2007 House Bill 184 (Expand authority of General Assembly)

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Introduced by Rep. Harry Moberly, Jr on January 4, 2007, to assert that the General Assembly has the power to suspend, modify, amend, create, repeal, and repeal and reenact statutes in the budget bill. The bill makes the change retroactive.
- Referred to the House Appropriations and Revenue Committee on January 5, 2007.
- Substitute offered in the House on February 14, 2007, to dramatically expand the function of branch budget bills.
- Reported in the House on February 14, 2007, favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar.
- Withdrawn in the House on February 20, 2007.

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Comments

Introduced by Rep. Harry Moberly, Jr on January 4, 2007. New Comment

1) question [by Anonymous Citizen on August 7, 2007]
What facility has harry moberly jr's name on it? I'm aware of one with his father's name on it.
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2) This Moberly Has No Building [by Anonymous Citizen on August 7, 2007]
You are right. Harry Sr. is the one with the building on EKU's campus named after him.
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3) Where's the transparancy in government ? [by ericjames on February 16, 2007]
If this bill included a provision that all closed door sessions occur behind clear glass doors in a clear glass room with a speaker system to the exterior, it might not be so onerous. The good old boys could meet behind closed door and the public could have its transparency.

In effect, this bill slams the door in the face of the public and shuts out public access to open government. Chaves would be right at home in Frankfort.

In 2006 we already experienced a blow to government transparency that may well benefit by this bill's retroactive feature. The Kentucky Historical Society, an agency of the Commerce Cabinet, defied a ruling of the Attorney General, regarding open records access by its members and public. Members wanted membership roles for the purpose of Society electing officers. The Society turned desperate and even sued its own members to block letting them elect their own officers. The Society is a big sucker on the Commonwealth's budget, deriving more then 90% of its operational costs from taxpayers. Once Moberly's slimy curve ball gets passed, the Commerce Cabinet can hold a closed door session, and suspend the rights of the Society's members or the public without their knowledge. Say bye, bye to representative government!

Wouldn't Mr. Moberly be a lot happier in Argentina?
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4) Moberly Isn't Stupid [by DavidAdams on February 16, 2007]
His district is drawn to keep him in office long past the end of his natural life. Targeting Moberly is not something I am opposed to at all, but it looks more and more like this one is going to have to be fought out in court.
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5) loophole?? [by sjacobs on February 15, 2007]
Sounds like a way to get extra funds for what you want without doing all the work to get full support. If it was used to decrease spending (which is only wishful thinking on my part) then this could be useful. The reality is it will be used exclusively to spend over and above what is already in the budget. I can't think of any taxpayers I talked to recently who are looking forward to paying more in taxes for special interest groups.

I would have to vote a big NO on this. I really hope the elected officials can see that this is not what taxpayers are looking for.
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6) Harry, read between the lines...this isn't what voters want [by Anonymous Citizen on February 15, 2007]
Harry, are you getting this? Voters overwhelmingly disapprove of this bill. And I, as a voter in your district, DO NOT WANT THIS BILL TO PASS. It is bad for Kentucky and bad for Madison County. And if you won't listen to your voters, then how can you demand that other elected officials do the same? Withdraw this legislation and do the right thing.

p.s. Spend more time in the facility that bears your name.
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7) Typical [by Anonymous Citizen on February 14, 2007]
Just another example of how power corrupts! If we don't soon clear our government of the power trippers we will never be able to right the wrongs that politicians have bestowed upon us.
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8) Unbelievable! [by Anonymous Citizen on February 14, 2007]
First of all, this is not what open and honest government is all about. Secondly, why retroactive. Is Moberly trying to cover up something he has already done that is illegal?
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9) Wrong answer [by Anonymous Citizen on February 13, 2007]
Since when do I elect Representation to pass laws in committee? If you can't garner support through the appropriate avenues, don't turn the Constitution on its head.
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10) this is a really bad idea [by Anonymous Citizen on February 13, 2007]
This is a really bad idea. It essentially allows legislators to use budget bills as a vehicle to enact laws which have no connection. Budget legislation should be just that...for passing the annual budget, as the state's Constitution requires, not as a whimsy for legislators to sneak in their priorities. Moberly will most certainly try to use this to HIS advantage.

Call your legislator and insist he/she vote this down.
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11) Is Moberly stupid? [by Anonymous Citizen on February 13, 2007]
How out of touch with reality does a legislator have to be to propose a bill allowing exactly the sort of political shenanigans which the last Federal elections so soundly repudiated?

Beyond that, this bill makes a mockery of representative government and of even an appearance of the way our Democracy is supposed to work.

Moberly's bill deserves to lose, and Moberly himself deserves some serious political punishment.
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