Kentucky Association of Counties

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Kentucky Association of Counties

The County Voice



KACo has a strong voice representing Kentucky counties at the state and federal levels. We work to promote counties first, preserve county decision making and protect counties from cost shifting and preemption of authority.



KACo Advocacy Team


Jim Henderson
Executive Director/CEO

Shellie Hampton
Director of Government Affairs

Kayla Carter Smith
Policy Analyst

2026 Legislative Priority: Reshaping the Shared Responsibility of County Jails

Kentucky county jails are at a crisis point, with fiscal court subsidies rising more than 76% in six years and counties forced to raise taxes or cut essential services just to keep their facilities operating.

KACo has published a one-page document with key points of our comprehensive jails proposal.


Know Your Legislator

Find listings for Kentucky's legislators by chamber including a short biography, committee assignments and contact information for both their Capitol office and home district.

We encourage members to meet with legislators in their district prior to the start of the legislative session to update them on issues important to counties and how those issues will affect their district in particular. During the session, stay engaged and visit legislators in Frankfort as bills make their way through the legislative process.


Legislative News

January 22, 2025
FEMA posts public notice for 34 Kentucky counties impacted by hurricane Helene
Heavy rainfall and high winds caused by the 2024 storm caused damage
January 10, 2025
State legislators back to work in Frankfort
Highlights from the first week of the 2025 regular legislative session
December 18, 2024
House majority leadership announces committee chairs
2025 legislative session begins Jan. 7
December 09, 2024
Opioid Abatement Commission announces 2025 grant opportunity
Counties are eligible to apply for funding focused on prevention, treatment or recovery
December 05, 2024
CERS board votes on employer contribution rates for FY 2026
Rates to be lowered following actuarial valuation
December 04, 2024
Committee leaders announced for Kentucky Senate
Senate Republicans welcome new members
November 22, 2024
KACo leaders testify on 2025 legislative priorities
Jails, revenue, roads top the list
November 19, 2024
Changes to overtime rules struck down in District Court ruling
A recent court decision has stopped new federal rules about employee salaries from taking effect