Kentucky lawmakers returned to Frankfort on Tuesday to begin the 2015 legislative session and the Commonwealth's Congressional Delegation kicked off a session under new leadership in Washington, D.C.
Democrats in the House of Representatives are expected to re-elect Rep. Greg Stumbo of Prestonsburg as House Speaker. Republicans will elect new leaders following a disappointing election season where they did not reduce the Democrats' eight seat majority.
The state Senate begins the session with the largest Republican majority in history. Democrats and Republicans have already elected their leaders, so Senators could begin work on legislation this week, including a bill that would combat heroin overdose deaths.
Lawmakers are scheduled to meet through Friday before taking a two week break. Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear will give his final State of the Commonwealth address on Wednesday. Beshear cannot run for re-election because of term limits.
Meanwhile, for the first time in eight years, Republicans are assuming full control of Congress today. Mitch McConnell will automatically take the post of Senate majority leader, after his approval by rank-and-file Republicans last year. In the House, Speaker John Boehner has to get past a challenge from two Republicans with tea party backing.