Since adjourning the 2025 Regular Session, I have used this update to share our work to prepare for this session. Interim committees met and heard testimony, gathered information, and focused on how to use the knowledge and data gained to craft thoughtful, intentional policies to help address the challenges our state faces.
In Kentucky, the constitution provides that the legislature meets for 30 working days in odd-numbered years, and 60 working days in even-numbered years. This year’s “long” session provides us with an opportunity to fulfill our constitutional obligation to pass a budget. As we prepare to do so, we remain committed to approving a responsible spending plan that not only takes care of today’s needs, but also prepares us to take advantage of tomorrow’s opportunities and be prepared for future challenges.
Since we did our homework over the interim, we are ready for this legislative session. When we gaveled in on Tuesday, we hit the ground running because we were well-prepared for the task. We used the first week to address administrative tasks, as members of the House filed more than 200 bills and resolutions for consideration.
One of the most important responsibilities before the General Assembly is front and center, the crafting of Kentucky’s biennial budget.
The budget process is deliberate by design, and in the Commonwealth, it begins in the House of Representatives. Under our Constitution, all appropriation measures must originate in the House. That means House members take the lead in carefully reviewing budget proposals and working through the details that will ultimately shape how taxpayer dollars are invested across the Commonwealth for the next two years.
While the public may see budget discussions intensify once the session begins, this process certainly did not happen overnight. In reality, work on the budget has been ongoing since the last budget was passed during the 2024 Legislative Session. Over the past two years, legislators have been engaged in countless meetings, briefings, and conversations with state agencies, stakeholders, and budget experts. Committees have examined spending priorities, evaluated performance, and studied what worked well in the previous budget, and where adjustments are needed.
Our long-term approach is intentional. Building a responsible budget requires looking beyond the immediate needs of today and considering the future needs of the Commonwealth.
As we begin this session, the House is drawing on two years of analysis and discussion to determine how to be good stewards of taxpayer resources, strengthen essential services, and remain fiscally responsible.
This year’s budget will reflect lessons learned from the last biennium while addressing current challenges and opportunities facing Kentucky families, communities, and businesses. The goal is not simply to fund government, but to ensure that every dollar is used wisely and in a way that best serves the Commonwealth.
As the budget is filed in the House, it will receive a hearing in committee, then a vote. At that time, the full House will be able to weigh in before the bill moves to the Senate where the process continues. There will be changes, not in modern history has a budget passed in its original form.
Alongside the budget, we will make targeted investments in road and bridge maintenance and construction. I also expect meaningful action to address the housing shortage, education, Medicaid, and child care.
As you may already know, this will be a historic session, as this is the first session in the temporary legislative facility on Capitol campus. The entire campus is undergoing renovations aimed at maintaining the facility’s historic integrity while making it safer and more accessible for those who work and visit. The project also incorporates modern technology.
The Kentucky General Assembly offers livestreaming of all legislative committee meetings and floor proceedings at the legislature’s YouTube site, @KYLRCCommitteeMeetings. Kentucky Educational Television (KET) also offers livestream coverage of House proceedings and most legislative committee meetings on their website, which can be found by clicking here. Both sites maintain archives of past meetings.
The legislature’s administrative body, the Legislative Research Commission (LRC), maintains legislature.ky.gov, a website with links to legislation, schedules, current statutes, and individual legislators. The website also includes information from previous sessions and legislative interims.
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 Amy.Neighbors@kylegislature.gov and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.
(HD21 – News from the Office of Rep. Neighbors)