The story “Bill loosening child labor laws advances” in (last week’s Daily News) left me bewildered and wondering what purpose it served, until I saw the (R) after the sponsor’s name, which inevitably means that it serves the Republican agenda.

When the sponsor says the bill aligns Kentucky with Federal standards, can he not make the mental leap that the federal standards are inadequate! Sadly, it’s another example of Republicans grabbing power away from the executive branch, and in this case, simultaneously bringing child labor laws “up” to antiquated 20th century standards.

However, for the time being I suppose that I should be thankful that these shenanigans are taking place in the open. That’s because another bill currently in the Legislature would allow them to legislate in secret!

The bottom line is that the Republican agenda does nothing to improve the safety and/or economic status of average Kentuckians, unless you happen to be extremely wealthy. I laugh when they claim to be following the conservative mantra of restricting “big government.” Do they not realize that the bureaucracy needed to enforce this blizzard of restrictive policies will result in MORE big government? Then again, they probably do …

Joe Derosa

Bowling Green