The 2011 Session of the Kentucky General Assembly is rapidly approaching. When the state legislature reconvenes in January, they will be joined by 17 new members – five in the Senate and 12 in the House. Senate Republicans will have a supermajority (22 Republicans + one independent) and the House Democrats will no longer have a supermajority (58 Democrats).

The legislature returns on January 4-7th for the organizational part of the 30-day session. During this time they elect their leaders and assign members to committees. They then reconvene on February 1st for the remainder of the session.

The American Heart Association will be focusing on several policy priorities that address tobacco control, childhood obesity and quality of care issues for stroke patients. Stay tuned for more details about our legislative initiatives. This being a “short” session complicated by budgetary issues and a gubernatorial election year makes volunteer engagement and participation in our You’re the Cure Network all the more vital to ensuring our chances for success. We appreciate your phone calls, emails and letters to your elected officials on our behalf and we look forward to the possibilities the New Year brings to support and improve the health of Kentuckians.

Make plans to join the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology Kentucky Chapter for a combined Kentucky Advocacy Day this year at the State Capitol in Frankfort on February 9, 2011 from 9 am- approximately 1 pm. Register today!