Newly elected members prepare to become legislators

FRANKFORT — It was kind of like back to school for 17 freshman legislators who are taking part this week in a three day incoming lawmaker orientation session at the State Capitol.

11 members of the House and six incoming members of the Senate are taking part in the transition into legislative life.

For some, new member orientation week is like the first day on the job.

“I’m trying to stay engaged if you will because you know you’re going to hear all of this again and again and again, but you want to stay engaged,” said 25th district representative-elect Jim DuPlessis, R-Elizabethtown.

The first day of orientation began with welcome speeches from Speaker of the House Greg Stumbo, Senate President Robert Stivers and Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer.

The group then broke off into House and senate caucuses to learn more about the legislative process where Stumbo and Stivers had words of advice for the incoming lawmakers.

“Be careful about giving your word, it’s really about the only thing that you have when you get here is your word,” Stumbo said. “If you give it, keep it.

“If you don’t keep your word and deal fairly with people, you don’t have to agree, be honest with them when you deal with them and be honest and fair,” Stivers said.