Amended House version of Senate Bill 100 – People with solar panels on their homes generate their own electricity. When they don’t have enough power, they buy it from the utility company. When they have too much power, the utility company buys it from them. The law now requires utility companies to buy the power at the same rate they sold it. People with solar panels on their home then get a credit on their power bill, paying less than customers who don’t have solar panels. Did you know? Union Church has 60 solar panels on our roof, generating approx. 30% of our electricity!
We now need to contact every state senator to encourage them to ONLY pass SB 100 with House Floor Amendment 1. Please leave a message for “my senator, and all senators.” Suggested message: “Rooftop solar works for all Kentuckians. Please vote to approve the House version of SB 100 with the Amendment.”
Be aware: this legislation is moving very fast.
- Rooftop solar works for all Kentuckians. It creates good-paying, safe jobs and it helps Kentuckians reduce our bills and save energy and money. We want to make sure access to rooftop solar in Kentucky is expanded.
- SB 100, and the way in which it was rammed through both chambers of the General Assembly, was a utility power grab that will kill solar jobs and change the rules so that solar works only for monopoly utilities.
- The House Floor Amendment 1 to SB 100 does a lot to make the bill better. This link is helpful info on a very complex issue: https://www.kftc.org/actions/rooftop-solar-works-house-changes-sb-100-need-support
Today’s emphasis: The restoration of voting rights to those who have completed their sentences. As it stands now, if a Kentuckian is convicted of any felony — with rare exceptions involving the Governor’s pardon authorities — they lose the right to vote permanently. Kentucky is one of just a handful of states that maintains this harsh penalty. KY Council of Churches invites everyone to pray for those seeking to make life better for everyone.
Also of Concern:
Permitless Concealed Carry of Deadly Weapons – Rev. Kent and other clergy urge persons of faith to consider opposing Kentucky Senate Bill 150, a bill moving swiftly that would allow “permitless carry” of concealed weapons to any person over the age of 21. This means any person would be allowed to carry a concealed deadly firearm, knife, or other weapon without a license, permit, or training. This legislation was moved on the 1 year anniversary of the Parkland, Florida, shooting. Over 1200 school children have been killed by guns in that one year. Permitless carry will increase the chance of accidental injury, as well as intentional violence and is inconsistent with Christ-like regard for neighbor, children, or a beloved community.
The legislative message line, 800-372-7181, is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. (6 p.m. Fridays). You can also reach legislators by email at firstname.lastname@lrc.ky.gov. A full list of our senator’s emails is available here.
For Senate Bill 150, ask to leave a message for members of the Senate Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection committee. Suggested message: “I hope you will oppose SB150 as it is not in the interest of public protection and that it represents a reckless and undisciplined response to legitimate 2nd amendment rights pandering to gun lobbies, not law-abiding Kentuckians.”
Prayer in Action in Frankfort: 9:30 a.m. in the Capital Annex. The Kentucky Council of Churches will host a 9:30 a.m. gathering at the Capitol Annex in Room 171 on the following Tuesdays during the General Assembly to pray for legislators and hear about an issue of concern. Afterwards, participants may attend committee meetings and visit legislators. Topics are:
You can watch live prayers in action events at the Kentucky Council of Churches Facebook page, and find out more on the KCC website www.Kycouncil ofchurches.org. To express your concerns to elected representatives, committees or officials call 800-372-7181.
Upcoming topics:
· Feb. 26: Gun Violence
· March 5: Death Penalty
· March 12: Environment
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