2024 Regular Session Budget Recap
Sen. John Schickel (District 11)
The 2024 Regular Session of the Kentucky General Assembly concluded with a balanced budget and $3.7 billion in reserves. With large reserves like these, I am hopeful that we can further reduce the income tax in the future. This year was truly transformational, with funds aimed at projects to make Kentucky a better place to live, work, and raise a family. Key investments were made in commercial airports, regional industrial development, and statewide economic growth.
Budget Highlights: Investing in Rural Kentucky
Rep. Steve Rawlings (District 66)
Rep. Rawlings discusses how the current budget seeks to address infrastructure and other rural Kentucky needs.
Legislature’s budget efforts pay off with another record budget surplus
Rep. Mark Hart (District 78)
Rep. Hart details how the conservative-controlled General Assembly produced a budget that protects the state’s long-term wellbeing.
Budget Highlights: Public Pensions
Rep. Marianne Proctor (District 60)
Rep. Proctor explains how the current budget addresses funding of the state’s public pension liabilities. The post also includes an update on two development projects in Boone County.
Statutory Committees, Navigating Property Tax Challenges, and Certificate of Need
Rep. Marianne Proctor (District 60)
Rep. Proctor updates on the work of statutory committees and explains how property valuation works.
Lawmakers prepare for 2024 Legislative Interim
Rep. Steve Rawlings (District 66) and Rep. Mark Hart (District)
The reps’ offices provide a look at the work of joint committees ahead of the 2025 legislative session beginning January 7.
Legislature begins legislative interim
Rep. Mark Hart (District 78)
Rep. Hart explains the purpose of the Kentucky legislature’s interim session and offers links to residents’ many options for staying informed about various committees’ work.
Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection
Rep. Steve Rawlings (District 66)
While Memorial Day was created to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defending our nation, this week also provides an opportunity to reflect on the work of the House Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection Committee. This committee’s jurisdiction includes military affairs; the Kentucky National Guard; military posts and bases; veterans’ nursing homes, cemeteries, rights, benefits, and education opportunities; and military memorials. Public protection responsibilities also include the state’s oversight of fire prevention and protection; and some public health and sanitation regulations.
Elections, Constitutional Amendments, and Intergovernmental Affairs
Rep. Steve Rawlings (District 66)
With the primary election looming, Rep. Rawlings looks at a few of the laws passed during the 2024 session to safeguard election integrity.
Checks, balances, and the process of overriding vetoes
Rep. Marianne Proctor (District 60)
[A] duty of the legislature is overriding the governor’s vetoes on legislation that has passed both chambers of the legislative branch. To override a veto, a vote from a simple majority of members in both the House and Senate must be cast. This means that 51 members of the House and 20 members of the Senate must vote in the affirmative. From there, the legislation is given to the Secretary of State to be enrolled in our statutes.