LOUISVILLE, Ky. — As Kentucky lawmakers prepare for the 2025 legislative session, both parties are setting their agendas, with potential areas of bipartisan cooperation. The session begins Jan. 7, 2025 and will last for 30 days.
State Sen. Robby Mills, R-Henderson, the newly appointed Senate Majority Caucus Chair, says reducing the income tax is a top priority.
“And we’re going to vote on that the first week that we’re here in session,” Mills said.
Lawmakers could vote on a 2026 tax cut, that would drop the income tax from 4% to 3.5%. This incremental reduction was started in 2023.
Mills adds legislation targeting the elimination of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in education is likely. As are bills addressing artificial intelligence, housing needs, and energy demands.
Mills also did not rule out one time spending on aging water infrastructure needs, something he and Democrats agree is crucial.
“We would look for targeted investments and we’re talking about, you know, water treatment plants, water lines, you know, much of the infrastructure in Kentucky is 60, 70, 80 years old,” Mills said. “And those are great places for us to spend, some of our budget in reserve fund.”
Democratic State Rep. Pamela Stevenson of Louisville, recently appointed Minority Floor Leader, echoed the importance of improving water infrastructure.
“Every Kentuckian deserves water, and in 2024 we’ve put a man on the moon; we can certainly get water to homes,” Stevenson said.
Stevenson emphasized a focus on legislation aimed at improving the quality of life for all Kentuckians.
“We have to stay focused on keeping the main thing, the main thing. What can we do as a body, as a government that is for the people, by the people, to serve the people. What can we do to make sure that families are taken care of,” she said.
Republicans hold veto-proof majorities in both chambers, making it difficult for Democrats, including Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., to block GOP-backed legislation.