FRANKFORT, Ky. — For now, the floors of the Kentucky House and Senate are quiet, but come next week, several newcomers will join incumbent members to craft new laws for Kentucky. 

Leading the House Democratic Caucus will be Rep. Derrick Graham (D-Frankfort), in his 21st year in the General Assembly. 

He will be the first Black legislator to lead a legislative caucus, following Rep. Joni Jenkins, the first ever woman in the position. 

“Her election three and a half years ago was historic,” said Graham. “My election last week was historic, but the bottom line is, is to lead the caucus and articulate the message that we stand for in terms of helping the people of the Commonwealth.”

Graham wants to focus on juvenile justice reform, maternal and mental health, medical cannabis and improving education. Kentucky needs to work on the recruitment and retention of its teachers, he said. 

“It could possibly be within the budget,” he said. “It could be, you know, individuals proposing some ideas that is how to recruit, looking at the standards in which we have to make people take those tests.”

Republicans in the House increased their super majority from 75 members to 80 following the November election.

“We have 20 members, but when we get on the floor, it will sound like we have 100 members, so we’re enthusiastic about the challenges that we’re taking on and we’re looking forward to try to make sure that we make decisions that benefit all of Kentucky,” said Graham. 

In 2023, members will meet for 30 days, ending the session in late March.