franklin, Jessamine, Madison, Scott and Woodford counties.

Experience the Fly-In in real time by following Commerce Lexington on Twitter at twitter.com/CommerceLex.