Kentucky Association of Counties

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Kentucky Association of Counties

Kentucky Association of Counties

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County Champion

SPOTLIGHT

#Martin's Peterbilt

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

Gov. Bevin on pension bill: ‘It’s getting done’
Gov. Matt Bevin says legislation is ready and a special session will be called in May to provide relief for health departments and other quasi-governmental agencies who face a huge jump in pension costs July 1.
Regional University Presidents Endorse Bevin’s Pension Plan
Regional university presidents in Kentucky have endorsed a pension proposal drafted by Gov. Matt Bevin’s administration that would affect county health departments.
Bevin’s revised pension relief plan picks up more key endorsements
Gov. Matt Bevin’s proposed pension relief bill has gained key support from six representatives of local health departments, mental health centers and other quasi-governmental agencies.
Gov. Bevin lacks votes for special session on pensions, lawmakers say
Gov. Matt Bevin doesn't have enough support among lawmakers to call them to a special session on a pension-relief measure he vetoed, a powerful state legislator said Monday.
Infrastructure Week Infographics
Counties play a significant role in building, improving and maintaining infrastructure in Kentucky, particularly roads and bridges. Here are five infographics that highlight the importance of having an effectively managed and well-funded infrastructure and how far behind the state has fallen in achieving those goals.
Department of Labor OT Rules
The U.S. Department of Labor has proposed a new rule that will increase the salary threshold for those receiving overtime pay. Final comments are due by May 21, 2019.
Alternative funding plans for pension systems discussed
Two alternatives to funding the state’s ailing pension systems were discussed during a meeting of the Public Pension Oversight Board on Monday.
Bill puts felony charge on strangulation
Gov. Matt Bevin held a bill signing ceremony on Tuesday for legislation approved by the 2019 General Assembly that specifically makes strangulation a felony.
Kentucky Association of Counties
400 Englewood Drive, Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: 502-223-7667 • 800-264-5226 • Fax: 502-223-1502
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