Democrats' highest priority is to fund expanded pre-K from sports wagering revenue. Long-term research consistently shows returns estimated at $7 to $10 for every $1 invested through higher lifetime earnings, lower remediation costs, and reduced justice system involvement. There are 55,000 4-year-olds in Kentucky; however, fewer than 15,000 attend public pre-K. According to Gov. Beshear: “up to 70,000 Kentuckians can reenter the workforce and make about $9,000 more per year. At a time when things cost too much, at least for that 4-year-old, that child care cost is gone. People make more; their dollars go toward their needs.” This proposal is a culmination of a months-long, state-wide, bipartisan Advisory Committee. Pre-K for all in Kentucky is formally supported by a majority of county Judge/Executives and school superintendents.

I have continued to work on restoring a defined pension (Tier 2 benefits) for State Police and hazardous duty employees in local police, fire, and other departments (see my HB 37). We need to ensure our dedicated public servants are fairly compensated and that we remain competitive compared to surrounding states. This has been a multi-year effort including feedback from various stakeholders. I believe we may see a compromise solution emerge and start to advance this session.

We should see some modernization of notice and purchasing requirements for local governments which will include provisions of my HB 41. These measures would allow our cities and counties some flexibility to save taxpayers' money.

I have co-sponsored HB 397 to protect Kentucky's trophy catfish population. This contentious legislation is on the House Orders and I am hopeful it will get a favorable vote in the coming weeks. Where the Licking River meets the Ohio is among the top locations for flathead and blue catfish. Unfortunately, we have seen a rise in the pillage of our natural resources by commercial fisherman to feed pay lakes. This bill aims to preserve our catfish population for future generations to enjoy.


HB 462 would solve an unintended issue created by Kentucky's income tax reductions. Several municipalities, including Newport, issued tax-increment financed (TIF) bonds based on assumptions made when Kentucky's income tax was 6%. This bill would ensure that older TIFs will be able to meet their obligations.

I am hopeful that we will see a change in the licensing and taxation of Historic Horse Racing (HHR), the slot-machine-like terminals at facilities like Newport Racing & Gaming. Currently, Kentucky is the only state with legal gaming that does not allow local taxation of such activities. Much of the tax revenue from HHR supports our horse breeding and racing industry, with the balance going toward state pensions and the state general fund. While those endeavors are worthy, it is important that local communities are compensated for the increased traffic and service use HHR facilities cause.

Significant changes to Kentucky's taxation of alcohol, kratom, and hemp-derived products are proposed in HB 612. At at high level, this bill would significantly reduce excise taxes on producers but add a 4% regulatory fee to retail sales. One measure I sponsored in HB 38 made its way into the bill - to allow historic taverns to sell packaged liquor at special events such as tastings. However, I have significant concerns about the impact on Northern Kentucky's small businesses - liquor stores, bars, and restaurants in particular. I will continue to engage with the community, the bill sponsor, and other legislators as this bill advances.

Other bills that I have sponsored, including ensuring feminine hygiene products in our schools, computer assisted wagering (CAW) reform in horse racing, and restoring clean water protections are unlikely to gain traction this session. Nonetheless, I will continue to advocate for measures small and large that I believe will improve the lives of everyday Kentuckians.

You can find all the details of bills I have sponsored and my voting record on the LRC website.