Chamber highlights Wise’s leadership advancing workforce, education and pro-business legislation during 2026 session.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 20, 2026) — Senate Majority Floor Leader Max Wise has been recognized by the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce as an MVP of the 2026 General Assembly for his leadership in guiding and advancing key legislation supporting Kentucky businesses, workforce development and long-term economic growth.
The chamber specifically recognized Wise for guiding several priority measures through the Senate and supporting legislation aimed at improving Kentucky’s competitiveness and legal climate.
“Kentucky’s continued momentum is not something that happens by accident, because good results follow sound policy and responsible budgeting,” Wise said. “I’m happy that the Senate Majority Caucus and the General Assembly kept focus on policies that strengthen our workforce, improve education outcomes, support job creators and position Kentucky for long-term success. The same priorities of the 2026 Legislative Session have been consistent since Republicans gained control of both legislative chambers a decade ago. It’s no coincidence that economic momentum followed.”
During the 2026 legislative session, lawmakers advanced initiatives focused on workforce participation, education reform, infrastructure investment, economic development and continued tax competitiveness. The General Assembly also approved policies designed to strengthen Kentucky’s energy reliability, improve housing development opportunities and modernize key areas of state government.
As Senate majority floor leader, Wise played a significant role in advancing legislation related to education leadership and workforce development, including Senate Bill 4, which establishes a statewide principal leadership development program and strengthens civic education initiatives.
The session was followed by historic economic news for the commonwealth.
For the first time in Kentucky history, monthly general fund revenues exceeded $2 billion after April receipts increased 15.2 percent over the same period last year.
Republican lawmakers said the milestone reflects years of conservative budgeting, pro-growth tax reform and disciplined fiscal management.
“Kentucky continues outperforming expectations because our perspective is on long-term growth instead of short-term politics,” Wise said. “We’ve reduced taxes, maintained fiscal discipline and continued investing taxpayer dollars strategically in priorities that strengthen our future.”
The Kentucky Chamber identified workforce participation, infrastructure investment, continued tax reform and maintaining a competitive business climate among its major legislative priorities entering the 2026 session.
Kentucky Chamber President and CEO Ashli Watts praised the leadership of Wise and other awardees throughout the legislative session.
“These lawmakers demonstrated leadership in advancing policies that strengthen the commonwealth,” Watts said. “The Kentucky Chamber applauds their work to ensure businesses can grow, communities can thrive and more Kentuckians have the opportunity to succeed.”
###
Sen. Max Wise, R-Campbellsville, represents the 16th Senate District, including Adair, Allen, Metcalfe, Monroe, and Taylor Counties and eastern Warren County. Wise serves as Senate majority floor leader. He is a member of the Senate Committees on Education, and Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor. As part of Senate leadership, Wise also serves on the Legislative Research Commission, the Rules Committee, and the Committee on Committees.
Lawmakers will return to Frankfort in June to start the 2026 Interim. During this period, committees will meet to study policy issues, review implementation of recently passed legislation, and begin evaluating proposals for the 2027 30-day session, which begins Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2027.
Live coverage of interim legislative meetings is available at KET.org/legislature and on the LRC YouTube channel.
You can follow the Kentucky Senate Majority Caucus on X, Facebook, Instagram, and BlueSky. For additional member information and press releases, visit KYSenateRepublicans.com.
(Dustin R. Isaacs – Office of Senate Majority Floor Leader Max Wise)