Senator Robin L. Webb
FRANKFORT— As legislators remain in recess until Tuesday, February 4, when we reconvene in Frankfort for Part II of the 2025 Session, it has been a busy schedule meeting with constituents, community leaders, and officials to address our district’s needs. While this recess provides a break from formal legislative proceedings, it is an important opportunity to listen, learn, and make certain the work we do in Frankfort reflects the voices and priorities of our communities.
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the Fuzzy Duck and meet with representatives from the regional Family Resource and Youth Service Centers (FRYSCs). These centers serve as a lifeline for many families in our district, offering vital resources and programs that meet basic needs and help students and families thrive.
In Greenup County, for instance, more than 36 group programs were offered between June and December 2024, including Kindercamps, Parent Nights, Literacy Nights, Guardian groups, and clothing drives. During the summer, over 100 students participated weekly in free camps that provided meals, thanks to partnerships like Greenup 21st Century Programs. These camps also gave 19 high school students the opportunity to work as camp counselors, providing them with valuable work experience and a way to give back to the community. Altogether, more than 1,500 students and families were served by Greenup County’s FRYSC programs, highlighting their broad impact.
Boyd County’s FRYSC programs have also made a significant difference in the last year, meeting nearly 12,000 individual needs for food, clothing, and other essential items. They have provided academic support to 3,517 students, served 4,700 meals, and helped more than 3,200 individual students succeed both in and out of the classroom. Programs like these demonstrate the importance of investing in our children and families. They address immediate needs while empowering our communities to thrive over the long term. I remain dedicated to supporting these programs with the resources and funding they need to continue their vital work.
In addition to activities here at home, my son, Troy Combs, Mayor of Grayson, and I recently traveled to Washington, D.C., for the inauguration festivities, including the Kentucky Society Bluegrass Ball. This annual celebration is a wonderful way to highlight Kentucky’s heritage and connect with leaders from across the commonwealth and the nation. The Kentucky Senate was well-represented with Senators Phillip Wheeler and Brandon Smith, along with several other members of our legislative body in attendance.
I also had the opportunity to network with members of our congressional delegation, including Congressman James Comer and Congressman Hal Rogers, as well as state leaders like Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell and Ryan Quarles, the current President of KCTCS and former Agriculture Commissioner. Events like these provide more than a chance to celebrate—they create opportunities to strengthen the relationships critical to advancing the needs of our district. From infrastructure improvements to agricultural development and educational initiatives, these connections help drive meaningful progress for Kentuckians.
Looking ahead, I encourage you to mark your calendars for the 2025 Woods & Wildlife for Your Wallet event on Thursday, February 27, at Greenup County High School from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM. The gathering will provide valuable information for landowners and outdoor enthusiasts, including forestry management, pond management, estate planning, land transitioning, and working with consultant foresters. Attendees can also earn Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) for Master Loggers. These topics are particularly important for our rural communities, as they help protect and enhance natural resources to generate economic growth and stability. Events like this offer practical knowledge while also guiding discussions on state policy regarding conservation, land use, and rural development. To RSVP, please call 606-473-3228 by February 20. I hope to see many of you there!
As we approach Part II of the legislative session, my focus remains on meeting with community members and stakeholders to discuss potential policies in Frankfort ensuring my decisions align with the needs of the people of northeast Kentucky. For more information about the General Assembly, my legislative work or to share your thoughts, visit www.legislature.ky.gov.
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.
