Preparation underway for the next legislative session
(FRANKFORT, Ky.)-“Before I begin this update, I want to acknowledge the passing of my friend and former colleague, Sen. Dennis Parrett.
Dennis and I had the privilege of serving together for many years, and one accomplishment I will always cherish most was working with him to create the Sunny Page Program. As fathers of daughters with special needs, we shared a belief that every child deserves the opportunity to feel welcomed, valued and included. What began as a simple idea became a program that has touched families across Kentucky and continues to remind us of the importance of ensuring every child knows they have a place in their state Capitol.
Dennis was a thoughtful and compassionate public servant who cared deeply about the people he served. I will remember him not only for his years of service, but for his friendship and the lasting impact he had on so many Kentucky families. My prayers remain with Lisa, their daughters and all those who loved him.”
Legislative update
“Although the 2026 Legislative Session concluded in April, the work of the General Assembly continues throughout the interim. Over the coming months, lawmakers will meet in committees to review legislation, receive updates from state agencies, hear from stakeholders and begin preparing for the 2027 Legislative Session.
This interim, I will continue serving on the Interim Joint Committee (IJC) on Health Services, the IJC on Judiciary and the IJC on Education. I am also grateful to serve as co-chair of the IJC on Families and Children, a role that allows me to remain closely involved in issues affecting Kentucky’s children, families and vulnerable populations that I care deeply about.
The interim provides an opportunity to take a deeper look at important issues facing our commonwealth and to evaluate how recently enacted laws are being implemented. It also allows lawmakers to ask questions, identify concerns and work toward solutions before the next legislative session begins.”
Protecting Kentucky families
“As co-chair of the IJC on Families and Children, one of my primary concerns is ensuring that Kentucky’s most vulnerable citizens are protected and supported by the programs intended for them. That includes children in foster care, seniors, individuals with disabilities and families who rely on critical services provided through state programs.
Recent announcements from the Beshear administration regarding reductions and changes to certain services have raised important questions that I will continue monitoring closely.
While the administration has cited budget concerns as the reason for some of these decisions, the General Assembly has not yet been provided a complete picture of how those decisions are being made or what their long-term impact may be. The administration announced this week that it will communicate with the affected organizations and providers, but that is all the information we are aware of at this time. Before services are reduced or altered, Kentuckians deserve transparency on exactly how and why certain decisions are being made.
I am hopeful we can explore the flexibilities built into the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, which is Kentucky’s largest executive branch cabinet. In the 2026-28 budget, it received nearly $55 billion over the next two years, including all funding sources.
I am particularly concerned about reports involving the senior meals program. For many seniors, these meals represent much more than food on a plate. They provide regular contact, wellness checks and support that allows older Kentuckians to remain independent and continue living in their own homes. I am also troubled by reports that some area development districts have continued to receive guidance to expand services despite uncertainty about future funding levels. Local providers need clarity and certainty to make responsible decisions and continue serving the people who depend on them the most.
These are issues lawmakers will continue examining throughout the interim. My focus will remain where it has always been: protecting children, supporting families and ensuring vulnerable Kentuckians do not fall through the cracks. It’s likely that these topics and many others will arise during interim meetings focused on these issues.
The first IJC on Families and Children meeting is scheduled for 1 p.m. on June 17.”
Planning for Kentucky’s energy future
“Another issue that continues to receive significant attention is Kentucky’s long-term energy future.
Over the past several years, the General Assembly has worked to strengthen Kentucky’s energy position through an all-of-the-above strategy focused on reliability, affordability and long-term economic growth. I have been proud to help lead many of those efforts, particularly our work to position Kentucky as a national leader in advanced nuclear energy development.
During the 2026 Legislative Session, lawmakers passed Senate Bill 57, legislation I sponsored to establish Kentucky’s Nuclear Reactor Site Readiness Pilot Program. The goal is simple: prepare Kentucky today for the energy needs and economic opportunities of tomorrow.
Advanced nuclear technology continues to evolve rapidly and offers tremendous potential for reliable, around-the-clock power generation. As demand for electricity grows, Kentucky must be prepared with diverse energy resources capable of supporting homes, businesses, manufacturers and emerging industries.
Recently, the Kentucky Energy Planning and Inventory Commission (EPIC) released a new policy analysis examining future electricity demand and the potential impact of large-scale economic development projects, including data centers and other energy-intensive industries.
I believe the value of EPIC’s work lies in providing lawmakers with independent, data-driven information before major decisions are made. Kentucky should not wait until challenges arise before beginning to plan. We have an opportunity to think ahead, evaluate our options and ensure future growth does not come at the expense of affordability or reliability for existing customers.
At the same time, recent federal funding announcements supporting coal-fired generation and coal infrastructure, including here in Kentucky, serve as a reminder that the state’s energy future is not dependent on any single resource. Coal remains an important part of Kentucky’s energy portfolio and continues supporting jobs and communities across our commonwealth.
I have long supported an all-of-the-above approach that includes coal, natural gas, hydropower, nuclear energy and other emerging technologies. Kentucky’s energy strategy should be driven by one goal above all others: ensuring families and businesses have access to reliable and affordable electricity when they need it.”
First week of interim meetings
“The IJC on Education reviewed reports last week showing continued improvements in student performance in reading and mathematics, while also discussing college affordability and workforce development opportunities. Lawmakers are analyzing ways to better connect students with educational pathways that prepare them for successful careers while ensuring taxpayers receive value from state investments in higher education.
The IJC on Transportation spent considerable time examining the long-term sustainability of Kentucky’s road funding model and discussing the potential impacts of recent executive actions affecting motor fuels tax revenues.
Lawmakers also received updates last week on Kentucky’s agricultural economy, where economists reported strong livestock markets, but continued challenges associated with rising costs, interest rates and barriers facing the next generation of farmers. Agriculture remains one of Kentucky’s most important industries, especially in western Kentucky, and continues to play a major role in supporting jobs and economic activity throughout the Commonwealth.”
Looking ahead
“Several other committees have already begun examining issues that will likely receive attention throughout the interim, including education, workforce development, healthcare access, public safety and judicial matters.
The interim provides lawmakers with an important opportunity to listen, learn and prepare. Many of today’s conversations will shape legislation and policy discussions in the months ahead.
I encourage you to stay engaged throughout the interim and share your thoughts on the issues affecting your family and community. You can follow committee meetings live through KET’s Legislative Coverage at KET.org/legislature or on the General Assembly’s YouTube channel. Archived meetings, agendas, meeting materials and committee information are also available through the Legislative Research Commission website.
As always, it is an honor to represent the people of the 2nd Senate District. Thank you for the trust you place in me, and I look forward to continuing our work together on behalf of western Kentucky and the Commonwealth.”
