Latest news with #GeraldNeal
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Long-time Kentucky Democrat switching parties
FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) — A long-time member of the Kentucky General Assembly said she's switching political parties. State Senator Robin Webb of Grayson in Carter County is now a registered has served in the legislature since 1999 and has been in the Senate since 2009 — all as a Democrat. Kentucky leaders deny not upholding federal immigration laws Long-time Kentucky Democrat switching parties ACLU of Kentucky dismisses lawsuit challenging Kentucky abortion laws But she told FOX 56 News on Friday that she's been considering changing parties for the last couple of years. 'I just want people to know where I stand. I know who I am — that's not changing. I'm not changing my priorities. I'm not changing my advocacy positions. And my votes will remain the same on subject matter. I think everyone knows that,' Sen. Robin Webb said. 'We've got to think of the people of Kentucky. Sometimes we get into this, you know, 'I'm on this team' or 'that team,' and I understand that — that's our system, and I respect that. But at the end of the day, we've got to do what's right,' Sen. Gerald Neal said. Kentucky's most misspelled word, according to study Drug overdoses see major decline: How Kentucky measures up UFO sightings in Kentucky: A look back on past 30 years This marks the largest-ever Republican supermajority in the Senate—32 of the Senate's 38 members are Republicans. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
KY Senate Democratic leader falls short of changing GOP higher ed bills in committee
Kentucky Senate Democratic Leader Gerald Neal of Louisville presents alternatives to Republican-sponsored anti-DEI legislation and a bill that faculty say will erode tenure rights. He was speaking to the Senate Education Committee, March 10, 2025. (LRC Public Information) FRANKFORT — Backed by United Campus Workers of Kentucky, Senate Democratic Floor Leader Gerald Neal attempted to get the Senate Education Committee to adopt substitute versions of two Republican higher education bills Monday afternoon. The Louisville Democrat wasn't successful in either case. The Senate Education Committee forwarded both House Bill 424, which Kentucky professors have warned would erode academic tenure at the state's public universities, and House Bill 4, which would eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in public universities. Neal's changes to HB 424 would have ensured that faculty would be evaluated on criteria related to their academic discipline. His proposed changes to the anti-DEI bill were more substantial; he said they would address 'unintended consequences' of the bill, should it become law. He presented his proposals with Ray Horton, a professor at Murray State University and member of United Campus Workers (UCW). The Republican sponsors of both bills, Rep. James Tipton, of Taylorsville, for HB 424 and Rep. Jennifer Decker, of Waddy, for HB 4, said Neal's committee substitutes would 'weaken' their legislation. Both committee substitutes failed in voice votes. 'We're saying a whole lot about ourselves here,' Neal said while voting no on House Bill 4. 'I'm hoping we can reclaim ourselves, because I know there are good people here, and I will continue to reach out to you.' Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Reggie Thomas of Lexington also spoke and voted against the anti-DEI bill, noting that until less than 80 years ago Black Kentuckians were barred by law from most of the state's public universities. He said HB 4 would turn back the clock. 'Today, we seek to reverse history and go back to our ugly past. Let's make no doubt about it, this bill is about race and about its intention to really change the course of history,' Thomas said. 'We want to put on the front door of these public universities, 'You are not welcome. Application denied.'' Neal and Thomas are the only Black members of the committee. Paper copies of Neal's proposals were given to members of the committee and the bill sponsors during the meeting. During debate on Tipton's bill, Senate President Pro Tem David Givens, of Greensburg, repeated something he said he's heard from Democrats upon seeing committee substitutes for the first time during a meeting. 'To use a phrase that we often hear around this place, this is sure at the last second; if we could have seen this sooner, we could have had time to chew on this and think about this,' Givens said. 'This would have been really good for us to have seen sooner than this. But I've never had the chance to use that phrase before, so I get the chance to use it now.' 'I think you have a good point, but you know how it is up here,' Neal said in response. 'Things evolve, things come to your attention, and we are here and we do have the ability to make this happen. I think if we slow down just a moment and deliberate on exactly what's been presented here, we have an opportunity. So that's why I came forward.' The committee also heard from about 10 speakers who opposed HB 4, the anti-DEI bill. They argued it could undermine resources on Kentucky campuses that protect diversity among students and faculty. After the meeting adjourned, advocates with UCW continued sharing their concerns with the legislation in a livestream outside of the Capitol Annex. 'House Bill 4 is far too imprecise, self-contradictory and frankly dangerous to become law in this commonwealth,' said Savannah Dowell, a student from the University of Louisville. In order to protect both bills from Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear's veto, Senate Republicans must pass them by the end of this week. The legislature recesses Friday, giving Beshear almost two weeks to consider possible vetoes. Lawmakers return March 27 for the final two days of this session, when they can easily override any vetoes. Republicans hold a veto-proof supermajority in the House and Senate. HB 4 has two readings in the Senate, making it eligible for a floor vote as early as Tuesday. Neal has filed 15 floor amendments to the bill. Sen. Keturah Herron, D-Louisville, has filed her own amendment as well. HB 424 has no floor readings in the Senate and no new amendments filed. Neal substitute for House Bill 4 HB 4 – PSS 4 Neal substitute for House Bill 424 25RS HB 424 PSS 1
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
KY Senate Democratic leader falls short of changing GOP higher ed bills in committee
Kentucky Senate Democratic Leader Gerald Neal of Louisville presents alternatives to Republican-sponsored anti-DEI legislation and a bill that faculty say will erode tenure rights. He was speaking to the Senate Education Committee, March 10, 2025. (LRC Public Information) FRANKFORT — Backed by United Campus Workers of Kentucky, Senate Democratic Floor Leader Gerald Neal attempted to get the Senate Education Committee to adopt substitute versions of two Republican higher education bills Monday afternoon. The Louisville Democrat wasn't successful in either case. The Senate Education Committee forwarded both House Bill 424, which Kentucky professors have warned would erode academic tenure at the state's public universities, and House Bill 4, which would eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in public universities. Neal's changes to HB 424 would have ensured that faculty would be evaluated on criteria related to their academic discipline. His proposed changes to the anti-DEI bill were more substantial; he said they would address 'unintended consequences' of the bill, should it become law. He presented his proposals with Ray Horton, a professor at Murray State University and member of United Campus Workers (UCW). The Republican sponsors of both bills, Rep. James Tipton, of Taylorsville, for HB 424 and Rep. Jennifer Decker, of Waddy, for HB 4, said Neal's committee substitutes would 'weaken' their legislation. Both committee substitutes failed in voice votes. 'We're saying a whole lot about ourselves here,' Neal said while voting no on House Bill 4. 'I'm hoping we can reclaim ourselves, because I know there are good people here, and I will continue to reach out to you.' Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Reggie Thomas of Lexington also spoke and voted against the anti-DEI bill, noting that until less than 80 years ago Black Kentuckians were barred by law from most of the state's public universities. He said HB 4 would turn back the clock. 'Today, we seek to reverse history and go back to our ugly past. Let's make no doubt about it, this bill is about race and about its intention to really change the course of history,' Thomas said. 'We want to put on the front door of these public universities, 'You are not welcome. Application denied.'' Neal and Thomas are the only Black members of the committee. Paper copies of Neal's proposals were given to members of the committee and the bill sponsors during the meeting. During debate on Tipton's bill, Senate President Pro Tem David Givens, of Greensburg, repeated something he said he's heard from Democrats upon seeing committee substitutes for the first time during a meeting. 'To use a phrase that we often hear around this place, this is sure at the last second; if we could have seen this sooner, we could have had time to chew on this and think about this,' Givens said. 'This would have been really good for us to have seen sooner than this. But I've never had the chance to use that phrase before, so I get the chance to use it now.' 'I think you have a good point, but you know how it is up here,' Neal said in response. 'Things evolve, things come to your attention, and we are here and we do have the ability to make this happen. I think if we slow down just a moment and deliberate on exactly what's been presented here, we have an opportunity. So that's why I came forward.' The committee also heard from about 10 speakers who opposed HB 4, the anti-DEI bill. They argued it could undermine resources on Kentucky campuses that protect diversity among students and faculty. After the meeting adjourned, advocates with UCW continued sharing their concerns with the legislation in a livestream outside of the Capitol Annex. 'House Bill 4 is far too imprecise, self-contradictory and frankly dangerous to become law in this commonwealth,' said Savannah Dowell, a student from the University of Louisville. In order to protect both bills from Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear's veto, Senate Republicans must pass them by the end of this week. The legislature recesses Friday, giving Beshear almost two weeks to consider possible vetoes. Lawmakers return March 27 for the final two days of this session, when they can easily override any vetoes. Republicans hold a veto-proof supermajority in the House and Senate. HB 4 has two readings in the Senate, making it eligible for a floor vote as early as Tuesday. Neal has filed 15 floor amendments to the bill. Sen. Keturah Herron, D-Louisville, has filed her own amendment as well. HB 424 has no floor readings in the Senate and no new amendments filed. Neal substitute for House Bill 4 HB 4 – PSS 4 Neal substitute for House Bill 424 25RS HB 424 PSS 1
Yahoo
09-03-2025
- Yahoo
Bystander killed during Orlando Police chase laid to rest
Saturday, the family of Gerald Neal celebrated his life as they laid him to rest. Family, friends, and grief-stricken family members gathered to say their final goodbyes to George—at the Lighthouse Tabernacle of Prayer Church in South Apopka. 'Gerald was a good person, and a good person gone for no reason,' said Reggie Brooks, Gerald Neal's Cousin. Gerald's funeral comes nearly a month after he was hit during a high-speed Orlando police chase. Gerald died on February 12th. Gerald was sitting on Indiana street when he was struck twice, first by fleeing suspect 30-year-old Dornell Bargnare's vehicle, a Nissan SUV, then by an Orlando Police Officer's Ford F-150 in pursuit. 'It's wrong to chase. It's wrong to run from the law. It's wrong to break the law, but for a man to lose his life behind a senseless, I can't read your tag. It's ridiculous. It's terrible,' said Brooks. According to the Orlando Police Chase policy, it states officers can only chase a suspect if they think they committed a forcible felony, such as serious crimes like aggravated battery, murder, or kidnapping, but the policy does give officers discretion. It states the officer has to weigh the risks of chasing a suspect. Gerald's death has left his loved ones shattered and searching for answers from law enforcement on the police pursuit policies and demanding transparency and accountability from those sworn to protect. Since the death of Gerald, his family has been working side by side with renowned civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who has worked on cases such as the family of Trayvon Martin. Gerald's cousin, Reggie Brooks, said the family refuses to let his death be buried under silence. The family told Channel 9 they have not heard from OPD about Gerald's death as of yet. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Yahoo
Family and friends hold memorial for pedestrian killed during Orlando Police pursuit
Family and friends gathered Thursday to mourn the loss of 56-year-old Gerald Neal, who was tragically killed during a police chase Wednesday night. According to police reports, Gerald had nothing to do with the chase and was sitting on Indiana Street when he was struck in the middle of the pursuit by two cars, the suspect, 30-year-old Dornell Bargnare, and the Orlando officer chasing him. 'What happened to him shouldn't have happened. Because if they had called off the chase, Gerald would have still been living,' said Reggie Brooks,' Gerald Neal's cousin. According to the Orlando Police Chase policy, it states an officers can only chase a suspect if they think they committed a forcible felony so serious crimes like aggravated battery, murder, or kidnapping, but the policy does give officers discretion. It states the officer has to weigh the risks of chasing a suspect. Read: State Senator, political leader passes away at 76 following surgery complications 'That was my friend. At exactly 7 o'clock, he died,' said Shanneka Long, a friend of Gerald. Gerald was killed Wednesday night while sitting on Indiana Street, a place his family friends said he was at every day. According to a Florida Highway Patrol crash report, Bargnare was driving on Rio Grande Avenue, running from an unmarked Orlando police Ford F-150 when he risked a sharp left turn onto Indiana Street. The Nissan ran off the roadway to the right, hitting Gerald and a utility pole. Read: DeSantis signs sweeping immigration laws for Florida as states rush to fulfill Trump's agenda 'I'm hollering for him like Gerald, Gerald, Gerald. Look this man up under the truck. Exactly 33 minutes, he laid up under the truck before anybody even moved his body,' said Long. Flowers, candles, and balloons now mark the spot where Gerald was killed. Those who loved him have more questions than answers. 'I want the police who ran him over to be held accountable for what they did. That's it. That's all we want,' said Brooks. Read: Deadly street racing crash comes after attempted Florida crackdown Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
