Governor Fletcher Signs Proclamation Calling General Assembly Into Special Session

Press Release
Office of Governmental Communications

Frankfort, KY

Governor Fletcher today signed a proclamation calling for a special session of the Kentucky General Assembly to begin Thursday, July 5. The primary purpose of the session is to provide incentives for energy companies looking to build alternative fuels facilities.

The proposed energy legislation would encourage the production and use of alternative fuels and renewable energy resources while promoting energy conservation and efficiency through economic development and educational incentives.

“We cannot sit idly by and let tremendous economic development opportunities pass us by,” said Governor Fletcher. “Peabody Energy has expressed an interest in locating a facility in the Commonwealth. I believe it is likely they will locate a facility in Kentucky, but only if these incentives are available.”

In addition to an energy bill, Governor Fletcher has directed the General Assembly to discuss other issues including:

The appropriation of funds and the approval of bonds supported by the
General Fund for capital projects at state universities;

The appropriation of funds and the approval of bonds for new capital projects; Legislation that ensures that health insurance coverage for employees of public agencies adheres to the Constitution;

And legislation that exempts active duty and reserve military pay from the Kentucky income tax.

“While the urgent need to pass an energy bill to attract jobs and economic development is the reason for calling this special session, there are other issues that the legislature should consider that are very important to the Commonwealth,” said Governor Fletcher.

Click here to read the official Proclamation By Governor Ernie Fletcher.