Sen. Thayer
On the Issues

I have been endorsed by the Kentucky Right to Life PAC as a 100% pro-life legislator and I am encouraged by the pro-life environment we have created here in our Commonwealth. With Republican majorities in both the Senate and the House, we have passed a number bills into law in recent years that will continue our efforts to protect life in its earliest stages. We also have a responsibility to promote the highest excellence in assisted-living, providing dignity in all stages of life.

Our expectant and new mothers are an often ignored aspect of this issue. I have supported legislation that addresses pregnancy-related discrimination in the workplace as well as clarifying employers’ responsibilities. Better support for our mothers will result in better support for our next generation of Kentuckians.

During my time in Frankfort, I’ve remained true to my core conservative beliefs that are shared by the majority of citizens of the 17th District. I have been endorsed by the National Rifle Association with an A+ rating (the highest possible rating) and I will continue to ensure our rights and freedoms are not infringed upon.

Our nation—and our great Commonwealth—was founded on a simple principle: “united we stand, divided we fall.” Countless Americans have fought on and off the battlefield so that we could enjoy the freedoms and rights that we too often take for granted. It is imperative to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. It is also important to remember why these sacrifices have been made. We are a nation that celebrates our differences; we do not persecute because of them. We must keep these values at the forefront of our minds as we navigate today’s political discourse.

I have sponsored many pieces of legislation that seek to hold our government leaders accountable. Recent bills include language that would require mandatory electronic filing of all candidates’ campaign finance reports (Senate Bill 4, 2019). Improved transparency is an essential check and balance on the power entrusted to our elected officials.

We must move the Commonwealth forward on a path that is financially sound. Crafting the Commonwealth’s two-year financial plan is a lengthy process that balances fiscal responsibility while ensuring sufficient funding for our critical programs. The utmost of care must be taken to keep more of your hard-earned dollars in your pocket while addressing and planning the needs of our state.

While we build on the successes of previous legislative sessions, our Republican majorities continue to tell the world that Kentucky is open for business. I appreciate you giving me the opportunity to serve you in Frankfort and to be a mouth-piece for stronger businesses and better-quality jobs. As private investment into our Commonwealth increases, we will continue to see more jobs and more economic development.

During my time in office, I have payed particular attention to our thriving Bourbon industry. I was honored in 2019 to be inducted into the prestigious Order of the Writ – a fraternal and charitable organization with an unwavering commitment to the furtherance of America’s only native spirit. As an advocate of the free market, I will continue to back legislation that removes the artificial barriers that hinder the industry’s ability to grow and further develop.

Infrastructure is the key to improved tourism and business development between communities. Our state leaders carefully put together the state’s road plan every two years, which works to rehabilitate ailing roadways and other infrastructure such as bridges. This puts Kentuckians to work as well as encourages more travel throughout our beautiful Commonwealth.

Every child should receive the opportunity to pursue education, regardless of where they live or what situation they face. In the wake of the tragic Marshall County High School events, recent legislation has prioritized the learning environment through improved school safety. Measures have included the requirement that one school-based mental health counselor be provided per 250 students, or allowing a school resource officer to carry firearms. While no legislation is perfect, inaction is not an option when it concerns the well-being of our students.

Support for education begins with support for our teachers and our schools. I have supported a number of bills designed to provide relief to our ever-growing public school system. A more recent example includes Senate Bill 57 in 2020, which would provide school districts with flexibility in renovations of existing school facilities. This fix will save school districts money, which is especially important during tough budget times.

We should work towards a healthcare system that puts patient care first and brings services to the patients who need it most. I’ll always support economically-viable solutions to this issue and I will keep an eye on any legislation that seeks to burden our already over-worked medical professionals.

America’s opioid epidemic is a national crisis that has hit Kentucky families especially hard. I will do all I can to slow what has been called the deadliest drug overdose epidemic in U.S. history. We must fight for increased access to rehabilitation and come together as communities to support our most vulnerable.

Better mental health begins with better conversations. We should take time to reach out to each other and let them know that they are loved and not alone. When we bring these issues out into the open, we can increase awareness for medical professionals and make progress towards our aim of saving lives.

While many can agree that federal immigration laws need to be addressed by Congress, current laws should be enforced to ensure the safety of the public, and provide law enforcement with the assurance that they can enforce laws in good faith. Our Senate has prioritized bills that prohibit local municipalities from enacting sanctuary immigration policies (i.e. the Federal Immigration Cooperation Act of 2020). There has already been discussions in one of Kentucky’s major cities to enact such sanctuary policies, which is widely seen as irresponsible and dangerous.