Summer may have slowed the pace of the legislative calendar, but lawmakers continue to meet through interim committees to monitor the implementation of new laws, review state programs, and prepare for the 2027 Regular Session. Meetings during the last week of June covered a wide range of issues, from protecting access to health care for Kentucky’s most vulnerable citizens to strengthening public safety and improving government operations. Among the most significant discussions was an emotional hearing before the Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board that underscored why legislative oversight remains so important.
Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board: Lawmakers heard from the Department for Medicaid Services regarding reports required by state law and data requests concerning the state’s Medicaid program. Members also received updates on the Pharmaceutical Rebate Fund, Kentucky Behavioral Health Service Provider Performance Scorecard, implementation of community engagement and cost sharing requirements, and efforts to increase reimbursement rates for dentists – all initiatives stemming from legislation passed during the 2025 and 2026 Regular Sessions.
Board members, who include House and Senate members, medical providers, health advocates, and other stakeholders, also heard emotional testimony from families affected by the governor’s initial decision to end the state’s contract with the Lee Specialty Clinic. The clinic is one of a kind in Kentucky, providing specialized medical, dental, therapy, and behavioral health services to individuals with severe intellectual and developmental disabilities who often cannot receive care in traditional settings. Public testimony is a regular part of legislative meetings, but few hearings have been as moving as this one.
The governor has argued that the budget enacted earlier this year did not provide enough funding to continue the contract. However, the legislature appropriated more funding than the administration requested. More importantly, the enacted budget gives the executive branch the flexibility to prioritize essential services like the Lee Specialty Clinic over lower-priority spending within the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. We want to eliminate programs that are outdated, ineffective, or duplicate other services, and we also want to seek out state contracts that are not being used to serve people. No one wants to hurt our most vulnerable.
Unfortunately, this is not the first time we have seen this approach. Last year, the administration told Area Development Districts there was not enough funding to continue a meal program serving vulnerable seniors, only to later identify funding elsewhere. We have also seen funding become available for other administration priorities after legislative proposals failed to advance. The day after this board meeting, the governor announced that the Lee Specialty Clinic contract would, in fact, continue – demonstrating that the resources were available.
Ultimately, the most important thing is that these Kentuckians will continue receiving the care they depend on. But no family should have to wonder whether essential services will be taken away from them before every available option has been exhausted. These are the men and women our programs were created to help and they should never be used to score political points. Our hope is that this experience serves as a reminder that protecting vulnerable Kentuckians must remain the highest priority.
IJC on Local Government: Members reviewed presentations from the Kentucky League of Cities and Kentucky Association of Counties regarding ongoing challenges in recruiting and retaining law enforcement officers. They noted that staffing shortages strain local resources, increase overtime costs, and impact public safety services. The Civil Air Patrol, Kentucky Wing, a volunteer organization established in 1941, also briefed members on the critical support they provide during emergencies. The group is seeking support to ensure volunteers can complete training and respond to state missions without losing employment benefits, seniority, or job protections.
IJC on State Government: Legislators heard from representatives of Kentucky State Police (KSP) and from the Finance and Administration Cabinet. The KSP presented data on current recruitment and attrition rates for cadets and retention rates for troopers. They discussed efforts being made to improve the number and quality of cadets in order to continue to build the organization, pointing out that legislative funding has been helpful with this and trooper retention within KSP. Representatives of Kentucky’s Finance and Administration Cabinet gave an overview of the state’s procurement process, specifically for government contracts and capital projects.
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 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)