This week marked the start of the 2025 Interim in Frankfort, as legislators returned to the Capitol to examine major policy issues, review ongoing programs, and begin laying the groundwork for the 2026 Regular Session. Much of the interim’s work will center on developing the next two-year state budget and road plan. Committees are meeting to address various priorities—from education and infrastructure to health care, agriculture, and economic development.
Task Forces and Special Committees
Several task forces have been reauthorized, including the Housing Task Force and the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Task Force, which contributed to impactful legislation during the 2025 session. New special committees will focus on areas such as Air Mobility and Aviation Economic Development, Disaster Prevention and Resiliency, and the Make America Health Again (MAHA) Kentucky Task Force. These groups will provide critical input as we shape legislative priorities for the coming year.
Kentucky’s Economic Outlook
The Interim Joint Committee (IJC) on Appropriations and Revenue reviewed the state’s progress on major economic development projects. Years of fiscally conservative, pro-growth policy decisions—including lower taxes, regulatory reform, and workforce training—produce tangible results. These are not accidental successes but the product of disciplined leadership.
Redesigning School Accountability
The IJC on Education reviewed Kentucky’s work on a new K-12 accountability system. The goal is to move away from outdated, one-size-fits-all testing in favor of approaches that measure actual learning and student growth. The new system is being built to give districts more input and allow for regular peer reviews. Final implementation is expected by 2026.
Tornado Response and Infrastructure Repair
The IJC on Transportation Committee received an update on Kentucky’s response to the May tornado in southeastern Kentucky. Over 22,000 cubic yards of debris have been cleared in Laurel County alone. We’re deeply grateful for the tireless work of first responders and local crews who act quickly and bravely during these emergencies.
Road Fund and Revenue Concerns
Committee members also reviewed Kentucky’s ongoing infrastructure and funding challenges. A decline in the wholesale price of gasoline will lower the per-gallon formula to 26.6 cents in July, which could reduce road fund revenue by $45 million. Inflation, rising construction costs, and the increasing use of commercial electric vehicles—many of which do not contribute to the traditional formula—are adding pressure to the system.
Increased Demand for Local Road Aid
Applications for local road aid have surged from $19 million to over $140 million within a year, as counties and cities struggle to keep up with road maintenance and repair. The Transportation Cabinet is using a scoring system to prioritize funding. The application period remains open through October.
Supporting Aviation and Economic Development
The IJC on Transportation also discussed funding a new economic impact study of Kentucky’s aviation sector. The most recent data showed the industry generates nearly $19 billion in economic activity and supports over 21,000 jobs. A new study would help guide future infrastructure and workforce development investments tied to aerospace and air mobility.
Protecting Kentucky Farmland
The IJC on Agriculture heard from the Kentucky Farmland Transition Initiative and other conservation leaders. Over the past two decades, Kentucky has lost more than 1.4 million acres of farmland, with the pace accelerating in recent years. The state now offers enhanced incentives through the Selling Farmer Tax Credit, encouraging land transfers to active producers. Meanwhile, conservation efforts are expanding, with more than 10,000 acres of farmland moving toward permanent protection.
Stay Engaged
As the interim session continues, I encourage Kentuckians to stay informed and involved. Most committee meetings are streamed live on KET, and the full calendar is available at legislature.ky.gov. To share your thoughts with lawmakers, call the Legislative Message Line at 1-800-372-7181 or contact our offices directly at 502-564-8100.
For updates, follow @KYSenateGOP on X and @kysenate.gop on Instagram, or visit KYSenateRepublicans.com.
Thank you for allowing me to serve you in Frankfort.
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Sen. Max Wise, R-Campbellsville, represents the 16th Senate District, including Adair, Allen, Metcalfe, Monroe, and Taylor Counties and eastern Warren County. He is the Senate Majority Floor Leader. As a member of Senate majority leadership, he serves on the Legislative Research Commission. Wise is a member of the Interim Joint Committees on Economic Development and Workforce Investment; Education; Families and Children; and Tourism, Small Business, and Information Technology.
Please visit Legislature.ky.gov for information on Senate Majority Caucus members, legislative committees, and additional resources.
Lawmakers returned to Frankfort on Tuesday, June 3, to start the 2025 Interim. During this period, committees will meet to study policy issues, review implementation of recently passed legislation, and begin evaluating proposals for the 2026 Regular Session, which begins Tuesday, Jan. 6.
The full 2025 Interim Calendar is available here. A weekly schedule with meeting times, topics, and agendas can be viewed at legislature.ky.gov/LegislativeCalendar.
Live coverage of interim legislative meetings is available at KET.org/legislature and on the LRC YouTube channel.
You can follow the Kentucky Senate Majority Caucus on X, Facebook, Instagram, and BlueSky. For additional member information and press releases, visit KYSenateRepublicans.com.
(Dustin R. Isaacs – Office Of Senate Majority Floor Leader Max Wise)