Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
WEKU
WEKU
John McGary

Homeless advocate says Kentucky legislators' opinions on HB 5 may have been changed by lunch with ho

A lunch shared by state lawmakers and homeless persons may alter the final version of House Bill 5. That’s according to Ginny Ramsey, director of Lexington’s Catholic Action Council. She said nearly half of the 138 members of the General Assembly attended last Wednesday’s luncheon in the capitol annex – and that she believes some of their minds were changed about portions of the “Safer Kentucky Act.”

“The legislators really participated. They were courageous. And not only coming and sharing the meal, but discussion. Our Street Voice Council folks were wonderful. They felt heard.”

Ramsey and other homeless advocates have criticized HB 5, which passed the state House January 25th, for criminalizing homelessness when there aren’t enough shelter beds in Kentucky.

“We already have laws that cover loitering, that cover of trespassing, the issues that House bill 5 is criminalizing, but also directing at those experiencing homelessness.”

Results of a 2,000-respondent survey on Kentuckians’ attitudes towards the homeless that reflected those sentiments were also shared with the lawmakers.

** WEKU is working hard to be a leading source for public service, and fact-based journalism. Monthly supporters are the top funding source for this growing nonprofit news organization. Please join others in your community who support WEKU by making your donation.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.