OPINION: LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Nearly a third through 2024 budget session

Feb. 1—The 2024 Legislative Session in Frankfort is nearing the one-third mark of the 60-day budget session, as Friday marked the 18th day. The committee process is picking up steam; with that, more bill proposals are proceeding through the legislative process.

Please check out the KYSenateRepublicans.com website to find press releases from the Senate Majority Caucus. Information on our members—your elected officials—can be found there, along with other valuable resources.

To strengthen our aviation industry in Kentucky, I introduced Senate Bill (SB) 127 in week four. This legislation, known as the Aerospace Education Reinvestment Opportunity (AERO) Act, aims to enhance the education and training pipeline for aviation professionals in Kentucky. The key provisions include the creation of the Kentucky Aerospace, Aviation, and Defense Investment Fund, administered by the Council on Postsecondary Education. The fund is intended to support collaborations between aviation programs, industry partners, and the commonwealth to address workforce demands. The bill intends to encourage private financial and philanthropic support for the investment fund. At least 65 percent of the fund is for partnerships between aviation programs and industry partners to provide training scholarships for Kentucky residents enrolled in aviation programs. Thirty-five percent of the fund would be reserved for aviation equipment partnership contracts between public aviation programs and industry partners to provide grants for aviation and aviation equipment for public high school vocational programs or postsecondary education institutions.

I released a statement recently regarding some funding awards benefiting our county. Unfortunately, I could not attend the event celebrating the funding as I was in Frankfort for legislative meetings and session and to fulfill my duties as your state senator. The following is the statement issued on Tuesday, and you can find the full release from my office about the funding awards by clicking on THIS LINK or visiting the previously mentioned KYSenateRepublicans.com website:

"I'm grateful to serve as a voice for London and Laurel County in Frankfort. The funding awards, a small part of our achievements, highlight the city, county, and region's progress. Thanks to colleagues in the Kentucky General Assembly and partners like Charter-Spectrum, available funds prioritize crucial infrastructure—including 21st-century infrastructure like broadband.

"Legislative successes, including disciplined budgeting respecting taxpayer dollars and conservative efforts to further reduce the state income tax and now being reflected in Kentuckians' recent paychecks, show us what is possible. I remain committed to supporting my home city and county. I will remain focused on fiscal responsibility, especially as I work on the next road plan as vice chair of the Senate Transportation Committee."

The Senate, led by our budget chair, Sen. Chris McDaniel, has begun poring through the two budget proposals submitted by the House, House Bill (HB) 1 and HB 6. While they are likely to change as they go through the legislative process, the current versions of the two-year state budget can be found at legislature.ky.gov. As your state senator, I commit to the disciplined use of your hard-earned tax dollars. A strong objective of the Kentucky General Assembly will be to limit new recurring expenses that put taxpayers on the hook each new budget session. We will be especially mindful of this in reviewing our revenue projections.

We are continuing to monitor the two-year road plan proposals. As the vice chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, I'll update you on the biennial road plan as it moves along the legislative process.

SB 7 provides a means for students enrolled in non-certified Kentucky schools (homeschool) to have more access to the Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES). The scholarships will include the base amount for grade point average (GPA) by using an equivalent GPA based on the student's American College Test (ACT) score. Eligible non-certified school graduates can only access the "supplemental" KEES award as earned on a student's ACT score. This bill changes their annual total KEES award up to $2,500 to align with other public, private, and parochial school students. Their award will be based on their equivalent GPA and the supplemental awards. For example, a 2.7 GPA would equal an 18 ACT score, and a 4.0 would be equivalent to a 28+ ACT score. We believe these students work just as hard academically and should be awarded accordingly. Plus, we'd like these students to pursue higher education here in Kentucky and enter our workforce, strengthening our state.

SB 25 respects the rights of Kentucky property owners by prohibiting local governments from adopting or enforcing an ordinance mandating a landlord participate in a housing program under Section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937. The bill also prohibits local governments from adopting or enforcing an ordinance relating to landlord and tenant laws that conflict with any state law. The measure would prevent these business owners from being forced to accept a voluntary program, making them take less than market value for their properties.

SB 28 broadens the scope of practice for podiatric residents and assistants, enabling them to engage in additional professional activities. Podiatry is a branch of medicine devoted to studying, diagnosing, and treating disorders of the foot and ankle. The measure introduces new qualifications for acquiring a podiatry license to ensure practitioners meet specific standards.

Kentucky Right to Life sponsored a pro-life rally this week in Frankfort. It was standing room only in the Capitol Rotunda as hundreds gathered to celebrate the thousands of lives saved since Roe V. Wade was overturned in July 2022. I'm a proud member of the pro-life caucus. Much of the discussion called on those who value life to step up in support of those mothers and babies in difficult situations. I believe we must, as a community, state and nation, support mothers and children in need. I am committed to this endeavor.

Find the status of legislation by calling 866-840-2835, legislative meeting information at 800-633-9650, or leaving a message for lawmakers at 800-372-7181. You can watch and follow legislative activity at KET/org/legislature and Legislature.ky.gov.

Thank you for your continued engagement in the 2024 Regular Session. It is a privilege to represent you in Frankfort.