Legislative Update - Week 1
As we convene the 2023 regular session, I would like first to wish you a happy new year. I hope your holidays were filled with joy and laughter while spending quality time with family and friends.
Legislative sessions in odd-numbered years are known as ‘short sessions,’ consisting of 30 days, unlike the longer 60-day budget session, which occurs in even-numbered years. Short session years are intended to evaluate previously enacted policies and address any necessary legislative clean-up.
As outlined in the Constitution of Kentucky, the General Assembly must gavel into session on the first Tuesday, following the first Monday in January, and adjourn after the first week for a constitutionally mandated break. This 2023 legislative session kicked off on a storm-filled Tuesday with heavy rains and high winds. I hope you remained safe in your travels if you were on the roadways during this time. We will reconvene on the first Tuesday in February and are required by the state constitution to adjourn by March 30.
The primary focus of week one in the Senate was to swear in our six new members, pass this year’s Senate rules, officially confirm committee assignments and introduce any critical legislation demanding immediate attention. Our newly elected members include Shelley Funke Frommeyer, R-Alexandria and Gex Williams, R-Verona. They will represent districts to the west and east of Kenton Co, respectively. I look forward to advocating for northern Kentucky alongside them.
As Senate budget chairman, I am pleased to tell you that on Jan. 1, the first automatic reduction of our state income tax went into effect. The 2022 Legislative Session’s House Bill 8 outlined the framework by which the first half-percent was reduced automatically once specific economic triggers were reached, taking the commonwealth from a 5 percent to a 4.5 percent state income tax. The reduction for the second 0.5 percent must be introduced like any other bill and be voted on by the General Assembly. To continue down this path towards further income tax reduction, which has been a top priority in my tenure as your state Senator and as Senate budget chair, the House of Representatives introduced House Bill 1. The bill sets the rate for another 0.5 percent income tax reduction to 4 percent.
This will leave $600 million in the pockets of Kentucky taxpayers.
In closing, history was made this past Wednesday, as efforts on the Brent Spence Bridge Project were announced. In the 2022-24 state road plan, lawmakers prioritized allocation of $250 million dollars, which made securing $16. Billion federal grant funds possible. I have fought for years to advance the Brent Spence Bridge Project without tolls. I am proud of our collective commitment to that goal. Kentucky is a centrally located economic gem that connects northern and southern economic engines and industries to each other. The structural integrity and ingenuity of Kentucky roadways, highways and bridges here benefits our entire nation. I am pleased the federal government, much to the credit of Senator Mitch McConnell, recognized this truth and approved funding for this mega project.
There are many vital policy items to take care of in this session. Each proposed measure, be it mundane or headline-worthy, will receive the debate and deliberation the legislative process requires. Feel free to share your thoughts throughout the session. 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.
You can learn more about these bills and others by visiting www.legislature.ky.gov. Thank you for staying engaged in the legislative process. It is an honor to serve you in Frankfort.
If you have any questions or comments about these issues or any other public policy issue, please call me toll-free at 1-800-372-7181 or email me at Chris.McDaniel@LRC.ky.gov. You can also review the Legislature’s work online at www.legislature.ky.gov.