Kentucky Association of Counties

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Kentucky Association of Counties

The County Voice



KACo has a strong voice representing Kentucky counties at the state and federal levels. We work to promote counties first, preserve county decision making and protect counties from cost shifting and preemption of authority.



KACo Advocacy Team


Jim Henderson
Executive Director/CEO

Shellie Hampton
Director of Government Affairs

Kayla Carter Smith
Policy Analyst

2026 Legislative Priority: Reshaping the Shared Responsibility of County Jails

Kentucky county jails are at a crisis point, with fiscal court subsidies rising more than 76% in six years and counties forced to raise taxes or cut essential services just to keep their facilities operating.

KACo has published a one-page document with key points of our comprehensive jails proposal.


Know Your Legislator

Find listings for Kentucky's legislators by chamber including a short biography, committee assignments and contact information for both their Capitol office and home district.

We encourage members to meet with legislators in their district prior to the start of the legislative session to update them on issues important to counties and how those issues will affect their district in particular. During the session, stay engaged and visit legislators in Frankfort as bills make their way through the legislative process.


Legislative News

October 03, 2023
Budget resolution passes, funding restored for FEMA disaster relief
On Saturday, Sept. 30 – just hours before the deadline – Congress passed a spending bill that averted a government shutdown.
September 01, 2023
Task force examines the financial impact of jails on county budgets
Six county judge/executives testify before lawmakers
August 31, 2023
County officials ask for a fair approach to state annexation laws
Task force meeting highlights how some county governments are treated differently across state
July 25, 2023
Local government committee learns about county budget process
Members hear about key sources of revenue and expenses
July 05, 2023
Attorneys provide overview of Kentucky's annexation laws
Lawmakers hold first meeting of annexation task force
June 26, 2023
New state laws take effect this week
New laws related to child abuse, drugs, gambling, mental health, gender services, education and dozens of other topics are set to take effect on Thursday after receiving a nod from the Kentucky General Assembly earlier this year.
June 16, 2023
Wheeler discusses annexation with county officials
State senator from Pike County is member of annexation task force
June 13, 2023
County jail discussion marks first meeting of special task force
KACo, Jailers’ Association representatives testify in Frankfort