Government

 FRANKFORT – Senate Majority Whip Carroll Gibson, R-Leitchfield, left, and Sen. Vernie McGaha, R-Russell Springs, follow testimony in a budget conference committee. The conference committee is charged with ironing out differences between the House and Senate versions of the state’s two-year spending plan.

A bill was passed last week in the House of Representatives that may offer relief to victims of the Feb. 29-March 3 storms.

According to Rep. Michael Meredith, who represents LaRue, Edmonson and Hart Counties, HB 165 offers a tax rebate to those who were greatly impacted by recent storms and tornadoes. It cleared the House 96-0 and now goes to the Senate. The bill would offer a refund on sales and use tax paid on materials used to rebuild in areas that are declared to be federal disaster areas.

 Last month, members of the LaRue County Park and Recreation Board asked Hodgenville City Council to consider a 2 percent restaurant tax to provide sustainable funding for local youth sports programs and fields.

 Greg Burkot, field representative for Congressman Brett Guthrie, will hold office hours in LaRue County 1:30-2:30 p.m. Thursday, March 22 in the LaRue County Fiscal Courtroom.

Individuals from the area are encouraged to meet with Burkot, who will be available to answer any questions and address concerns regarding current issues or problems with federal agencies. He will forward all comments to the congressman.

To get the latest information from Congressman Guthrie’s office, sign up for his e-newsletter by visiting Guthrie.house.gov.