State Government

Beyond passing a two-year state budget, the GOP supermajority of the Kentucky General Assembly plans to advance bills addressing education, data centers, immigration and housing in the 2026 session.

The dispute stems from a resident farmland exemption from hunting and fishing license requirements.

After a nonpartisan forecasting group predicted a smaller shortfall, Gov. Andy Beshear said he is implementing reductions across state government — but some constitutional officers are declining to do the same.

Tuesday’s forecast comes as the impact of soaring revenues for nearly all states triggered by Covid-era stimulus spending by the federal government continues to fade.

Outside groups are urging the board to resolve questions about the situation to assure that public safety is protected and that eye care providers are duly licensed and qualified.

With the GOP-led legislature poised to revisit Kentucky’s income tax rate in January, Gov. Andy Beshear is urging lawmakers to honor the fiscal “guardrails” they put in place two years ago. Republican leaders say they’re weighing whether conditions allow another tax cut, even as state revenues flatten and budget pressures grow.

Research shows the state needs more than 200,000 housing units — a gap that could grow to more than 287,000 units by 2029.

Republicans say they’ll have to adapt to any potential federal funding cuts.

Chief Justice Debra Lambert said the judicial branch faces “serious challenges” when attracting and retaining qualified employees. 

The emergency funds, distributed through Feeding Kentucky’s network, are meant to provide short-term relief as demand surges statewide — though advocates note the aid can’t match the scale of federal support, which typically covers nine meals for every one provided by food pantries.

Meals for Kentucky seniors are geting a "temporary" $9 million reprieve with state funds.