Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Louisville Metro Councilman Robin Engel in honor of his extraordinary leadership, commitment to public service, and transformative contributions to the communities of Fern Creek and Jeffersontown.

As a founding member of the Louisville Metro Council, his dedication since his initial election in 2002 and subsequent re-elections in 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020 has been pivotal in shaping and enhancing his district and Louisville Metro as a whole.

Councilman Engel's leadership has been exemplified through his service as Republican Caucus Chair and as Chair and Vice Chair on numerous committees, including Public Works, Appropriations, Parks/ Libraries/Zoo & Arts, and Labor & Economic Development. His steadfast commitment to improving his community has driven progress in key areas, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to public service.

His efforts have brought substantial investments to the Fern Creek area, including hundreds of millions in retail and business development, a $127 million investment into Fern Creek Park, Charlie Vettiner Park, and the creation of Broad Run Park. Councilman Engel has also played a critical role in securing $15 million for the new Fern Creek Library and advancing infrastructure improvements such as the $60 million Fern Valley Road & Hurstbourne Parkway extension and Bardstown Road expansion.

Councilman Engel's commitment to transparency and accountability is evident in his sponsorship of Checkbook Louisville, ushering in a new standard for government openness. Furthermore, his advocacy for the Miracle League of Louisville has removed barriers for children with mental and physical disabilities, allowing them to experience the joy of baseball and leaving an enduring legacy of inclusion and opportunity.

Mr. Speaker, Councilman Engel's visionary leadership and tireless dedication have enriched the lives of his constituents and contributed meaningfully to the growth and prosperity of Kentucky. I ask that the House of Representatives join me in expressing our profound gratitude for his leadership, vision, and service, and we wish him well in his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and enduring legacy of Shirley Mae Beard, a cherished figure in Louisville, Kentucky, who passed away on January 11, 2025. As the founder and owner of Shirley Mae's Cafe in the Smoketown neighborhood, Shirley Mae was renowned not only for her exceptional culinary skills but also for her unwavering commitment to our community.

For over 30 years, Shirley Mae's Cafe has been a cornerstone of Louisville's restaurant scene and recognized nationally for its fried chicken, hot water cornbread, and warm. welcoming atmosphere. Shirley Mae's Cafe occupies a three-story building built in 1880 on the site of a post-Civil War encampment for freed slaves. Shirley Mae bought the building the same year she opened the restaurant, becoming the first Black owner of the building.

Shirley Mae's dedication to preserving and sharing authentic Southern cuisine provided nourishment for both the body and soul, fostering a sense of unity and belonging among local diners and celebrity visitors alike

Shirley Mae was an advocate for civil rights and a pillar of strength within our community. Her leadership and passion for justice left an indelible mark on Louisville, inspiring countless individuals to pursue equality and understanding. Shirley Mae Beard shaped our community in more ways than we can count from her civil rights leadership to her famous cornbread.

As we reflect on her life, let us not just remember Shirley Mae Beard for her culinary talents, but also carry forward her legacy of love, unity, and service. May her memory continue to inspire us all to make a positive difference in our community, just as she did throughout her remarkable life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Louisville Metro Councilman Rick Blackwell in recognition of his extraordinary leadership and decades of unwavering service to Louisville Metro Council District 12.

As a founding member of the Louisville Metro Council, first elected in 2002 and re-elected in 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020, he has represented the neighborhoods of Pleasure Ridge Park, Riverport, and Valley Station with distinction.

Councilman Blackwell's dedication to leadership has been evident throughout his tenure, serving as President of the Louisville Metro Council, Democratic Caucus Chair, and in various leadership roles including Chair of the Appropriations Committee, Budget Chair, and as a member of the Firefighters Pension Fund Board of Trustees and Louisville Metro Revenue Commission.

His legislative achievements, including the Rental Registry Ordinance, Sunday Alcohol Sales Ordinance, and Kid's Meals Ordinance, reflect his commitment to improving quality of life for Kentuckians. Transformational projects like the Dixie Highway Corridor Master Plan, the $50 million New Dixie Highway Project, and the Colonial Gardens Public-Private Partnership demonstrate his vision for economic growth and infrastructure advancement.

Through Councilman Blackwell's efforts, Riverview Park has become a cornerstone of community life, featuring renovated boat docks, a splash pad, playground, pickleball courts, and more. The annual Riverview Independence Festival, which he founded, continues to unite Kentuckians with its celebration of music and fireworks, fostering a sense of community pride and connection.

Mr. Speaker, Councilman Blackwell's enduring commitment to serving the people of Kentucky, his leadership in advancing meaningful legislation, and his dedication to fostering thriving communities stand as a testament to the profound impact of his service. I ask that the House of Representatives join me in expressing our profound gratitude for his steadfast commitment to public service and community betterment, and we wish him well in his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Louisville Metro Councilwoman Madonna Flood and to acknowledge her exemplary leadership, unwavering dedication, and significant contributions to the people and communities of Louisville.

First elected in 2002, Councilwoman Flood has served as a founding member of the Louisville Metro Council, representing District 24, which includes the communities of Okolona, Highview, and Fern Creek, among others. Through her leadership and commitment to service, she has improved quality of life for countless residents, advocating for policies and investments that have shaped the growth of her district and Louisville Metro as a whole.

As Democratic Caucus Chair and Chair of key committees such as Planning & Zoning, Budget, and Public Safety, she has been instrumental in guiding policy decisions that have made a lasting impact on the city. Councilwoman Flood's role in advancing initiatives like the Fairness Ordinance, Smoking Ban Ordinance, and Adult Entertainment Ordinance exemplifies her commitment to fairness, public health, and safety for all citizens.

Councilwoman Flood's leadership was vital in the construction of the South Central Regional Library, providing a valuable resource for the community, and she worked timelessly to resolve drainage issues in Okolona, improving infrastructure and addressing the needs of her constituents.

Mr. Speaker, Councilwoman Flood's legacy of public service is built upon a foundation of dedication, advocacy, and an enduring commitment to improving the lives of those she served. Her contributions to Louisville's land use, public safety, and quality of life will continue to resonate for generations. I express my profound gratitude for her leadership, vision, and service, and I wish her well in her future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Louisville Metro Councilman Jecorey Arthur, whose historic election in 2020 led to him becoming the youngest city legislator in Louisville, Kentucky's history, and to honor his unwavering dedication to the citizens of Louisville Metro Council District 4.

Representing neighborhoods including Butchertown, California, Clifton Heights, Downtown, Old Louisville, Parkland, Phoenix Hill, Portland, Russell, and Smoketown, Councilman Arthur worked tirelessly to uplift his district. His investments in youth, arts, financial literacy, mental health, violence prevention, and mentoring programs provided essential resources and opportunities for our community.

Councilman Arthur's leadership has brought significant improvements to public amenities such as libraries, community centers, parks, and affordable housing, while also enhancing infrastructure through street and alley repaving, sidewalk repairs, lighting, and beautification efforts. His commitment to community pride is evident through the annual district events he has funded, which celebrate the rich history and culture of his district.

As councilman, he championed innovative and impactful policies that reflect a deep commitment to equity and justice. From sponsoring the country's first anti-displacement law to proactive rental inspections, protections against concentrated short-term rentals, and language access policies, his efforts have created a more inclusive and equitable Louisville.

Councilman Arthur's leadership has also extended to addressing systemic challenges, including supporting federal reparations for descendants of slavery, funding a community grocery store, and requiring city government and vendors to accept job applications from unhoused individuals. These efforts, along with community benefits agreements and protections for vulnerable populations, have left a lasting legacy of progress and opportunity.

Mr. Speaker, Councilman Arthur's service has uplifted communities, inspired change, and strengthened the bonds between government and the people it serves. I express my profound gratitude for his dedication, vision, and tireless efforts to build a brighter future for all Kentuckians, and I wish him well in his future endeavors.housed individuals. These efforts, along with community benefits agreements and protections for vulnerable populations, have left a lasting legacy of progress and opportunity.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Judge Gina Kay Calvert in recognition of her outstanding career in law and her significant contributions to the legal system of Kentucky.

Judge Calvert's impressive career began with twenty years of practice, where she gained experience as a prosecutor, defense attorney, civil litigator, and family court attorney. Her extensive background in the legal field, coupled with her unwavering dedication to justice, paved the way for her election to the Jefferson District Court Bench in 2010, where she was re-elected in 2014. As Juvenile Court Judge, Judge Calvert served with distinction, also stepping in as a substitute judge for Family Court, Circuit Court, and Circuit Drug Court.

As an Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney, Judge Calvert prosecuted some of the most sensitive and important cases, including physical and sexual crimes against children and felony domestic violence. Her 17 years of experience in Family Court, where she represented abused and neglected children, indigent parents, and handled divorce, custody, paternity, and adoption cases, has made her a respected voice in family law. Judge Calvert's role as a certified Family Court Mediator and Parenting Coordinator has further solidified her reputation as a compassionate and highly skilled legal professional.

In addition to her service on the bench, Judge Calvert is actively involved in organizations such as the Kosair Charities Advisory Council, the FACE IT movement to end child abuse, and the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges. Her commitment to advancing the welfare of children and families is evident in both her professional and personal endeavors.

Judge Calvert has earned the highest praise and endorsement from her peers, with more than 90 percent of attorneys rating her as highly qualified or qualified in the 2016 Louisville Bar Association candidate poll.

Mr. Speaker, Judge Calvert's lifelong dedication to justice, children's advocacy, and the families of Kentucky has made a lasting impact. I express my deepest appreciation for her exemplary service and tireless commitment to ensuring justice for all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Louisville Metro Councilwoman Cindi Fowler in honor of her exemplary leadership, unwavering dedication, and significant contributions to the residents of Louisville Metro Council District 14.

Since her election in 2012 and re-elections in 2016 and 2020, Councilwoman Fowler has represented the neighborhoods of Valley Station, Pleasure Ridge Park, and Kosmosdale with integrity and a steadfast commitment to community growth and well-being.

Councilwoman Fowler demonstrated leadership through her service as Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus, Chair of Parks & Sustainability, Chair of Government Oversight/Audit & Appointments, and her impactful roles with organizations like the National League of Cities and the Kentucky League of Cities.

She has been a dedicated advocate for community development, serving on the boards of Southwest Community Ministries, Mattingly Edge, Dixie Area Business Association, Riverport Business Association, and Valley Woman's Club.

Councilwoman Fowler's commitment to the betterment of Kentucky is reflected in her sponsorship of transformative legislation and initiatives, including Sadie's Law, the Union Safety Ordinance, the Metro Golf Course Ordinance, the $50 million New Dixie Highway Project, and the Catalytic Converter Ordinance. Additionally, her support for projects such as the Sun Valley Pool investments, U of L Mary & Elizabeth Hospital Women's Health and Birthing Services, Veteran's Village in Southwest Louisville, and the Watson Lane Elementary School redevelopment has significantly enhanced quality of life for Kentuckians.

Mr. Speaker, Councilwoman Fowler's visionary leadership, commitment to service, and dedication to the people of Kentucky has left a lasting legacy. I express my profound gratitude for her leadership, vision, and service, and I wish her well in her future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Kentucky State Senator Denise Harper Angel in recognition of her remarkable 49 years of public service, including 36 years as an elected official.

As a trailblazer and devoted public servant, Senator Harper Angel has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the well-being of Kentucky's most vulnerable populations. From her historic election as the first woman to serve as Jefferson County Property Valuation Administrator to her distinguished tenure in the Kentucky State Senate, her career has been defined by advocacy, leadership, and meaningful action.

Senator Harper Angel has been instrumental in advancing critical legislation to protect children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, including the creation of the Kentucky Golden Alert Program, the passage of the SAFE Act, and initiatives addressing youth suicide and sexual violence. Her dedication to justice, accountability, and victim support has left a lasting impact on the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Through her tireless service on numerous legislative committees, her efforts have strengthened Kentucky's communities, supported victims of crime, and enhanced public safety. Senator Harper Angel's steadfast leadership, from improving forensic processes to increasing compensation for victims, has set a standard of excellence and compassion for public service.

Mr. Speaker, Senator Denise Harper Angel's legacy is a testament to the power of servant leadership, and her work will inspire future generations. I ask that the House of Representatives join me in recognizing her unwavering dedication and relentless commitment to protecting and supporting our Commonwealth's most vulnerable populations and congratulating her on her retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Kentucky State Senator Adrienne Southworth in recognition of her service to the Commonwealth of Kentucky and unwavering dedication to the principles of transparency, accountability, and innovation in public service.

Since her election in 2020, as the state senator for Kentucky's 7th Senate District, Senator Southworth has been a steadfast advocate for the citizens of her community. Senator Southworth's extensive experience in public service reflects a career devoted to solving complex challenges and delivering results. Whether addressing pension accountability, reforming emergency powers, or creating opportunities for workforce development, her commitment to improving the lives of Kentuckians is commendable.

With her quick-recall expertise, grassroots approach, and ability to write legislation, she has represented her district with integrity and an understanding of the desires of its citizens.

Mr. Speaker, Senator Adrienne Southworth's dedication to championing the voices of her constituents has set a high standard for public service. I ask that the House of Representatives join me in recognizing her contributions to the constituency of Kentucky's 7th Senate District and wishing her well in her future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life, legacy, and service of Mr. Thomas Cork, Sr., a United States Marine Corps veteran from my hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, who recently passed away at 95 years old.

In 1948, Thomas Cork left Louisville to serve our country as a Montford Point marine, making history as part of the first group of Black men to enlist in the Marine Corps.

As part of the famous 1st Marine Division, his bravery and service directly

helped lead to the end of the Korean war. However, like many other Black veterans, when he returned home, he wasn't given the reverence he earned.

We are trying to atone for that. Today, as we honor his life and service, I want to express our gratitude on behalf of all those who didn't and should have.

Thomas Cork, Sr., is an American hero who fought two battles, in the Pacific and on the home front.

His legacy will live on for generations to come, and we thank him for his service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Raoul Cunningham, one of Kentucky's greatest civil rights leaders, who recently announced his retirement after two decades serving as President of the Louisville Branch of the NAACP. His extraordinary leadership in the fight for equal rights has etched an indelible mark on our community.

Raoul Cunningham's commitment to justice began early, when, at just 14 years old, he joined the Louisville NAACP Youth Council in 1957. During his high school years, as college students across the South initiated sit-ins and protested segregation, Raoul was inspired to bring similar action to Louisville. With the relative dearth of Black colleges in Kentucky compared to the rest of the Deep South, Cunningham and his young peers convinced their local NAACP branch that high school students could advocate just as well as college students. By the end of the year, the NAACP Youth Council, alongside the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), began organizing protests in downtown Louisville.

Raoul Cunningham was among the first students arrested during these demonstrations, including at Stewart's Department Store, where customers of color were barred from the lunch counter. His arrest, the first of many, was a badge of honor for him. He famously said, ``That jail ain't no big thing to any of us.'' For over two years, Cunningham and fellow students protested tirelessly after school, contributing to the passage of the first public accommodations law south of the Mason- Dixon Line. This achievement, which Cunningham considers his greatest, laid the groundwork for future civil rights fights.

After graduating high school, Cunningham attended Howard University, where his activism only grew stronger. He remained active in the NAACP through his college chapter, joined the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), and founded Howard's first Young Democratic Club. Upon returning to Louisville, he managed the historic campaign that led to Georgia Davis Powers becoming the first African American and first woman elected to the Kentucky Senate. He continued his work in politics before rejoining the NAACP as a regional coordinator for the Voter Empowerment Program.

Through demonstrations, negotiations, economic boycotts, and voter participation efforts, Cunningham helped bring an end to segregation in Louisville. The city of Louisville decided to honor him by inducting him into the Kentucky Civil Rights Hall of Fame in 2003. The following year, he was elected President of the NAACP's Louisville Branch, where he has proudly served since. He was awarded the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Award by the city of Louisville, an Honorary Doctor of Humanities Degree from Simmons College of Kentucky, and has been President of the Kentucky State Conference of the NAACP and served on the Kentucky Advisory Committee for Help America Vote (HAVA).

Mr. Speaker, Raoul Cunningham's lifelong commitment to civil rights transformed our community and inspired generations. I ask that the House of Representatives join me in recognizing his contributions to our country and congratulating him on his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the remarkable life of Reverend Dr. Charles Edward Kirby, Sr., a true servant of our community and an extraordinary and iconic Louisvillian.

Reverend Kirby was born in 1928 in Trigg County, Kentucky, ``a real country place,'' and for nearly a century, he lived a life dedicated to serving his Lord and the people of Kentucky. After coming to Louisville and with the support of just a handful of dedicated followers, Reverend Kirby answered a divine call and established the work of his life, the Southern Star Missionary Baptist Church, in the 1950s. Under his leadership, the church quickly grew to 34 members and secured its first permanent building, but Reverend Kirby knew he wanted to expand his reach, and he made Southern Star the first church to broadcast live services on WLOU Radio.

Reverend Kirby was called to a still higher mission, and he became one of Louisville's great civil rights leaders. He joined 10,000 Kentuckians, alongside Martin Luther King Jr., in a 1964 demonstration in Frankfort advocating for equal public accommodations for Black Americans, and Southern Star Missionary Baptist Church served as a vital meeting place for civil rights groups in Louisville throughout the civil rights movement. Reverend Kirby spoke out against injustice wherever he saw it, and he held a number of demonstrations against investments in Apartheid South Africa and used his voice and his influence to attend open housing marches in Louisville where he, side by side with other community leaders, marched into white neighborhoods for multiple nights in 1967. Eventually, the Kentucky Fair Housing Act was passed.

In 1972, his deep commitment to service led him to establish the Martin Luther King Free Food Store, a pioneering food distribution program run from his church. He was recognized by Louisville and Jefferson County for feeding thousands of people citywide, and he even received an Outstanding Community Service Award. Years later, Reverend Kirby became president of the Kentucky Southern Christian Leadership Conference, from which he received the Chapter of the Year Award and a Leadership Award.

Reverend Kirby's influence extended beyond his church and civil rights work. He began recording gospel music in 1961 and produced records well into the 1980s. His gospel classic ``Lord Come On,'' was recorded

live right at Southern Star, and his album ``God is Real'' made its way onto digital streaming platforms in the 2000s.

Reverend Kirby was born to sharecroppers who worked for just a dollar a day. He was born in a state and country that did not consider him fully, equally human. He did not let that stop him from changing Louisville and the Commonwealth of Kentucky. A believer in the promise of a life in paradise after this imperfect life on Earth, Reverend Kirby sang from the pulpit, ``come on, and let's go to that land where I am bound.'' Go on, Reverend Kirby, to your eternal rest.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in honoring the life and legacy of Reverend Dr. Charles Edward Kirby Sr. His leadership, compassion, and service will continue to inspire, and his memory will live on in the hearts of those who were touched by his work, his voice, and his unwavering commitment to justice.

Mr. Speaker, I was regrettably unable to vote on Roll Call No. 418. Had I been able to vote, I would have voted ``nay'' on Roll Call No. 418.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of the great leaders in the history of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, former Governor and United States Senator Wendell H. Ford. September 8, 2024, would have been Senator Ford's 100th birthday, and the day brought back many special memories for me, my family, and countless others whose lives were improved by his lifetime of service.

Born September 8, 1924, he is the first and only Kentuckian to ever serve as a state senator, lieutenant governor, governor, and United States senator. His career started in 1965 as a state senator from his hometown of Owensboro, later saw him serve as the Commonwealth's 49th governor from 1971 to 1974, and concluded with his retirement in January 1999 after four consecutive terms in the United States Senate.

First elected to the Senate in December 1974, he served as Democratic whip from 1991 until his retirement. In the Senate, he played a key role in shaping many key pieces of legislation, including the National Voter Registration Act, the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act of 1994, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the National Energy Security Act of 1992, the Aviation Safety and Capacity Act of 1990, the Airport and Airways Capacity Expansion Act of 1987, the Age Discrimination Act in Employment Act Amendments of 1986, the Tobacco Reform Act of 1985, and the Energy Security Act of 1977. As chairman of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, he led the Joint Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies for the inaugurations of President George H.W. Bush in 1989 and President William Jefferson Clinton in 1993 and 1997.

In reflecting on Senator Ford's long and accomplished career--and what it might mean for us today--three thoughts stand out:

First, he believed with all his heart that the sole purpose of government was to serve people, and he lived that philosophy every day in every office he held.

Second, he thought that politics was an honorable calling and that government at any level could not succeed unless individuals from all walks of life took time to become involved and engaged.

Third, coming from the state that produced Henry Clay, he recognized democracy could not work without compromise involving give and take from all sides. He was fond of saying that there are no victories in Washington, only varying degrees of defeat.

Senator Ford continued his life of service after his Senate career ended, teaching at the University of Kentucky, working with young people at the Wendell H. Ford Education Center in Owensboro, and serving as a mentor to countless young leaders across the Commonwealth. He passed away on January 22, 2015, at the age of 90. His wife Jean celebrated her 100th birthday on March 1 of this year and still lives in the family home in Owensboro. She and Senator Ford were married 71 years before his passing.

On a personal note, I would add that one of those young people receiving Senator Ford's wise counsel was me. He was a tremendous role model for me, a close friend of my family, and someone who demonstrated the true meaning of public service. Let his lifetime commitment of service be an example for us all as we remember him on the occasion of his 100th birthday.