KENTUCKY — State lawmakers are back in Frankfort for the start of the 2024 Regular Session of the General Assembly. Since this year is an even-numbered calendar year, the legislative session will last 60 days running over four months.

The primary focus of this year’s session will craft the next two-year state budget and road plan.

There’s also expected lots of attention and bills filed related to education issues in our state. 

Now In Kentucky, if you are a parent or guardian with school-aged children, depending on the county you live in, there is a wide range of education options, including attending a traditional public school, public magnet schools, private schools, online learning, homeschooling, or enrolling in what’s referred to as micro-schooling and mix-and-match learning.

In the Republican-controlled state legislature, some conservative lawmakers are proposing a constitutional amendment that would allow public dollars to support students who aren’t attending public schools.

State Sen. Reggie Thomas, D-Lexington, joins this segment to get his perspective on the top education related items he says facing Kentucky kids and families.

“Education is our number one priority. And I say that because in our budget the biggest line item in our budget is education. That’s always where spend most of our money. If you want to look at where a person prioritizes whatever their interests are, it’s where they spend their money. And that’s what we do. We value education here in Kentucky,” said Thomas.

You can watch the full In Focus Kentucky segment in the player above.