By DANIEL ELLIOTT

State Representative

FRANKFORT — The newly elected Republican majority has concluded a truly historic first week in this 2017 session. It was invigorating to finally get the opportunity to take action on the work of the people.

Before I returned to the General Assembly, I made a pledge to my constituents to do everything in my ability to promote job growth, increase financial gain for the middle class, and to protect the most defenseless among us, which range from the under-privileged worker to the unborn child.

This session is far from over, yet I have already made enormous strides in accomplishing my pledge to you. With the leadership of Speaker Jeff Hoover and the conservative ideals that you have demanded, we can truly show that a new majority means a working majority.

With the process of legislating comes the duties of committee assignments. I am proud to report that for the 2017 legislative session, I will be serving on the Economic Development & Workforce Investment, Judiciary, and Natural Resources & Energy committees. Furthermore, I am also elated to share with you that I will be chairing the Education Assessment and Accountability Review Subcommittee and the Capital Planning Board.

My greatest hope is that these committees serve the people amicably by studying every matter that comes before us with great depth and conviction. I am truly blessed that Speaker Hoover thought highly enough of me to task me with these responsibilities and I welcome the challenge.

Per our schedule, we have left Frankfort and have taken a brief three-week absence and returned to our districts.  I am happy to say that before we adjourned, I cast votes in favor of job-saving policies like Right-to-Work and repealing prevailing wage. Moreover, I am equally proud that we passed legislation that will protect life and allow the mother to have all the information she needs to make a decision.

It was also imperative to me to author four bills of my own. This legislation deals with a variety of issues relevant to Kentuckians, such as protecting seniors from financial abuse and making sure legislators are not paid more than they deserve.

What we House Republicans want the people of Kentucky to see is that the General Assembly has taken it upon ourselves to make Kentucky all it can be. We believe the way this happens is to create a vibrant economy that rivals any that can be found in America. We also understand that to do this we have to respect life, fight for our workers, protect our rights, and uphold the constitution.

The House majority is now a working majority. We will continue to fight for every Kentuckian until they can truly pursue the life that they see fit.

I welcome your comments and concerns on any issues impacting our Commonwealth during the 2017 Regular Session. I can be reached through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at (800) 372-7181, or you can contact me via email at daniel.elliott@lrc.ky.gov. You can keep track of committee meetings and potential legislation through the Kentucky Legislature Home Page at www.lrc.ky.gov.