>> Please rise as Renee will Allegiance.

Good evening.

Please join me in Allegiance.

I pledge allegiance >> thank you.

You may be So glad to be back with you all Chamber Day.

I hope you enjoyed will.

Please give a collective to the shaft.

>> I know is magnificent We provided our meals tonight.

We are delighted to have you Commonwealth here tonight since 1995, the Kentucky legislative session by hosting of business leaders, of commerce for an evening of the upcoming session.

Of course little differently now as we 30 day legislative session.

This is the point where things chamber day.

Speakers always prompt a lot of session looks like it will not So if you want to be a part of Twitter, we encourage you to hashtag.

Hey, why is it the icy or by tagging the Kentucky I'm also pleased to report program live on our website.

watching across the state of homes tonight.

Welcome to this Katie will also record and play program tonight on Sunday Eastern Time on KETV Main check out our website at KITV scheduled viewings.

Well, housekeeping notes to chamber rules, all of tonight's time limits.

So we'll see how Now, let's get down to the 2023 chairman of the Kevin Smith, baby of Kentucky Tory Kevin's career focuses on corporate relationships in the strengthen the communities integrate the bass sustainable active in Kentucky signature Kevin has worked for several of state helping to build and grow become today.

His primary role been in manufacturing and involved in building staffing, aspects of distilled spirits, transition to a corporate role local I civic leaders 2019 was part of the Beam the James B B Institute for University of Kentucky.

The talent development vehicle.

Welcome to the 2023 Kentucky cabins.

>> Well, good evening to it is friends.

I want to thank Renee tonight's program.

Were always leading the program as the chair of the Chamber last year's Chair Diane Medley.

here.

She was instrumental in during the most difficult time during Diane's year of the of Agassi on tax reform.

2 million dollars for disaster tackle Kentucky's workforce Diane, for her outstanding tonight.

I'd like to give a presenting Sponsor, Fidelity of helping people prepare for a empowered to shape their their lives.

This corridor, the communities they serve through inclusion and more beam be a titanium sponsor along Brown-Forman.

I also want to thank our Cold Deloitte Consulting appreciation for these major other sponsors for their I'm excited to recognize the McGraw is the president of do a great job which he takes along with Candace.

I'd like directors and past board be recognized.

Thank you to and service to the Kentucky The Chamber board is also this evening.

And the chamber could be key investors.

Their logos are and they are recognizing you're appreciation to these key with my many years serving on councils now.

And now as chair, the pure dedication and hard they represent the interests of from family-owned to the only is the chamber involved in contributes to the positive But the organization is that impact all contestants because of this work.

The organization that is truly every day we bring together organizations, businesses and culture of collaboration that wells major issues and move us Kentucky has a unique have to act now to ensure we momentum and we don't continue states.

The chamber spearheading this organization will lead us to a families, businesses and state.

And we're also proud of our across Kentucky will help us do there's a few local chambers County Chambers in the back my There we go.

This grassroots network of critical to Kentucky success as tackle critical issues like our not only our businesses like Kentucky's economy, but you are advocate.

We love seeing businesses come when we speak and work as one.

Your involvement in the chambers critical to the forward to working with each of I really appreciate you have to addressed you here tonight.

of our elected officials who commitment you made to And at this time I'd like to President and CEO Ashli Watts.

>> Good evening.

What a great And thanks to the incredible I would also like to he's in the crowd out after you end.

We have Governor Andy Governor Jacqueline Coleman.

officers.

Secretary of state Allison Ball.

We have former former Kentucky Governor Paul Kentucky Supreme Court justices Lawrence Pay and meaner.

legislators are here tonight, Stivers, speaker David Osborne, committee chairs.

We also have County judge executives and Gorton of Lexington and Mayor We're also joined by many education president and more commerce are in attendance.

applause.

And that would be remiss as History Month in February to first time we have 2 black stage tonight.

I would also like to thank the chamber staff who have not only record crowd of almost 2000, but who provide invaluable every day route and staff work hard to business and be a bold, midst of what can seem like a on the news, you may think that divisive, which can sometimes But what is also true is that like these Kentucky businesses with leaders at every step and beloved Commonwealth is the raise a family and of course, And the chamber has never been of the priorities of our businesses of all sizes from Commonwealth.

One, a economic investment, jobs and skilled and healthy work force we've seen over the past 2 the workers to take these opportunities.

Of course, portion of these positions people moving to Kentucky from workforce.

Our economy, especially coming off an into November with that humid an interest in the chamber is convener and have a list for to be ensuring that economic are at the forefront of the year.

I asked if you take a minute your table, you will see our investors and our sponsors.

They are made up of business and every sector who guide the day the leaders make the positioned advocate for you.

significant from leaving the compensation reform right to prevailing wage.

Unemployment our signature industries, removing bear for years to and on.

The chamber knows We stand for policies that have investments in the tackle a substance use disorder childcare and a drive better more of our people staying in, jobs that will continue to grow and rest assured as leaders in The chamber has not passive participants working with policymakers at every level.

Our job is to make your job our board of directors job is knowing that we have the every day and advocate for all Commonwealth put stealing our As you know, we're going to and hopefully some some zingers issues of the General Assembly.

and the legislature for their Kentucky businesses as we move session and rest assured her step of the way advocating for creators of the Commonwealth purpose.

Goal tonight, business you.

I'll turn it back over >> Thank you, Ashley.

Now we're bit this year.

The order of the introducing the 63rd governor Governor Andy Beshear grew up graduated from Henry Clay High Vanderbilt University and the of Law.

His family and values of faith, family and those values more than ever and during 2 historic natural tornadoes and the eastern and his wife first lady their 2 children live in Louisville's from their grasp.

me in welcoming our Governor, >> Good evening, everybody.

so many of my Kentucky Each of you loves this I'm grateful.

Thanks for also tonight.

I'm heading to Washington, take part in the National meeting where all become the Regional Commission.

I don't say yes to many of is going to ensure that Eastern investments and it helps lead talks to make sure that no part country is left out.

Now tonight, you're going to and you're probably going to But I hope, you know, by now, As governor, I spend my days concerns of our Kentucky have a good job where I can An opportunity for my family parents or kids to a doctor getting a world-class education and do I feel safe in my home These are the conversations tables all across our And over these past 3 years, made so much more challenging that we face.

It's OK for us to admit we have years from a global health pandemic.

Kentucky lives to the deadliest flooding disasters in our storms and more localized but and other disasters and other We're live with inflation that tough on our families right through a war in Europe.

thought I'd only read about in economic repercussions right We have faced a lot of strong.

We stand strong because we lead strong because we have and together, we lifted one And because of that, Kentucky of darkness and difficulty to And if we do it right It follows part of the weeping may linger for the morning while our rebuilding efforts in continue for some time.

These communities have hoped partnering with our business talking about rebuilding lives structures.

Businesses in these And that's meaning we're not providing a reason to stay and business announcements, Investments like Osmond's son, million dollars in creating 80 where Mayfield and so many hard announcements like all sorts, 7 million dollars into its Hopkins County refusing to leave my dad's Even though its facility was the group investing.

41.5 new good jobs and the lumber people per capita not tornado investments show that there is to the other site.

They also show us that by doing commonwealth forward.

No matter we just log the best 2 years of state's history and it hasn't in those 2 years.

We've broken Look at 2021 when we entered that pandemic, Kentucky been dollars of new economic investment per year in 2021. record 11.2 billion dollars in >> Going into that year, about 9,000 new jobs a year and together last year in 2021.

Kentucky jobs for our people.

I'm pretty excited about the there because 2022 is our development in the dollars of new private sector full-time jobs.

In fact, since announced more than 800 private expansion projects total it.

24 billion dollars in the creation of 43,000 new jobs and not just jobs but good 3rd best years for new wages.

unemployment rate in the time after time.

I mean, as we talk about business.

I know we but just think about 43,000, dignity that comes with the the security of how they're to be able to look across that able to provide you more We are in the midst of the best ever been on.

And just in case is still on fire in 2023.

We just had one of the best more than half a billion the creation of 600 full-time bad way to start this new year.

And for the first time in my some of the biggest most advanced companies in the world Kentucky it and in many cases, future on our amazing work the biggest investment ever might have heard of.

They're as you know, Amazon's at Cvg at airport.

It's on our side of I love which side of the river.

employs 2000 workers positions And you know, that facilities is from the amazing town of Of course, a major factor in economic leader.

It's a global that's causing an evolution and Ford Motor Company, a company American business, is also in its entire history in partner SK on the 6 billion creating an incredible 5,000 blue Oval ask folks here stand largest investment in the Kentucky.

And the need is part.

If you you see about 30 cranes and what we're doing?

There is plant on planet Earth and right next to it, we're same size.

And if you drive the just down bowling during you combine blue here to tell you that we are vehicle, battery production America right here in Kentucky.

And the truth is, we're only EVs are going to bring here in We're already the number one passenger vehicles and light towards EVs Supercharging the to come.

Overall.

Last year our announcements totaling 4.2 1 investments and 4200 new nothing succeeds like success.

EV sector?

Just look at ascend manufacturer of key EV battery matching grants are bringing investments and 400 jobs to just the largest investment It's the biggest investment Western Kentucky if you're from Western other EV related investments The battery supply chain is not States.

But looking at it on a of America, 200 new jobs and products, 250 new jobs in products 100 new jobs in the ago, while Kim, the materials Simpson County, we're not just winning with future.

We are surging ahead districts for the first time surrounding states are looking looking at us and they are And I'm looking right back Just look at what's happening incredible signature industry.

like an incredible barber.

just have a good year in 2022, growth in the industry and Kentucky Bourbon Trail or we just last year totaling 2.1 8 and the creation of nearly 730 sazerac distilleries investing 50 jobs in Laurel County.

investment in state history.

Augusta Distillery investing creating 14 new jobs and a Bracken County Green River.

62 million dollars creating.

Beam.

Suntory investing 51 new jobs in Nelson County.

Jackson purchased distillery dollars created.

24 new jobs Kentucky Whiskey company and creating 30 new jobs in As you can see it.

One really we're seeing is it's not just a Kentucky where before we might concentrated.

Now we're seeing all corners of our and our bourbon industry.

Just look at Trader Joe's East creating 876 new jobs in flash steelworks creating 250 Ashley creating 55 new jobs in Corporation creating 48 of some around in Raleigh County.

new jobs in Taylor County at 78 new jobs in Breckenridge Warren County.

Fidelity Tonight.

875 new jobs in Kenton it Catalent Pharma Solutions.

coming to manufacturing.

Mega Court Logistics.

250 new Polymers 218 new jobs in Materials.

100 new jobs in Brands 175 new jobs in is 150 new jobs in Callaway Stratton Building, we have future for that county, emerald and county and revolutionary County on over.

But I'm really here in the Commonwealth.

We've done it together, folks caring for and compassion and happening in infrastructure segment of the Mountain Parkway lane.

And we're already working last segment, we will get that Go over to Western Kentucky and say the actual bridge and we're approach under construction done.

And how about this, together a Democratic minority leader of the Senate, a Democratic governor of infrastructure grant in U.S. build the Brent Spence Kentucky.

So I want to end tonight, but made these investments happen.

been there for things that of new jobs.

You were there to flooding even there to assist endeavor to help support grants and you provided a good tried to create the safest in this room wants the same their family.

And I'm telling investments that are coming in, prosperity in front of us than closer than ever it turning leaves our state and the talent importantly, with the closest parents and grandparents matter how big our kids or chase those dreams right here one ever has to leave the because they don't think that Remain committed.

>> To working with you, not to left that to move it forward things we achieve working treating each other with attacking each other but knowing that those most are red or blue, D or R they're if we hold on to our values, can do.

And tonight I'm not speech it, but I do look forward to being years.

Thank you.

>> Thank you, governor.

And Now I'd like to ask House representative of Gary Graham state Representative Darren and Franklin County and the 57 he currently serves as House him the first ever legislative caucus.

And the May 2013 to the end of 2016. the chamber's education current role.

He spent 4 years chair.

He is a member of the Bourbon Trail capital's central Legislative Caucus is please Representative Gary Graham.

>> I didn't realize what a hard it's going to be to follow for the service that you are commonwealth and what you are are.

I like to say good evening to giving me the chance to share Beshear, my fellow House and officials.

I've spoken to many It's Frankfurt, state But this is my first chamber Democratic Caucus leader.

You're going to hear some but I think we can all agree that we have kept the political percent.

And I know consider about for it.

It's a fact that our state, about when we all sat down at challenges we had it and I hope we can continue that sessions remaining.

23 working as a new caucus leader is the state Capitol and saw the power service early on it.

Many of my friends, parents and dedicated their careers to public education.

Bio mother follow it in her footsteps.

I mentioned this background role in my political philosophy words.

We can do more together, better.

I think then President terrifying words in the English I am from the government and When natural disaster struck it was government that made it minutes.

The hours and the days responders searched the Sayre, workers make sure families unspeakable tragedy.

And our responded quickly with and with Spirit can be found each day in public schools and our public workers, health and human many others.

They are an I cannot say enough good things And yet I am troubled by the is about the same size as it and we had a million fewer We deserve something better advocating for bigger as we traditionally think of government or no one will ever having a significant teacher neither is our ever declining or the fact that until this without providing state workers Teachers last year did not even public retirees have only 5% or 2 since 2011.

It by now, you probably have a consequential bill being voted session.

I realize opposing House Bill this room, but I worry it will put us on a And the next few years, those would never permanently slash temporary increase in your exactly what we will ultimately continue down the road with it is true that we have a moment as a percentage of our state than it ever was before the That's great news.

But most success.

Pandemic spending has lifted is not sustainable over the one could leave us as high and at its core House bill one doing well and ignores those paycheck.

Those who are struggling won't from these tax cuts, but they many services.

At the same time, the state overcome future recessions.

I believe we could have way that would benefit more without putting a major hole in Afraid safety net and government and they are not As states like Kansas has shown in a few minutes that the few minutes that I on those issues, I think this legislative session or it comes to legalizing medical the Houthis supported this and I'm happy to see Governor around approach it.

Another year.

It's sports betting also now have this available and we Governor Bush years.

Education bills that also deserve to be to be a sponsor of those in the Improving Kentucky's and major priority that needs to be States is at the bottom of this nations and Kentucky is at the It is beyond tragic that new dying now than then.

3 decades the Kentucky House Democratic considerable praise for working And indeed, let me say that we be proud about.

Few states have seen the level had over the past decade.

leader when it comes to the of car cars and trucks, farming bourbon and horse levels, not thought possible.

by any definition, broad areas But there are many outside of we have regions hobbled by job systemic health insurance have enough resources.

And I'm But I also believe it is a falling behind.

This is not an region or group's success does I believe the General Assembly have less lets us make it feel this decade to quote, President Kennedy.

Not because they are easy, but that goal will serve to of our energies and our spirit just as our nation did nearly heading in our power to make prosperity a reality it that's Kentucky all 4.5 million of us Kentucky that would show the together.

Then we can apart.

opportunity to speak to you God bless the Commonwealth and America.

>> Thank you, Representative Next.

I'd like to invite Senate Neal to the stage.

He's got his fans love with Senator Jail mail was elected 33 in Louisville in 1989.

American to serve in the the title as dean of the the longest-serving member.

colleagues to serve as leader Democratic Caucus for the 2023. prestigious awards and is an Civil Rights Hall of Fame in Welcome Senator Gerald Neal.

>> Good evening to you.

>> My name is Senator Morgan and I'm the Senate minority I have the wrong speech.

that, OK, here it is.

Good evening, everyone.

My name and I am the Senate Democratic And before I go any further, I congratulate my colleague.

It leader Gary Graham.

Give him a Not only is this historic, but this reflects that what can when we look at value in leader and this new role, I certainly have some big shoes My predecessor now known as was always known for his wit But with his departure is my the back and be half as funny I consider myself a success.

But that could be twice is Washington.

Hasan gentleman of the Chamber this team, members of our I stand before you today as the Democratic leader of the I'm honored to represent the voices and interest of all I too, am honored to join distinguish and dedicated this event.

As we gather here doing this History Month is a time when we reflect on a historically marginalized and recognize the African-Americans in our I'm reminded of the work.

>> We will and still must do to people of our community have I could think about how civil leader Vernon Jordan said today but standing on This legacy of working with lives on that.

And those of us in the Kentucky >> Let me repeat that when we no one is in this life alone You can get to this place.

>> Where you are without where they came from, believing financial assistance are simply without success to see to others.

I think it's important for us As you know, it is my job as a business, our business community and the Capitol to get things done.

I think I'm an example of that.

for example, the legislature to doing the last few years to and ensure financial security he's mentioned it.

When fantastic example, that ceremony that happened just jobs being created that packed Louisville.

The governor mentioned this but it also happened in my This was this facility is part authorities phase 5 development and is the global companies distribution center.

Louisville increase availability of parts of the country.

It bears mentioning again that for the nearly 16 billion Hardin County.

That is no about that.

That's huge for Kentucky is It it is the biggest economic it development project ever in over and over again.

Just think it a 2 billion dollar 2000 job technology company in Warren spring is indicated this is huge for us in This was still a teen and generation of battery cells are density than the ones that this is huge in Kentucky that I'm telling you now that we're significant were on the road, but we did it together.

We as members of the General to help not only our business the quality of life better for Is this not what it's all For example, more than grants will spur construction the Brent Spence Bridge Carter.

That's huge.

It not only connects us in many many jobs.

These improvements will allow a growth of our commonwealth.

It's more than just a >> Governor Beshear has said >> Shows what's possible when politics.

I agree with that.

It took efforts back in touch to mention this because it where we are when he joined with Ohio Senator Republican Leader Mitch They made it happen.

There are other notable were tense, significant in my very own district Senate legislative front community are both House and Senate with Stivers.

We conceived and partner with and provides funding funding Opportunity Partnership and that initiative that is support and initiate small.

There are many, many other moving forward in a positive It is yet another indication work together for the good of and the Commonwealth.

This in the is what you stand Unemployment rate is low.

We family find the full day we're investing millions and we're investing millions every community in this state.

But everyone knows that.

needs an educated workforce, well-being of any state, fundamental into a prosperous Education is key.

The governor proposed a 5% every public school bus driver, school employees.

I don't have a crystal ball.

would be remiss if we set on not significantly support and strengthen every sector, We are done engine and I would do otherwise.

Kentucky is 44th and the nation and teachers average less than the National Education Since last year, Kentucky's We can do better than this.

We must do better than this.

We must value teachers and the students.

Remember that music industry teacher.

You had remember where How did they shape your life in and lead you to where you are You didn't get here by it as most is stopped by some The education community is where we can go out.

You know that this is true.

This is invested in public But I dare say that there is >> We all know.

>> The vast majority of our public schools.

And there are a lot of that are put before us.

But we must public education and we must not adopt programs strengthening public education.

Our first priority should the public schools.

And I ask you to reaffirm that Investments now are critical or You may be familiar with some during this short legislative been indicated tonight.

However, I will mention some of It one of the main priorities of in the House and Senate is contributing to tax which is vast.

I use the term than what they suggest.

It is a What is seen as the tax cuts But in reality it is tax Since we have gone down this interests to evaluate about the long term and not be afraid We just go down that road this necessary.

We may end up We see that in some of the Kansas and includes Tennessee Economic observers and indicate that a shift to sales products are we have a working people?

This is not simply a tax cuts equation.

Please consider this.

We must stay engaged.

I counseled caution as we move as I've indicated and I'm kind I would say that it is time for prioritize investment in our greater levels so that we can for everyone, not just the It is in our common interest.

Make no mistake.

I'm not taxes on our business.

On the I believe that and I truly our workforce, we can create a workforce, which will attract to our state and by investing in that our roads, bridges and support the growth of our and our economy.

Overall, the House has more than the Senate, but many legislators in both Medical marijuana.

We should do It's okay.

You can about that.

We're getting some great more go forward, especially since more words of support in recent There's another issue of Juneau, justice is a serious Lawmakers passed landmark system in 2014 as recent incidents in juvenile rebuilt, much more needs to be done to treatment of are you.

It's sort of the date and at the same time, some of and social services that would We need more counselors and This is a significant step that I'm currently working across senators Senator Stephen penalty in Kentucky.

It I know that's a tough issue for not for bait, but just think about it.

2 legislators who come from backgrounds or represent constituencies with different ideologies in together and find common This is how we get things done That's what makes us Kentucky us the ability to move forward.

We're working on a lot of is needed.

And I know you join me in Even as we look to the we must not be afraid of the Truth enables us to prepare for You the answer.

We have the answer.

I am convinced that we all call others.

There is no love field goal and to lift all ships.

This This must be our reality.

We literally are all in this Let's make it happen together.

of Commerce.

>> I told the senator that if footsteps of former state congressman, that he needs to Damon Thayer, which has a Lizzo right, tires.

End next.

I'd like to welcome Osborne, House speaker David He brought his grandfather as I've served in the Kentucky 20 0, 5, in as speaker since House district in Oldham County multiple awards, including the Champion for Children Award as Champions for Children.

the 2020 outstanding Service Association of Chiefs of Police the Kentucky Chamber.

Please House Speaker David Osborne.

>> Get a bit.

>> Guys, with all due respect, 8 minutes of that really out.

Thank you all for having me.

Appreciated.

Let let me join in welcoming my friend or Graham sweep mates.

When I first came and I considered him a great nail graduation.

She is.

since the 2005 trip to that.

But to think also want to want to welcome his first trip to the chamber, elected mayor.

And as I told occasions, it will spread is was anybody.

There was nobody that I want.

But I've also said there is no that I am and a pledge to representatives to help help in your efforts to block Kind of he did say the governor if it was kind of like every had with the governor, you and hits the door when it's I do understand he had a let me be very clear when it comes to standing up Kentucky, this House majority conflict.

This House majority will stand women of Kentucky.

Every single But I guess it's progress.

ago when he was running for the chamber events and now here 58 Beto's overridden.

We're lawsuits that could And here we are on the same taking the credit for the same at this rate.

One of these days, we may pro business bills we send.

But don't take it personally.

Lord knows we have plenty of as well.

It isn't.

It isn't policy.

>> The governor did make a my caucus and the House of majority that sent him all at governor, for them a target.

And I am honored to be here to deliver a message on behalf actually did pass the policies course for success.

And that is that make up the Kentucky House as German.

This an exciting a lot of challenges them.

opportunities.

We're beginning to finally from the policy changes and over the past 7 years.

He's ever simply passing based on an needs not based on Of course, this is despite more pet projects, unproven Our approach to state spending taxpayer dollars and they must thoughtfully and manners that benefits for future We have created the largest history despite multiple be and with this commitment it is like the tornadoes in western eastern Kentucky.

It's also advantage of incredible economic development project in play a plant in Glendale.

We're also modernizing our tax competitive.

In 2018, we lower the rate from on January.

1st, one to 4 and a leaving over 625 million Kentucky taxpayers and our first action during was to pass House Bill warrant, which lowers it again to 4% And if we remain committed to approach when the fiscal year closes triggers that will take us to 3 Today we send House Bill one to as usually took the Senate us.

Seriously.

I love my colleagues Actually, look, some of my actually have a fund affection seriously they are.

They are.

work that we have done to make and work.

And I'm hopeful that the want, but should he fail?

We're also another be, too.

Of course, our work is going prevented a major increase in modernizing our workers.

We retooled.

We're going to concerned about is job training other states.

Despite the we're requiring state agencies the cost of implementing The governor's veto it.

We also invested 320 million Of course, growing up or thing.

this incredible if some And by the way, we've done it financial crisis and in many generations, the we have allocated nearly dollars excuse me to these reforms to ensure that they This is because of the hard make up the Kentucky House as usual.

This session will Parada some and challenges.

It will be the first in 4 with tackling the budget for a quarter.

My colleagues in the or in the first year.

It's an amazing number, but 100 colleagues in the House for I will tell you this is the plants that I've seen in my their enthusiasm is reigniting forward, they're tackling the Without a doubt, we must been to Kentucky juvenile we saw legislation House Bill 3 aimed at improving conditions well as protecting them.

that.

Our attention will also return The policies we're back to growth and jobs.

And now we ready, willing and capable of You know, first hand that the challenges that the joint job openings, run the gamut health care workers, too, committed to identifying ways talented workforce.

Our efforts will continue to be educational opportunities and ensuring public assistance people are not.

They're not entering the workforce.

As we have said, we talk about modernizing our tax code to We're not just talking about jobs anymore.

We're talking code to compete for skilled and code as a as a work force It's something we've never been but it is possible because of We also recognize that today's workforce and you'll see us it.

This current budget all levels of public education.

efforts to make sure that those where they can most effectively We have illustrated the public schools, but we must also empower Even if that means public schools, if we're going to say we must put them first.

This House majority will find will not fund systems many times.

Tonight I mentioned Kentucky a better place.

We're all proud, Kentuckians, but our common most potential one of us in this room could We're committed to the course course and our best a truly do >> Thank you, Mister Speaker.

president of the Senate, Robert cheering Senate President Robert Stivers 1997.

Represents the 25th Jackson Oxley McCrary Owsley as Senate majority floor leader elected president in 2013 and honored by governing magazine year.

In 2016 he was chair of Conference and in 2018 chair of governments he currently serves president's forum.

Please join Senate President Robert >> Thank you, Renee.

Always president.

Some time here.

I want to take 3 minutes here in front of 1500 of your something from you.

And I have to start with saying say because where the lights if I was the head of the hometown chamber a little bit back 48, actually, you know, actually, I but you're talking about the the legislature when it is 31 whole lot of division there.

So I want to start with the to me on a regular basis and they'll come up and say, Robert, however, that know me and they say, boy, you all are Really appreciate what you did I want to tell you why we do a It is because of the leadership David Givens, who is the pro There's a flashing light.

ready to get gone?

They give it is not here.

member.

Could an ATM.

I have 3 other members of the Julie, Rocky Adams from leader Damon there from Wilson from Bowling Green is Senate does such a good job team that is comprised of these really related to it is because specifically thank them for of the time they span.

Other reason we do a really is because we have a great Osborne and his group in the group.

And I cannot thank them for their assistance, their that we spent together figuring state.

Now, I want to go back and I about tax codes.

And I heard my colleagues, Senator Mail and let me say He an hour.

The 2 oldest people served in the legislature.

at this table said I hope we've gone well over time.

I well, hey, the chair of the have.

But I want to say this about Gerald Robert, truly it.

We know how to come together And he mentioned it changing who have been left behind and together a program and sector and the state to do money and then to turn around the next Chan 10 year 20 years and aspirations of water called End of Louisville and Houston stating.

I thank you for that Now the tax codes.

I'm sitting with Brown-Forman talk about bourbon tax codes.

I want to tell you what good me mention this every year that >> Good tax policy is what we the ad valorem tax on bourbon We did that.

And in 2015 within the Tourism which changing allowed the existence for multiple places Louisville as the basic Trail, which increased traffic at the airport, which increased 14 million dollar hit by in exchange now for 10's of revenues because we grew the taxing policy worked.

Now, this is what, you know, very much intended This is what our tax policy 17 when the House majority flipped we started reducing the time Commonwealth, 6, 5, 4, 9, and hopefully to 0.

The intended consequences are who are the remote workers remote workers out there now They want to come back to the state of Kentucky and we grandchildren raced here and not have to pay income tax We will grow the pie.

We will What happened in the bourbon good practices to grow this revenue shortfall as some It's good economic policy in done.

What we have done has North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida and Texas and I give you Texas last because it's tragic because we that yam their corporate Colonel Sanders is living in Kentucky, that an icon for my district is This is what we do with good and I'm not saying anything say this, governor, you are welcome have done and how we have grown when we started making record in education, retiring our largest budget reserve trust well before the governor came So with that, I say what else made record fundings.

We have where we have a business such as unemployment insurance.

repealed.

So we didn't have out community bank.

We have sat here for the last we could do related to job incentives to employment.

And I say it is very candidly I've yet to see one initiative.

and correct me that I have heard or executive branch that said we need to change its that we're currently in.

David Osborne, tell me if I'm So with that or do we go from in this session?

We have a things.

We can go ahead and continue to we need to do with our tax the course for what we are doing.

And when we look at things we future is very bright, not for me, not for most of the people in for the children and And we know it.

And I know we the legislature has land on these policies that the trajectory and train lines you can have your opinions but the policies that we have put this state, the state of I want to face with this I know that Paul Patton is here to give you an idea of how event really led to the success of Everybody in the business market in the business market being critical.

It the reality in the biggest hero plant in Kentucky being located here 20 years ago, the legislature at the request of then Governor purchased that property so we type of future megasite in a But for that, this wouldn't happen.

So I want for your vision and your General Assembly and >> time.

And really the hero of government.

>> So with the U.S. knowing about over under that I'm only thing between you and I was cold to be brief.

I want to say it.

The future's the legislature has led.

point and the best days are in policies we have implemented and you're all steam.

We have bright future.

God West.

travel.

>> Thank you, Mister President.

between you now on leaving.

tonight.

The chamber helps to see you at the Omni Hotel in Louisville on of the speakers this evening.

Investments.

Beam Suntory sponsors who help make this night.

Safe travels home.