Week 6 of the 2024 Legislative Session
The Senate recently received budget recommendations from the state House of Representatives. House Bill (HB) 1 and HB 6, along with related appropriation and revenue bills, will shape the state's next two-year operating budgets for the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. In its unique constitutional role within the budget process, the Senate exercises patience in reviewing proposals, crafting recommendations grounded in disciplined use of taxpayer dollars.
Week 5 of the 2024 Legislative Session
In the Kentucky Senate, our role is unique, particularly during the 60-day budget session. The Constitution of Kentucky clearly outlines any revenue-raising and, traditionally, appropriation measures that originate with the state House of Representatives. Also, traditionally, before the House submits a two-year state budget proposal, the executive branch provides its recommendations. After these initial proposals, the Senate then makes its contribution.
Week 3 of the 2024 Legislative Session
The Kentucky General Assembly reconvened in Frankfort on Tuesday after observing Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to start the third week of the 2024 Regular Session. To begin, I co-sponsored Senate Joint Resolution 77 this week, introduced by Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, one of our newest members in the Senate and co-chair of the Kentucky-Israel Caucus. The resolution expressed unwavering support for Israel and our Jewish brothers and sisters and condemned the savage October 7 attacks by Hamas terrorists. I remain troubled, like many, at the protests on university campuses that sympathize with the motives of those seeking to eradicate Jews and destroy the free nation of Israel. A recent Harvard poll reflected a troubling trend among America's youth, showing that 60 percent of respondents ages 18-24 believed the motives behind the killing of innocent men, women and children in Israel were justified. The vast majority of your Kentucky General Assembly will stand firmly with our nation's greatest ally, Israel. Your legislature will remain resolved in opposition to the hate we are seeing abroad and, sadly, right here in Kentucky and America.
Week 2 of the 2024 Legislative Session
The second week of the 2024 Legislative Session concluded on Friday, and week three will begin on Tuesday following the observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. I want to start by informing you about our kysenaterepublicans.com website, where constituents can find additional access and insight into the Senate Majority Caucus. We have information on committee meetings and floor action and include important resources. This website showcases each member more personally so Kentuckians can get to know their legislators. You can visit the page to find all the press releases from our office.
Week 1 of the 2024 Legislative Session
As we convene the 2024 regular session, I would like first to wish you a happy new year. I hope your holidays were filled with joy and laughter while spending quality time with family and friends. Standing in the Senate chamber for the first day of the 2024 Legislative Session and each proceeding day, I have occasionally paused to take in everything around me. As Senate Majority Floor Leader, one of my responsibilities is to be alert to all the ongoings within the chamber. Still, in our first week back in Frankfort, I have been even more aware because of my recent announcement that this session will be my final session. As my term concludes in December, I knew the first day of the session was my last first day, and the same is true for each day after that. The further away I get from my announcement not to seek re-election, I grow more and more comfortable with the decision, but I will undoubtedly miss the unique role I feel so blessed to serve in. I will make the most of my remaining time as your state senator, and I'll begin by setting the stage for what is to come in the remaining 56 days of the 2024 Legislative Session.