Office of Senator Albert Robinson

SENATE PASSES BILL PROMOTING DEVELOPMENT IN EAST KENTUCKY 

THROUGH SOAR

 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 26, 2015) - With the goal to promote economic development, improve technology, healthcare and infrastructure, and start to fill the gap left from the loss of over 7,000 coal jobs, The Kentucky Senate Wednesday passed Senator Albert Robinson's Senate Bill 168. The legislation creates a funding mechanism to deploy grants and incentives through Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) to east Kentucky coal counties, which are experiencing a difficult economic hit from the war on coal. U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers and Governor Steve Beshear came together in a bipartisan approach to the region's economic distress. The bill received bipartisan praise and support as it was heard in the Senate Chamber.

"I'm honored and proud to be a part of this landmark legislation," said sponsor and Senator Albert Robinson (R - London). "This bill will ensure the work of SOAR continues, and it is my hope the 7,000 lost jobs will be restored and surpassed through new opportunities made possible through SOAR."

The bill will now be considered by the House. To keep up to date with the SOAR initiative, please visit www.soar-ky.org.