Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers said he hopes bills to combat heroin abuse and encourage investments by telecommunications companies can win bipartisan support in next year's General Assembly session.But Stivers said Senate Republicans will also push more contentious proposals to rein in regulations and prohibit mandatory participation in a workplace union. He acknowledged such proposals would face strong resistance in the Democratic-led Kentucky House.Senate Republicans held a pre-session retreat Thursday in Owensboro.Lawmakers will be in session for 30 days next year, but Stivers said they can take on big issues during the abbreviated session.Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer said next year's gubernatorial race won't affect Senate action. But he said Senate Republicans will promote an agenda that a GOP governor could embrace.The session begins Jan. 6.
