Representative Neighbors Legislative Update: Week In Review – Health, Public Pensions, And Workforce

Lawmakers participated in several interim joint committees (IJCs) and statutory committees during the week of November 18, discussing a wide array of topics ranging from healthcare to public pensions. Additionally, the Efficient and Effective School District Governance Task Force and the Workforce Attraction and Retention Task Force convened for their final meetings of this interim.

With the 2025 Session around the corner, committee and task force meetings continue to give lawmakers insight into several issues facing Kentucky, which will likely inform legislation for 2025.

Summaries of this week’s meetings are below; however, you can also watch the full meetings on the legislature’s YouTube channel, @KYLRCCommitteeMeetings.

IJC on Health Services: Members heard a presentation from the legislature’s newly created Office of Health Data Analytics, which is tasked with providing accurate information about the health status of Kentucky’s population in order to help lawmakers create effective policies. Officials from the Department of Medicaid Services provided an update on the state of the program, and discussed enrollment trends, the Medicaid benefits budget for the upcoming fiscal year, the Anthem transition timeline and reassignment plan, and managed care organization contracts. The department also discussed behavioral health provider enrollment and Medicaid services for placed youth.

IJC on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection: Lawmakers heard from USA Cares, which provides post-9/11 military veterans, service members, and their families financial support and post-service skills training. Lawmakers then heard from the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs concerning state veterans nursing homes, and the work of several divisions within the Office of Kentucky Veterans Services. Members also heard from the Kentucky Commission of Military Affairs about the military in Kentucky, its partnership with the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation, past legislative successes, and its partnership with the Defense State Liaison Office.

IJC on Economic Development and Workforce Development: Members heard from Kentuckiana Works and other state workforce boards regarding their efforts to engage the 75,000 16-24-year-olds who are not working or in school. Representatives from Kentucky’s metal, manufacturing, and construction industry spoke. They highlighted the potential for their industries, but also the challenges they face due to labor shortages and energy challenges. Finally, the Office of Adult Education Reentry Services presented its core program, Putting Kentuckians First. This program targets individuals who have been in and out of our justice system to create a referral and accountability program to support a successful transition into the workforce.

IJC on Licensing, Occupations, and Administrative Regulations: Legislators discussed proposed changes to the current vintage distilled spirts law. Members also received updates from the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation concerning the incentive and development funds, historical horse racing, sports wagering, and SB 299 implementation. Members then discussed the vaping issue in Kentucky and proposed legislation to further address this issue, which would license sellers of vape or tobacco products. The Kentucky Board of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy discussed proposed updates to statute concerning MRI technologists and sonographers.

IJC on Transportation: Lawmakers learned about the Transportation Cabinet’s Medical Review Board. The board is a panel of medical providers who identify drivers with physical or mental issues that may cause them to be unsafe behind a wheel. The Board provides advice to the Division of Driver Licensing on license applicants and those who already hold a driver’s license.

Efficient and Effective School District Governance Task Force: Members discussed the pending audit of Jefferson County Public Schools with Auditor Ball. Ball reported that the audit would be comprehensive spanning from the finances of the school district, the effective governance structure of the school district, and including the curriculum used in the classroom.

Workforce Attraction and Retention Task Force: Legislators convened for the final meeting of the interim. The panel discussed and adopted recommendations that will be delivered to legislative leadership on behalf of the task force.

Public Pension Oversight Board: Members first heard from Kentucky Deferred Compensation about its services, the impact of automatic enrollment, and its proposed 2025 legislation. The committee then heard updates from the Judicial Form Retirement System, the Kentucky Public Pension Authority, and the Teachers’ Retirement System about each entity’s actuarial valuation.

Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee: Lawmakers reviewed various information items. Reports of medical equipment purchases from postsecondary educational institutions were among one of the topics discussed. The Finance and Administration Cabinet also presented a new project proposal for restroom modernization at the Ravenna Readiness Center. Other notable discussions included a report from the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority on multiple leases, loans, and a positive update on the Kentucky Waters Program.

As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via email at amy.neighbors@kylegislature.gov and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.

(Laura Leigh Goins, Deputy Chief of Staff for Media Relations – House Majority Leadership)