FRANKFORT— The 30-day session is underway, and Frankfort is alive with the energy and purpose that come with shaping the future of our commonwealth. Every time I return to the Capitol, I am reminded of the trust placed in us by the people of Kentucky. It’s an honor to serve as your voice, to work hard, and to lead with principles that reflect the needs and values of District 18. Frankfort stands as a symbol of both our history and the opportunities we have to create a better future.
The first week of any session moves quickly, and this year is no exception. We’ve spent much of our time swearing in newly elected and reelected members, organizing committees, and debating the rules that guide how we do our work. Standing before the Senate to take my own oath was a moment of humility and resolve. I’m proud to continue serving District 18 and am committed to using this time to advocate for solutions that make a real difference in the lives of Kentuckians.
One of the week’s key moments was the adoption of the Senate Rules, a set of guidelines that determine how we debate, deliberate, and ultimately decide on legislation. These rules are critically important because they shape the fairness and transparency of our legislative process. Among the changes this year is a provision allowing significantly altered bills to be introduced and voted on the same day, with little notice.
This raises valid questions: How can legislators fully understand the impact of a bill if it’s changed at the last minute? How can the public trust the process if they don’t have time to weigh in? While I understand there may be reasons for this change, we have a responsibility to ensure that our process remains open, transparent, and reflective of the people we represent. Trust is the foundation of our work, and we cannot afford to lose it.
Despite the challenges, I’m encouraged by the work we’ve already started. This week, I filed Senate Bill (SB) 58, a piece of legislation that’s designed to provide real support to Kentuckians with disabilities and their families.
SB 58 is a straightforward but impactful solution. It allows members of our state-administered retirement systems to designate a special needs trust as the beneficiary of their retirement benefits. This means families can plan for their loved ones’ futures without jeopardizing critical supports like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income.
Special needs trusts are an essential tool for families caring for disabled loved ones. They make sure funds are available for therapies, equipment, or other needs while protecting access to programs that make everyday life possible. Updating our retirement laws to allow these trusts is a small change that will make a big difference for many families, giving them the security to plan effectively.
Over the years, I’ve spoken to many families who are deeply worried about what will happen to their children or dependents with disabilities when they’re no longer there to provide care. SB 58 offers a way to ease that burden. It’s about giving families peace of mind while also being smart about how we manage public resources. Solutions like these—practical and compassionate—are exactly what we need to focus on.
For many Kentuckians, the winter weather has hit hard, and I want to take a moment to thank the men and women who have been working around the clock to keep our communities safe. Road crews and tow truck drivers have been out clearing snow and ice to make travel safer for all of us. First responders are answering the call, no matter the weather. And utility workers are working around the clock to restore power and keep the lights on. These are the unsung heroes of our communities, and I’m grateful for their dedication. As adverse conditions continue, check on your neighbors and help where and when you can!
As we wrap up this first week, the General Assembly will pause for three weeks. This is a time for committees to organize, for legislators to refine and advocate bills, and for all of us to return to our districts to connect with the people we represent. Listening to the voices of constituents is what gives meaning and direction to the work we do in Frankfort. When we reconvene on February 4, it will be with renewed focus and determination to deliver real results for the people of Kentucky.
For more information about my legislative work, or to share your thoughts, scan the QR code at the top of the page with the camera on your mobile device to visit my official legislative home page. KET coverage and archived coverage of proceedings can be watched online at www.ket.org/legilsature.
If I can assist you, you can contact me by email at SD18@cm.kylegislature.gov or call the General Assembly Message Line at 1-800-372-7181. Kentuckians with hearing loss can use Kentucky Relay by dialing 711.
