Kentucky Association of Counties

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Kentucky Association of Counties

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County Champion

SPOTLIGHT

The County Voice



Your KACo Advocacy Team


 


Jim Henderson
Executive Director/CEO

Shellie Hampton
Director of Government Affairs

Gracie Kelly
Associate Director of Government Affairs

Kayla Carter Smith
Policy Analyst

 

2024 KACo Legislative Wrap-up

A 60-day legislative session requires a lot of stamina, patience and focus to keep up with the fluid work of the General Assembly. From bill filings to floor votes, there is a lot of activity to track.

With record state reserves in the rainy day fund, this budget year was unlike any in recent memory and a far cry from not too long ago when we collectively hoped for only a few percent share of state funding. Legislators tackled several other big topics as well, including medical cannabis and one of the most meaningful bills for counties in decades: HB 596, a compromise that sets the framework for a fairer annexation process for counties.

Download the 2024 Legislative Wrap-up here.

 


How county officials can impact the 2024 legislative session
By Shellie Hampton, Director of Government Affairs

We need you!

The 2024 legislative session has begun and will last for 60 legislative working days, concluding no later than midnight on April 15. This is a critical time for county officials to advocate for the needs and interests of their constituents, as well as to collaborate with state lawmakers on important policy issues.

Read more here

 


 

Kentucky Legislator Contact Information

In the link below you will 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 their 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, we hope that members will maintain contact and visit their legislators in Frankfort as bills make their way through the process.

Kentucky legislator information

 


 


News and Resources


 

Bevin aide: Governor's pension plan has enough votes to pass
Gov. Bevin's team is confident that enough votes have been rounded up to pass his pension-relief proposal in a special legislative session, a key Bevin aide said Wednesday.
Public pension proposal unveiled but questions persist
A new proposal to deal with the public pension for health departments and quasi-governmental agencies was unveiled on Monday; however, there is still no date for a special session.
Gov. Bevin and Rep. Rogers announce milestone for broadband infrastructure project
Gov. Matt Bevin and Congressman Hal Rogers held a joint press conference Friday to announce the completion of the first phase of KentuckyWired, a project to build a network of high-speed fiber optic cable throughout the Commonwealth.
Stivers and Osborne reveal legislative priorities at KCJEA/KMCA Conference
Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers and Kentucky House Speaker David Osborne share insights on the next legislative session and talk about big impacts ahead for counties.
House leader says special session on pension-relief bill may start July 19
House Majority Leader John "Bam" Carney said legislative leaders have informed members and Gov. Matt Bevin that "July 19 is the most likely date to start the session."
As the Kentucky legislature's special pension session begins, here's what you need to know
Gov. Matt Bevin will call the Kentucky General Assembly into special session at 8 a.m. Friday to pass a pension proposal. Here’s a look at the special session and the issue lawmakers want to address.
Ky. House passes pension bill for quasi-governmental agencies
The Kentucky House passes a pension relief bill for county health departments and other quasi-governmental agencies in a 52-46 vote Monday, July 22.
Tax on e-cigarettes proposed to help solve Kentucky's struggling pension system
Rep. Jerry Miller (R-Louisville) proposed a new bill that would tax e-cigarettes and products like chewing tobacco and snuff by 27.5% of the wholesale price, which is similar to the tax on traditional cigarettes.