Senator Damon Thayer's Week Twelve Legislative Update
Spring has arrived here in the Bluegrass State, and we find ourselves in the final stages of the 2024 Regular Session. We continue to apply the final touches to the biennial state budget and I am working hard to secure big budget wins for the 17th Senate District along with critical road projects in the biennial road plan. Final decisions from House and Senate budget discussions should be available within the next few days. The budget process demands careful consideration and thorough debate to ensure that every dollar is utilized wisely and responsibly. Our conservative budgeting over the past seven or so years has allowed us to build a robust budget reserve trust fund, all while lowering your income tax to 3.5 percent. I hope that we will further reduce this in the years ahead, with the ultimate goal being a zero percent tax on the money your hard work produces. In the closing days of my time as your state senator, my colleagues and I are taking advantage of the extended daylight hours by wrapping up final committee hearings and floor activity and pushing forward essential bills addressing various issues.
Week 11 of the 2024 Legislative Session
The Senate brought forth its two-year state spending and proposal for transformational one-time project funding. These were proposed through Senate Committee Substitutes to House Bill (HB) 6 and HB 1. The top priority for the republican supermajorities is to continue lowering your income tax. Through comprehensive tax reforms since 2017, Kentucky has received record business investment and will have left $1.8 billion in taxpayers' pockets by the end of the year. Despite this feat, the state’s budget reserve trust fund is at $3.7 billion, affording us the opportunity for transformational one-time investments.
Week 10 of the 2024 Legislative Session
This week marked the session's inaugural gubernatorial veto with House Bill (HB) 18. The Governor's veto was nothing short of a dismissal of property owners' basic constitutional rights. The bill pre-empts unconstitutional local ordinances that would force those who provide housing options and property owners to accept federal programs. These programs often come with burdensome strings attached, which is all too common with federal funds. Both House and Senate majorities resoundingly overrode the veto. Including an emergency clause, HB 18 has become law.
Week 9 of the 2024 Legislative Session
The Kentucky General Assembly has wrapped up the ninth legislative week of the 2024 Regular Session. The week marked the final period for lawmakers to submit new bills. By the end of the week, 838 bills were filed in the state House of Representatives and 382 in the state Senate. We celebrated Small Business Day in the Capitol on Wednesday. Small businesses are the backbone of our communities and provide a strong foundation for communities to thrive.
Week 7 of the 2024 Legislative Session
Having passed the midpoint of the 2024 Regular Session, it's a pivotal time to reflect and renew our dedication to our legislative responsibilities. With just under 30 legislative days remaining, we recommit ourselves to the crucial tasks that lie ahead. Throughout the session, we've had the privilege of hosting various student groups and esteemed guests within the halls of our Capitol. Their presence has infused our deliberations with fresh perspectives, reminding us of the importance of civic engagement and the responsibility we bear to mentor and empower the next generation of leaders in the commonwealth.