April 16, 2004
The Honorable Jody Richards
Speaker of the House
The Capitol Building
700 Capitol Avenue
Frankfort, KY  40601

Dear Mr. Speaker:

           Thank you for your letter of April 15th regarding a special legislative session.  I do agree that the General Assembly adjourned, over the objection of many members of the House, without completing its most important task, the passage of a budget, as well as tax modernization that will grow jobs and our economy.  Obviously, I am disappointed.

             When I presented my budget proposal on January 27th, I promised bipartisan cooperation and expressed a willingness to work with each member of the General Assembly in order that we fulfill our statutory and constitutional duties.  I have kept that commitment and remain committed to this goal.

             However, because of your previous assertions that any special session I call would be adjourned immediately, I must be sure your ovations are serious.  I recommend you contact Senate President Williams and begin working toward consensus.  To call a special session before an agreement is reached would be a waste of tax dollars.

            I must also express my deep disappointment that, under your leadership, the House killed both of the First Lady's initiatives, Read to Achieve and Healthy Kentucky. I have never seen that done and I well remember working on and supporting First Lady Judi Patton's initiatives.  Any special session should include an agreement on these measures as well.

            I am still optimistic that partisanship can be put aside and that the people's work can be done in a responsible, statesmanlike manner.

                                                                         Sincerely, 

                                                                         Ernie Fletcher

c:  The Honorable David Williams