Beech Tree News Network

2024 legislative session underway

As the holidays end and the new year begins, the legislature is back in the capital city to do the work of the people. Though the first week of the legislative session is primarily occupied with administrative business, more than a hundred bills were filed. We will take up dozens of them before we adjourn on April 15, but by far the most important issue on our agenda is the state budget.

In Kentucky, the constitution provides that the legislature meets for 30 working days in odd-numbered years, and 60 working days in even-numbered years. This year’s “long” session provides us with an opportunity to fulfill our constitutional obligation to pass a budget. As we prepare to do so, we remain committed to approving a responsible spending plan that not only takes care of today’s needs, but also prepares us to take advantage of tomorrow’s opportunities and be prepared for future challenges.

I can say without a doubt that over the last eight years the state has been steadily heading more and more towards financial stability. As a result of legislation passed by the Kentucky General Assembly, we have a historic amount (around $3.7 billion) set aside in the budget reserve trust fund. We are far better prepared today than ever in our state’s 234-year history. It has taken a great deal of discipline, but it is worth it if we are to leave this place better for our children, grandchildren, and future generations.

In addition to the budget reserve trust fund, we also remain committed to providing resources to education. The current budget includes a record amount of funding – more than $4.5 billion in each of the two years covered in the budget. Of the $31 billion in general fund money we invested over the two years covered in our budget, more than $10.7 billion goes to kindergarten through 12th grade public education. 

As for transportation, the legislature has invested historic amounts towards improving our roads and bridges and other transportation infrastructure – including aviation.

Addressing the public pensions remains a priority. This is critical not only for the Kentuckians who dedicated their careers to public service, but also to all taxpayers. Through the last cycle, the statutorily required contribution would have been $438 million, but the budget we passed allocates more than twice that amount—an estimated $1.067 billion in the first year and $1.084 billion in the second year. This means we provided $629 million in the first year and $646 million in the second year more than what is required by Kentucky law.

But yesterday’s home runs do not win today’s games. So, the question remains: what about this budget cycle?

You will find that the budget we pass this session will reflect the same commitment to stewardship. While work on the budget document continues, I do expect it to be filed within the next couple of weeks. Once filed in the House, it will receive a hearing in committee, then a vote. At that time, the full House will be able to weigh in before the bill moves to the Senate where the process continues. There will be changes, not in modern history has a budget passed in its original form. All information will be available on the legislature’s website and I will continue to provide updates.

As we continue the session, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via e-mail at [email protected] and keep track of interim committee meetings through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.

The House Majority Caucus is committed to improving the quality of life for Kentuckians across the Commonwealth while preserving the values that we hold dear. Click   https://youtu.be/FKRGH9ZQzyU to learn more about what lawmakers accomplished during the 2023 Regular Session.