Newsletter SignupKAIA Legislative Update
The Kentucky General Assembly returned this week for the 2018 Legislative Session. This Session is a 60-day session with the constitutional requirement that a biennial budget for the state must be enacted. With an expected special session not being called by the governor the latter part of 2017 to deal with the state’s ailing pension system, this complex and deeply controversial issue is expected to be the major focus for the next several weeks of Session.
Key Issues in 2018
The most important issue in an even numbered year Session is the passage of Kentucky’s Biennial Budget. Designing the 2018 Budget will be very difficult, considering the state’s revenue shortfall. Additionally, pension reform and slow revenue growth will make adoption of the Budget a significant challenge.
Other issues lawmakers are most likely to address include tax reform, (could be achieved later in 2018) as well as tools to fight the opioid epidemic, foster child law changes, and reforms to the workers’ compensation system.
Key Dates
• January 2nd General Assembly Convenes
• January 16th Governor’s Budget Address
• January 30th Candidate Filing Deadline for November 2018 Races
• April 13th Session adjourns sine die
Special Elections Scheduled for 2018
• February 20th – 49th House District (Bullitt County), vacated upon the death of Republican Dan Johnson
• February 27th – 89th House District (Clay, Laurel and Estill Counties), vacated upon the resignation of Republican Marie Rader.
SAVE THE DATE FOR KAIA’S LEGISLATIVE RECEPTION!
KAIA will host a legislative reception on Tuesday, February 13, 2018, from 6:00-8:00 PM in the Single Oak Room at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort. Mark your calendars and plan to attend to meet key movers and shakers in the General Assembly, and network with other Automotive Industry members!
A Special Invitation for KAIA Members
Want to learn about the key issues and have an opportunity to get your questions answered and your voice heard? Our friends at the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers (KAM) have graciously extended an invitation to all KAIA members to join their weekly conference calls! The first one is today, and the key information is included below. Join in and be a part of the conversation!
Here is the call-in information for today’s KAM Conversations, scheduled for 4:00 PM EST:
• Dial-In Number: 877-746-4263
• Participant Code: 0219774#
As always, if you have questions and/or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us!
Dave Tatman
Executive Director
