Sen. Harper Angel: 'My heart is full of gratitude and pride for the work we have accomplished together. '
EDITOR'S NOTE: Sen. Harper Angel has been a good friend to organized labor. She will be missed.
By SEN. DENISE HARPER ANGEL
As many of you might have heard, I recently made the heartfelt decision not to seek reelection to the Kentucky Senate after my current term. This decision, though challenging, marks the beginning of a new chapter for me, one where I plan to immerse myself more fully in the joys and blessings of my personal life, cherishing every moment with my family.
As I reflect on my journey in public service, my heart is full of gratitude and pride for the work we have accomplished together. My tenure in the Senate has been driven by a commitment to protecting and supporting our most vulnerable — children, seniors, and those with disabilities. This commitment led to the creation of the Kentucky Golden Alert in 2008, a program that has since become instrumental in reuniting missing impaired adults with their families. It's more than a policy; it's about touching lives, about bringing families back together.
In 2015, our efforts brought to light a critical issue in our justice system — the presence of over 3,000 untested sexual assault kits in Kentucky. This discovery was a sobering reminder of the work that lay ahead. In response, I sponsored the SAFE Act in 2016, establishing clear guidelines and deadlines for processing these kits. This was a crucial step toward ensuring swifter justice for victims of sexual assault, a cause that has always been close to my heart.
But our work did not end there. Recognizing the need for improved resources and efficiency, I have been a vocal advocate for enhancing our state police forensic laboratories, focusing on funding, staffing, and the integration of advanced technology. Our goal is to ensure that the average turnaround time for processing sexual assault kits is significantly reduced, bringing timely justice to those who have waited far too long.
In 2020, we took a small yet vital step in addressing the alarming rise in suicide rates and sexual violence among our youth. I sponsored legislation requiring student IDs to include national crisis hotline information, providing immediate access to help and support for our young people. This initiative, though seemingly small, can be a beacon of hope in moments of despair.
Accountability and integrity in law enforcement have also been a cornerstone of my legislative efforts. I have worked to ensure that law enforcement officers who commit sexual offenses while on duty are held accountable, upholding the highest standards of conduct and protecting the vulnerable in their care.
Governor Beshear's commitment to supporting victims of violent crime, particularly through substantial grant funding, has been a source of encouragement in our shared mission. Senate Bill 282, which I was proud to sponsor and see passed in 2023, marked a significant milestone, increasing the financial support available to crime victims, including higher compensation for lost wages and funeral expenses.
As I reflect on my journey in public service, I am reminded of the profound impact that former governor and colleague in the Kentucky Senate, Julian Carroll, had on my career and our commonwealth. Governor Carroll, who recently passed away, was a luminary in Kentucky politics. He was a mentor and a guiding force for many of us in public service.
My connection with Governor Carroll dates back to 1974 when I worked on his political campaign, my first foray into the political realm. His dedication to Kentucky and its people was not only inspiring but also foundational in shaping my path in public service. Governor Carroll's tenure was marked by significant contributions to our state, from his efforts in education reform to his commitment to improving the lives of the working class. His policies and leadership style left an indelible mark on Kentucky, driving progress and prosperity.
To us old-timers who have watched and participated in the evolution of Kentucky's political landscape, Governor Carroll represents an era of transformative leadership and genuine commitment to public welfare. His passing is a profound loss to our commonwealth and to everyone who knew him. However, the legacy he leaves behind will continue to inspire and guide us.
As I conclude my term in the Kentucky Senate, I contemplate the journeys of those who have paved the way and the importance of our collective efforts in shaping a brighter future. Governor Carroll's legacy is a testament to the impact one individual can have on an entire state, and it is with this inspiration that I move forward into the next chapter of my life, carrying with me the lessons learned and the memories cherished from my time in public service.
We are now mere weeks from kicking off the 2024 Regular Session. For more information on the 2024 Regular Session, visit the Legislative Record online at www.legislature.ky.gov. There, you can view all bills, watch archived coverage of committee meetings, search legislator contact information, learn about the legislative process, and view informational materials.
If you have any comments, questions, or concerns, I remain accessible by email at Denise.HarperAngel@LRC.KY.GOV. You can also leave a message for me on the Legislative Message Line at 800-372-7181 or en Español 1-866-840-6574. Those with hearing impairments can use the Kentucky Relay Service at 711.