Over the last week, Fitz Steele spent several days in Frankfort to get a taste of what is in store for him when he is sworn in next January as District 84's state representative. Last Thursday, House Speaker Jody Richards invited Steele to a special House legislative briefing on the agreed upon plan to address the chronic state employee pension shortfall.

Gov. Steve Beshear called legislators into a special session this week to pass a bill to begin reforming the state pension problems. Steele sat on the House floor when House Bill 1 was passed by a unanimous vote of 98-0.

"It's been an exciting experience being in Frankfort, meeting my colleagues and watching a bill being passed out of the House of Representatives," said Steele. "I got a good feel for the process and look forward to helping pass important legislation like House Bill 1 in 2009."

House Majority Floor Leader Rocky Adkins, (D-Sandy Hook), spoke highly of his new colleague.

"I believe Fitz is going to be an outstanding member of the House Democratic caucus,” he said. “He knows his district and his constituents very well and will work hard on their behalf."