Winter has hit Kentucky hard as we be gan the first week of the 2025 Regular Session.
Snow and ice made for a tough start … I want to thank the road crews and utility workers for working hard to keep our roads clear and the power on. We appreciate all that you do for our communities.
This week marked the start of our 30-day “short session,” which began with four productive days. We’ll return to Frankfort on Tuesday, February 4, to continue building on the work we’ve started.
One major development this week was the House’s advancement of House Bill (HB) 1. This legislation proposes another reduction in the state income tax, lowering individual income tax rates by an additional half-percent starting in January 2026. These reforms have already put $1.8 billion back into the hands of Kentuckians, and this bill builds on that success.
The Senate will finalize HB 1 when we return in February.
This week, I filed four bills to address critical healthcare and consumer protection issues. Senate Bill (SB) 13 continues my push to limit the number of managed care organizations contracted by the Department for Medicaid Services to no more than three, ensuring greater efficiency and accountability in Medicaid services.
SB 12 focuses on making prescription drugs more affordable for Kentuckians by establishing cost-sharing requirements. SB 14 seeks to protect 340B covered entities from discriminatory practices by pharmaceutical manufacturers, granting the attorney general authority to investigate and enforce violations. Additionally, I reintroduced my “Super Speeder” bill, SB 57, which would impose fees for violations, and allocate the resulting funds to support trauma care, EMS education, school AEDs, and rural hospitals.
These legislative efforts reflect my continued commitment to improving healthcare access, equity, and public safety across the commonwealth.
The weeks ahead promise to be fast-paced as we address important issues for our state. I remain dedicated to representing your interests and ensuring your voice is heard in Frankfort.
Stay Connected
- Contact lawmakers: Leave messages through the Legislative Research Commission’s toll-free line at 800-372-7181 or find your legislator at legislature.ky.gov using the “Find Your Legislator” tool.
- Track bills and meetings: Stay updated on legislative proceedings by visiting legislature.ky.gov, watching live at //KET.org/Legislature, or accessing archived footage on the LRC YouTube Channel.
- Follow on social media: For updates, track the Senate Majority Caucus at @KYSenateGOP on X and Instagram. Press releases from the Senate Majority Caucus and information on members are also available at kysenategop.com
It’s a privilege to serve you in Frankfort. If you have questions or ideas, feel free to contact my office at (502)-564-8100 or email me at Stephen.Meredith@kylegislature.gov.
Stay safe and warm!
Sen. Steve Meredith, R-Leitchfield
