Four new lawmakers - three Democrats and one Republican - officially joined the Kentucky House of Representatives Tuesday. But there won't be much time for orientation.
Freshmen lawmakers always encounter a learning curve, but it will be particularly steep for this the incoming quartet of new House members. Less than 24 hours from the swearing-in ceremony, they're expected to cast votes on the Democratic majority's version of the budget.
"Overwhelming? That's an understatement," says freshly-minted representative Chuck Tackett.
The former Scott County Magistrate won the 62nd District special election just a week ago and has spent every working day since getting the lay of the land at the Capitol.
"I feel like I'm ready to hit the ground running," he assures his constituents. "I've seen the process. I've read a lot of the bills... I know it's not going to be easy. It's going to be hard work, but we'll do our part."
Among Tackett's top priorities is college affordability. And while the deadline to pass new bills has long since passed, he'll get a chance to weigh in soon as Democrats look to completely restore Gov. Matt Bevin's cuts to higher education in their budget vote Wednesday.
The new additions to the chamber won't have much time to prove their mettle. Only two weeks remain before legislation is up for gubernatorial veto. And another campaign isn't far away, as all House seats go up for election this November.
