LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Representative Chris Freeland
Earlier this summer, I started sharing a series of updates about how the budget we passed during this year’s session invests in our state. Columns have focused on the record funding we provided for education (even after adjusting for inflation it is higher than ever in state history), as well as critical investments in workforce training, our justice system, and programs aimed at health. While these are just the highlights of the state’s $128.5 billion executive branch budget, they provide an idea of our priorities and areas that lawmakers believe will pay off as we strive to provide opportunities throughout the state.
This week, I thought I might discuss three major areas of the budget: how we prepare for disasters and honor those who have served us; what we are doing to improve state parks and other tourism destinations; and how we can make government more accessible and accountable.
Honoring Service and Preparing for Disasters
Kentuckians have faced several natural disasters over the past few years, including the devastating storms that hit Western Kentucky in December of 2021, and the deadly flooding in Eastern Kentucky in August of 2022. While we acted quickly to provide funding and support for recovery and rebuilding, we also found ways to improve our disaster response. This budget takes steps to do that, as well as providing support for the men and women who have served our state through our Armed Services.
· Increases General Fund by $8.3 million in FY 25 and $7.8 million in FY 26 towards personnel and equipment costs related to the implementation of the Kentucky Urban Search and Rescue team created by the legislature in 2023
· Provides for personnel and operating costs associated with the operation of the new KDVA nursing home in Bowling Green with an increase of $12.4 million in FY 25 and $10 million in FY 26
· Includes an additional $1 million each year to USA Cares for programs aimed at preventing veteran suicide
· Increases funding by $320,000 in each fiscal year to provide additional burial costs for National Guard and Reserve veterans, who may not be eligible for federal benefits
Enhancing Tourism and Recreational Opportunities
Tourism is essential to our economy, attracting millions of visitors annually. And, our state parks not only play a role in attracting folks from outside the state, but also providing recreation and outdoor activities for our full-time residents. Kentucky’s natural beauty and recreational opportunities, boosting local businesses and creating jobs.
· Increases funding by $2,050,000 in FY 25 for Kentucky Exposition Center equipment replacement
- Increases funding by $1.7 million in FY 24, $2,158,500 in FY 25, and $2,163,100 in FY 26 for Kentucky Exposition Center operations growth
- Increases by $4.69 million funding to the Kentucky Historical Society to support Sestercentennial Commissions
- Provides $800,000 in FY 25 for bioacoustics fencing at Lake Barkley Lock
- Provides an additional $64,200 to support the Governor’s School for the Arts
- Includes $700,000 over the biennium to support the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage
- Increases funding for tourism marketing by $3 million in FY 25 and $7 million in FY 26
- Transfers $1.75 million in FY 25 and $1.25 million in FY 26 in the statewide transient room tax funds to the Kentucky Mountain Regional Recreation Authority
- Includes an additional $500,000 in FY 25 to support a new temporary structure for the National Quilt Museum in Paducah
- Increases by $500,000 in FY 25 supports for the Southeast Chamber of Commerce for the Southern Kentucky Tourism Initiative
Increasing Government Transparency and Accountability
Transparency is crucial for building public trust, ensuring accountability, and preventing corruption. By making information accessible, it empowers citizens to hold officials responsible. We provided funding for programs to improve access to information, but also used the budget to provide guidelines for disclosing the use of state resources.
- Amends language relating to the approval of state aircraft travel to include all state officials
- Includes language that prohibits state agencies from mandating the purchase of electric vehicles and from issuing an RFP that is solely for the purchase of electric vehicles
- Allocates an additional $18.3 million over the two fiscal years to support the transition of the CHFS Office of the Ombudsman and Administrative Review to the Auditor of Public Accounts on July 1, 2024, as enacted in 2023 SB 48
- Includes an additional $2.25 million in each fiscal year to support lost revenue replacement
- Provides $750,000 in FY 25 to support the Jefferson County Public Schools Audit and allows the Auditor of Public Accounts to request as a Necessary Government Expense (NGE) up to $750,000 in FY 26
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 e-mail at Chris.Freeland@lrc.ky.gov and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.