Commonwealth of Kentucky
Senator Danny Carroll
The second week of the 2024 Legislative Session concluded on Friday and week three began Tuesday following the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.
In 60-day sessions, legislators often focus on crafting a conservative, fiscally disciplined budget. Committee meetings this week have been light, though as Senate Family and Children Committee chair, I called an informational meeting specific to Kentucky’s critical child care issues. As I noted in my week one update, this is one of my most important issues.
With federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds expiring in 2023, we heard from many concerned about early childhood education during the interim.
During the committee, I and others cautioned against proposals for universal public pre-K from the executive branch. This one-size-fits-all approach to a complex issue would be beholden to the traditional school schedule and unable to meet the needs of many families who work the second shift and need care during the summer months. Furthermore, universal public pre-K would decimate Kentucky’s existing child care industry, permanently closing the doors of existing providers. We must put our money where our mouth is to support our child care providers, but a public-private model is going to be more realistic and beneficial than a universal public pre-K model. I will advocate for sound policy on this topic and funding to support the industry. It’s a vital service for our economy.
The first bill to pass from the Senate chamber and move to the House was Senate Bill 5, which is a measure we moved swiftly as it was designated as priority legislation. The measure removes the requirement that resident owners of farmlands must own five or more acres of land to be exempt from sport hunting and sport fishing license requirements when hunting or fishing on their property. The measure rectifies the concerns of sportsmen and Kentucky landowners by correcting the statutory language imposing the requirement from the 2023 Regular Session.
As my previous legislative update outlined, the state income tax rate dropped another half percent on January 1. In your next paycheck, you should notice an increase in your take-home pay as a result. I remain committed to the further responsible reduction of the state income tax, made possible by 2022 legislation establishing a measured framework to achieve that goal while ensuring we maintain needed state revenue.
The state House of Representatives unveiled its budget proposal on Tuesday, January 16. My colleagues and I will pore through the House’s recommendations and formulate our recommendations in the Senate. I’ll keep you informed on budget details as it progresses through the legislative process.
I have some legislative proposals related to the Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice and nuclear energy. I’ll provide details on those measures in the weeks ahead.
The Kentucky Senate Republicans and members of our caucus have a more personal website, KYSenateRepublicans.com, where constituents and media members can find additional access and insight into Senate Majority Caucus Members. We have information on committee meetings and floor action, including important constituent resources. You can find press releases from our caucus on the site also.
In closing, President Ronald Reagan signed the King Holiday Bill into law on November 2, 1983, designating a federal holiday to be observed annually on the third Monday of January. This year, the holiday falls on King’s actual birthday as he was born on January 15, 1929. First celebrated in 1986, the holiday has come to commemorate the strides this country has made in civil rights. King was a leader who strived for progress in racial equity and equality during the modern civil rights movement. King, A world leader focused on change and progress, is the only non-president to have a national holiday. State and local offices are closed and many businesses observe this important date.
It’s an honor to serve you and I take my responsibilities representing you seriously. Find the status of legislation by calling 866-840-2835, legislative meeting information at 800-633-9650, or leaving a message for lawmakers at 800-372-7181. You can watch and follow legislative activity at KET/org/legislature and Legislature.ky.gov.
If you have any questions or comments about these or any other public policy issue, please call me toll-free at 1-800-372-7181 or email me Danny.Carroll@LRC.ky.gov.