UK Law Hosts Mountain Caucus

The University of Kentucky College of Law’s Appalachian Law Caucus, American Constitution Society, and Kentucky Journal of Equine, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Law (KJEANRL) sponsored a Mountain Caucus Forum on Thursday, September 19. The seven-member panel included Speaker of the House Greg Stumbo, Senator Robin Webb and State Representatives Leslie Combs, Tim Couch, Tanya Pullin, John Short, and Jimmy Stewart.

The lawmakers discussed important issues and public policy concerns facing the Appalachian region of Kentucky, how those issues impact the rest of the state, and legislation intended to improve them. Of particular concern was the trouble facing the coal industry and the resultant decline in available jobs in Eastern Kentucky.

Other topics included drug abuse, economic and infrastructure development, and education. Assistant Dean Danny Murphy introduced the panel, saying, "We hope this event inspires our students to seek resolutions and commit to helping resolve some of these issues in our state. The economy and state of affairs for Eastern Kentuckians has a direct impact on the economy of the Bluegrass Region."