Beech Tree News Network

The Morgantown-Butler County Chamber of Commerce held its April luncheon on Thursday. State senator CB Embry Jr. was the guest speaker for the event.

"We are very lucky regionally and statewide to have a state senator that lives two blocks from city hall," Mayor Billy Phelps said.

Embry, a Republican, has been a member of the state senate since 2015 and was the first native of Butler County to be elected in 60 years. He was in the Kentucky House of Representatives from 2002-2014.

He discussed the 2016 legislative session, noting only 144 of 941 proposed bills passed. Gov. Matt Bevin vetoed 12 bills during the 2016 session, none of which were overridden by the legislature. Three bills that Embry authored passed in 2016, all of which dealt with veterans issues.

Embry said during session he averages 200 contacts a day, ranging from phone calls, e-mails, faxes, etc.

"I'm well known for representing the majority opinions of this district," Embry said.

The meal was catered by Green River Caterers.

Prior to introducing Embry, Mayor Phelps made several annoucements. The Green River Catfish Festival is still looking for sponsors for tagged fish and bands. Phelps said those interested in sponsoring either should contact the the chamber. Mayor Phelps said the Renaissance Project is still seeking local businesses that are interested in sponsoring a bench to be included in the effort.