Statement about House Bill 336 - Making Kentucky Bullying Laws Stronger

Senior Representative Ruth Ann Palumbo, who has served since 1991 and is the Chair of the Kentucky House Standing Committee on Economic Development was outraged today by a vote to kill a new Kentucky School Bullying Law.  Most disturbing to Representative Palumbo..... the comments made during the Education Committee hearing.

House Bill 336, sponsored by Democratic Rep. Mary Lou Marzian of Louisville, would require schools to have a code of conduct that bans bullying and harrassment motivated by a student’s race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or learning disabilities.

It fell two votes short of having the majority needed to clear the committee. The tally was 13 votes in favor, 10 against and three passes. All Republicans voted against the bill, except two who passed.

Palumbo states:

Palumbo, who said she is a parent of a suicide victim, said the existing law is not a model and that she was embarrassed by her colleagues. She said that some gay and lesbian people are Christians. "They do not choose their sexual orientation."

"I apologize for some of my committee members. I apologize. I'm embarrassed that they will have the nerve talk to you all, as you are grieving parents. Some children need more protection than others," she said, adding that legislators must be "living in outer space" if they deny that.

Read more: http://www.wlwt.com/news/30667347/detail.html

Read more: http://www.wdrb.com/story/17148228/anti-bully-bill-fails-despite-pleas-by-parents-whose-children-committed-suicide

Posted by Explosive Design Group for Representative Palumbo.

Statement on Matthew Vanderpool

I was proud to have known Matthew Vanderpool.

He was loved and is in a better place now. I know that I will see him again.

Matthew had strong beliefs and strong convictions and it was a pleasure to know him from his volunteering with Kentucky Equality Federation, The American Red Cross, being a first responder during the 2009 Blue Grass Airport crash to running for public office, Matthew worked to make the world a better place. I have spoken to Jordan Palmer today many times, as well as others that worked on the Vanderpool for Kentucky Campaign and extend my condolences to his friends, family, and everyone who loved him.

Show your support for Rep. Ruth Ann Palumbo. Request a FREE yard sign!

Show your support for Representative Palumbo by requesting a FREE yard sign (if you live in District 76)!

• Click here to find your voting district!
• If you live in the District, click here to request a FREE yard sign!

The Commonwealth needs bold leaders and we need to send Representative Palumbo back to the Kentucky House of Representatives. Representative Palumbo is in favor of: Women’s Rights (for which she won an award), Education, Child Safety, Equality, a Balanced Budget, Fixing Kentucky's Medicaid crisis, bringing New Businesses to the Commonwealth, and the Sovereignty of the Commonwealth!