LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Constituents visit Frankfort as lawmakers continue budget work

Representative Nancy Tate:

The Capitol Annex has been especially busy in recent weeks, with individuals and advocacy groups from across Kentucky visiting Frankfort to meet with legislators and share their priorities. These conversations are a vital part of the legislative process and help ensure the voices of communities, families, and industries are heard as policy decisions take shape. Of course, so are the emails, calls, and letters that lawmakers receive from constituents, so I hope you will continue to reach out regarding the legislation filed for consideration this session.

The House continues its work on the state budget. I am disappointed to share that we are still waiting on key information from state agencies and programs. However budget subcommittees are continuing to meet to discuss funding requests, and here are some brief notes from each one that met this week:

BR on Economic Development, Public Protection, Tourism, & Energy: Members met to hear from the State Fair Board on the development and expansion of the Kentucky Exposition Center. The committee also heard from the department of housing, buildings, and construction in the public protection cabinet on the licensing process for plumbing, HVAC technicians, and electrician in our commonwealth compared to surrounding states. Members heard reasoning and explanation for additional fundings requests.

A central part of this work is reviewing the budget base - the funding level carried forward from previous years. Because significant dollars are often included simply because they were funded before, it is critical that we determine if a program receiving funding is still necessary or effective, and how it might be improved to make it more efficient. Good government requires more than maintaining the status quo. It means continuously analyzing spending, asking hard questions, and ensuring taxpayer dollars are aligned with today’s needs and priorities.

BR on Health & Family Services: Members first heard from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) about the budget requests for the Department for Public Health (DPH) and the Department for Community for Community Based Services (DCBS). Highlighted topics within the budget requests included the Kentucky Rural Health Transformation Program funding and implementation, phase II of the CHFS DPH central lab expansion, the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP), and relative and fictive kin care. Members also discussed a budget request related to certified community behavioral health clinics, which provide mental and substance use services to Kentuckians.

BR on Justice, Judiciary, & Public Safety: Members reviewed funding and operational needs across several public safety agencies. Members discussed funding considerations for the Department of Corrections related to the Lee Adjustment Center, as well as staffing challenges and facility operations within the Department of Juvenile Justice. In addition, the committee examined operating cost needs for the Department of Criminal Justice Training and the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council, focusing on continued support for law enforcement training and readiness across the commonwealth.

BR on Postsecondary Education: Members discussed budget requests with Northern Kentucky University and the University of Kentucky. NKU requested an increased funding base, and funding for several renovation and construction projects. The University of Kentucky highlighted their work across the healthcare field and the success of their research and development projects, which are projected to contribute more than $1 billion to the commonwealth’s economy.

BR on Primary and Secondary Education: Members heard from the Office of Career and Technical Education. The office presented its budget request of $29 million over the biennium to support the growth and operations of career and technical education in our public school system. The committee also heard from the Pre-K For All Program, which detailed their budget request. The program requested $10 million for program startup costs and $40 million in the second year to support program implementation. They also requested a change to eligibility requirements for public preschool programs to raise the eligible household federal poverty line to 250%.

As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via email at Nancy.Tate@kylegislature.gov and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.