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January 15, 2021
NACo High Performance Leadership Academy enrolling participants
The NACo High Performance Leadership Academy is an innovative, completely online 12-week program created to equip frontline county government professionals with practical leadership skills to deliver results for counties and communities.
January 15, 2021
Second week of legislative session dominated by budget bills
Both the House and Senate filed their preliminary budget language; however, leadership stressed that the current bills would not be the final language. Legislators will spend the next few weeks out of session, but in conference committee, working to develop the final budget language.
January 13, 2021
Budget advancement sets stage for negotiations
After a series of largely procedural votes on a one-year state budget and other spending plans, the General Assembly formed a series of committees today to hammer out the details of those plans.
January 11, 2021
Kentucky lawmakers begin budget process
A proposed one-year state budget and other spending plans were approved by the House today.
January 09, 2021
Lawmakers send six priority bills to Governor in first week of 2021 session
On a rare Saturday work day, legislators finalized bills limiting a Governor’s authority, allowing entities to remain open during the current or future state of emergency, and more.
January 08, 2021
2021 Regular Session: Legislative Update Week 1
Known as the short session, the legislature has up to 30 working days before the constitutional deadline of March 30 to complete its work.
January 08, 2021
Governor’s 2021 budget address highlights broadband, COVID and unemployment relief
Last night, Governor Beshear provided his 2021 State of the Commonwealth Budget Address virtually.
January 05, 2021
2021 legislative session kicks off
Today, legislators from across Kentucky reconvened to kick off the first day of the 30-day 2021 legislative session.
January 05, 2021
New phases announced for vaccine rollout
Kentuckians will receive the COVID-19 vaccine in four phases according to an announcement Monday from Gov. Andy Beshear and Dr. Steven Stack, Commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health.
December 28, 2020
Kentuckians Over 70, First Responders and Educators Will Receive Vaccine in Next Phase
Today, Gov. Andy Beshear and Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health, said the next priority group (Phase 1b) for vaccination will be Kentuckians who are at least 70 years old, as well as first responders and educators.
December 22, 2020
Additional COVID-19 relief bill headed to President Trump’s desk
After months of negotiation, Congress passed a nearly $900 billion coronavirus relief bill Monday, Dec. 21.
December 21, 2020
Many ways to stay connected to General Assembly action
Lawmakers’ 2021 session begins Jan. 5
December 18, 2020
Legislators, governor provide a look at the 2021 Session
The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce held its annual Legislative Preview Day Wednesday. Legislative leaders and governors discussed their perspectives on the upcoming session.
December 17, 2020
Workers’ Compensation Fund wins grant for law enforcement motor vehicle accident prevention curriculum
The KACo Workers’ Compensation Fund recently received an award grant of $2,500 from Safety National’s annual Safety First Grant Program.
December 15, 2020
Historically low interest rates provide opportunity for counties
KACo has helped 11 counties and other entities access the bond markets to meet their capital needs at historically low interest rates.
December 10, 2020
New leadership and committee chairs announced for 2021 legislative session
Senate Republican leadership remains the same, with Democrats electing Reggie Thomas as Caucus Chair. The lone change in House Republican leadership is Steven Rudy, who was chosen by his peers as Floor Leader. House Democrats re-elected their current leadership team.
November 30, 2020
$40 million in relief funds available for Kentucky restaurants
The Food and Beverage Relief Fund Application system will open at noon EST on Nov. 30.
November 06, 2020
Tuesday’s election increases Republican majorities in Kentucky legislature
When the legislature convenes in 2021, the House will have a 75-25 Republican majority and in the Senate, Republicans will have a 30-8 majority.
November 06, 2020
KACo leadership shares 2021 priorities with legislative committee
The Kentucky Association of Counties (KACo) presented before the Interim Joint Committee on Local Government today.
October 18, 2020
Governor announces new COVID-19 restrictions
There are no changes for retail stores, child care facilities, barbershops/salons, manufacturers or hospitals.
This year the KACo County Advocate award is being presented to retiring lawmakers who have made outstanding efforts in the General Assembly to advance Kentucky’s counties through the lens of their prior experience as county officials.
This year the KACo County Advocate award is being presented to retiring lawmakers who have made outstanding efforts in the General Assembly to advance Kentucky’s counties through the lens of their prior experience as county officials.
The KACo County Advocate award is presented to retiring lawmakers who have made outstanding efforts in the General Assembly to advance Kentucky’s counties through the lens of their prior experience as county officials.
KACo County Advocate awards are presented to retiring lawmakers who have made outstanding efforts in the General Assembly to advance Kentucky’s counties through the lens of their prior experience as county officials.
County officials share challenges and fiscal impacts of jails with legislators
Panelists included KCJEA Executive Director Vince Lang, KMCA Executive Director JC Young, Kentucky Council of Area Development Districts Executive Director Tony Wilder and KACo Legislative Director Shellie Hampton.
Secretary of State Michael Adams and State Board of Elections executive director Jared Dearing joined county clerks for a KACo workshop on administering an election during a pandemic.
This week, counties were well represented in several legislative committees to discuss the effects of COVID-19 and potential legislation for the 2021 Session.
Secretary of State Michael Adams and officials with the Department of Corrections testify on COVID impact
The candidates were chosen during Thursday’s quarterly meeting of the Kentucky Retirement Systems (KRS) Board of Trustees.
Notice of Executive Order (“EO”) 2020-708.
Calloway County Judge/Executive Kenneth Imes and KACo's Legislative Director Shellie Hampton testified in front of the Interim Joint Committee on Local Government about the importance of broadband access and affordability.
According to the Kentucky Constitution, bills passed during a legislative session become law 90 days after the adjournment of the session, which was April 15, 2020.
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, legislators passed a one-year budget with the assumption that revenues will be much lower than expected.
Wednesday, April 15, marked the last day of the 2020 Regular Legislative Session.
Download a template letter to send to your Congressional delegation today.
The legislation freezes the CERS contribution rate at FY20 levels.
CERS rates will be frozen at FY20 rates for one year.
As Kentucky counties and the rest of the world make daily adjustments in response to the pandemic that has changed most of our daily routines, it is no different for the work of the General Assembly.
KACo staff members started making personal protective equipment deliveries last week, and those deliveries will continue as supplies are available.
As Kentucky counties and the rest of the world make daily adjustments in response to the pandemic that has changed most of our daily routines, it is no different for the work of the General Assembly.
By a vote of 78-4 in the House and 31-1 in the Senate, House Bill 484 sponsored by Rep. Russell Webber (R-Bullitt, Hardin) was passed today. It now heads to the Governor’s desk for his consideration.
Governor Andy Beshear recently announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved disaster relief loans for small businesses in Kentucky that have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
All businesses that are not life-sustaining must stop operations effective Thursday, Mar. 26 at 8 p.m. except as needed to conduct minimum basic operations.
The differences between the Senate and House versions of the bill will be worked out in a conference committee of senators and representatives, starting Monday.
Below is the information to keep you updated on legislative activity at the Capitol while you lead your county in responding to the COVID-19 fallout. Email with any questions: shellie.hampton@kaco.org.
