Republicans in the Kentucky House are aiming to end the nearly 100-year reign of Democrats this November.
As part of that effort, GOP leaders are talking up the legislative agenda they plan to pursue should the party pick up enough seats to take control of the state House.
Currently, Democrats hold a narrow eight-seat edge over the GOP. Republicans would need a net gain of five seats to take the majority.
The number one focus of what Republicans are calling their "Handshake with Kentucky"will be jobs and the economy.
At a stop in Bowling Green Wednesday, House Minority Leader Jeff Hoover vowed to make Kentucky more business friendly by passing right-to-work legislation.
"Right-to-work may be the single most important thing we can do to open Kentucky for business and create new private sector jobs," stated Hoover.
According to a Bluegrass poll released last week, a majority of Kentuckians support right-to-work legislation that would give workers the freedom to decide whether or not to join a union.
Meanwhile, the head of a major labor organization in Kentucky says the plan championed by Kentucky House Republicans is a "bad faith deal" that puts corporate interests ahead of the state's workers. Kentucky AFL-CIO President Bill Londrigan says ideas like right-to-work legislation won't create jobs or lead to increased wages. The union leader says Kentucky Republicans should focus on policies that would have a real impact on the working poor.
"Increasing the minimum wage, a state earned income tax credit, and real tax reform for working families are three key issues that could have a great impact people's ability to put food on the table and have a good standard of living," suggested Londrigan.
Londrigan also predicts the GOP will fail in its quest to win a majority of seats in the Kentucky House this November. The head of the AFL-CIO says organized labor groups are committed to "get out the vote" efforts that are designed to help Democratic candidates.
