State Government

A record $28.1 million was spent in 2024 by nearly 900 corporations, associations and other groups to influence Kentucky lawmakers.

Petrie, who represents a portion of Christian County, chairs the House Appropriations and Revenue Committee.

Advocates for children say Kentucky’s legislature should enact a statewide ban on the use of corporal punishment in schools.

Sen. Chris McDaniel said the Republican-controlled legislature should stick to the “very disciplined” process it has adopted for gradually reducing and ultimately eliminating Kentucky’s individual income tax. 

Republicans rejected the Democratic proposal for a graduated income tax rate.

The governor described “our new Kentucky home” as welcoming further investments in manufacturing, healthcare and infrastructure like those that have come to the state during his tenure.

GOP leaders call the move an "attempt to undermine the majority rule." Democrats say the supermajority is out to silence dissent.

The bill would lower Kentucky’s individual income tax rate from 4% to 3.5% in 2026, projected to lower state revenue by $718 million annually.

In 2022 the General Assembly passed a new law that eliminated the opportunity for lawmakers to prefile bills — a move some said shut the public out of the legislative process.

State lawmakers met in Frankfort on Monday to begin the 2025 legislative session — welcoming new members, introducing legislation and arguing over their own rules and procedures.

State lawmakers return to Frankfort Jan. 7 for the beginning of the Kentucky General Assembly’s 2025 session. The first item on their agenda is expected to be a tax cut.

Opponents fear misuse and privacy violations.