♪ >> May I have your attention, please.

May I have your attention, please at this time.

Please welcome back to the stage.

KET moderator and public Affairs director Renee Shaw.

>> Good evening again.

We thank you for taking your seat.

>> And while you are taking your seat, if you will give a round of applause to the culinary team here tonight to say.

We would like to begin tonight's program by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and here to lead us is a van June's Hackett.

A vote is a 9th grade student at Johnson Central High School from flag at Kentucky.

In the 2024 national civics be Kentucky state champion.

Please give a rousing welcome I pledge allegiance.

He then fly.

>> The United States and then that and to the Republic for which it stands.

One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice.

We're out.

>> Thank You may be seated.

Thank you.

Well, welcome to the THIRTIETH annual Kentucky Chamber Day.

And as we said, We hope you enjoyed the mail.

We are so glad to have you.

The business leaders of the Commonwealth here tonight to hear from the state's top officials since 1995, the Kentucky chamber's open Kentucky's legislative session by hosting the state's largest gathering of business leaders, legislators and local chambers of commerce for an evening of networking and protections for this year's session.

Chamber Day.

Speakers always grant a lot of discussion on the social media and other spaces and this year's session looks like it might be any different.

So if you want to be a part of tonight's conversation on X, formally known as Twitter, we invite you to post your comments using hashtag okay.

Why bids or by tagging the Kentucky Chamber?

Okay.

Why chamber?

I'm also pleased to report tonight.

The KET is live streaming this program tonight online at KET Dot Org.

So for those of you who are watching across the state, we welcome you as well.

KET will also highlights program of the governors and the legislative leaders remarks on Sunday January.

The 12th at 02:00PM Eastern Time on KET.

The main channel.

And we encourage you to check the KU team website which is K T Dot Org for a list of other schedule dealings.

KET in mind that her chamber homes, all of tonight's speakers will be held to strict time limits.

The governor will have 10 minutes and all others will have 8 minutes.

We also have a time down by the stage to help KET them on track.

Before we continue, I would like for us to take a moment of silence to reflect on the life and legacy of President Jimmy Carter.

His service, humility and dedication to humanity and spire countless people across the nation and the world and left a lasting impact on communities, including here in Kentucky.

We also want to pause to honor the victims of the devastating attack on New Year's Eve.

A reminder of the importance of unity, compassion and resilience in times of tragedy.

And of course, we are holding close and thought the folks in California as they battle historic wildfires.

So please join me now in a moment of silence.

Now lets get down to business it is my pleasure to introduce our next speaker of the chair of the board of the Kentucky Chamber, Mr. Scott Davis Davis brings decades of experience as a banker and executives, chairman and CEO of Field in Maine Bank, a Kentucky chartered community Bank headquartered in Davis's home town Anderson, West Kentucky.

He became chairman and CEO in 20 of 6 when the company was known as Ohio Valley Banc throughout his tenure, he led the company through a merger and insurance company acquisition and a company renaming and rebranding his leadership helped grow the company size and footprint to 5 banking centers in Kentuckyian one in Indiana.

Please welcome the 2025 Kentucky Chamber chair of the board Mr. Scott Davis.

>> Good evening.

>> I want to first thank Renee per serving as RMC tonight.

>> We're always in good hands.

When we have run a show here to KET us on track.

It is my honor to serve as chair of the Kentucky Chamber this year and to be with you tonight for the largest gathering of business and political leaders in the state.

There is power in numbers and I believe we are strongest as a business community.

We speak is one.

Well, this is exactly what the Kentucky chamber does.

Together alongside our political leaders were working to make Kentucky the best place to do business and a community where we can be proud to raise our families.

We may have different ideas of how we achieve that objective.

And you'll hear from legislative leadership and the governor as they articulate those different pass tonight.

But I truly believe this is what gives us a common cause as Kentucky Inc.

I want to grant congratulate my good friend and colleague in last year's chair, Candace McGraw.

As you know, can this is an exceptional leader and did a wonderful job leading the chamber over the past year.

Candace was chair the chamber successfully advocated for critical investment.

Significant policy issues to provide childcare to support working families, struggling to afford care for our work force necessary to increase our capacity in this state.

These investments were part of the passage of that responsible, two-year budget, the prioritizes education health infrastructure and economic development.

And while we look forward to another year to vote to reduce the personal income tax, this session.

We are pleased to stay.

No new sales tax on business and expansion of tax credits to support technology, infrastructure.

The General Assembly's also held the line on several bills intending to roll back previous program with a pro-growth reforms and regulate technology.

They also set up to 2025 session for success by convening Task Force to study Housing development, artificial intelligence and workforce attraction and retention.

Ultimately our General Assembly say businesses over 1 billion dollars for the 5th year in a row.

This summer.

The Kentucky Chamber for Policy Research published the report building a foundation for growth meeting Kentucky's current and future housing needs and we aim to focus attention on policy to support local housing development.

There's no doubt we will find champions in the Kentucky General Assembly for this issue and many others.

We're also pleased to announce that 100% of chamber packed indoors.

Candidates, one of their general election campaign this past November.

Ensuring Kentucky's policymakers are focused on economic growth is key to the Commonwealth success.

As you can see, Candace and the team worked tirelessly to advance critical policy change an investment in key areas to support and continue economic growth.

This is our work at the chamber and examples of how our team works every day to serve and represent Kentucky businesses.

Please join me in thanking candidates for her outstanding leadership.

Thank you.

Candace.

Tonight, we want to give special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Fidelity Investments.

But led mission is to strengthen the financial well-being of their customers and deliver better outcomes for the clients and businesses they serve.

Penelope employs more than 5600 associates in Kentucky who are focused on the long-term success of a diverse set of customers.

Thank you for delicate.

Also, Suntory global spirits alongside our Friends and Brown-Forman Corporation or that had pain sponsors for this evening reception.

And I also want to thank her platinum sponsors.

At the better help of Kentucky Alliance Co. Cincinnati, northern Kentucky International Airport Cvg.

Deloitte consulting.

Ford Motor Company and would occur.

Bank.

Please join me and showing our appreciation for these major sponsors.

Well, as many other sponsors who are with us tonight to support this event.

I also want to take a moment to recognize the chamber's share like my friend Conrad Daniels.

Conrad is president of Hjr Supply chain Solutions.

A family-owned business headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky.

And he's going to do a great job when he takes them in October.

Thanks, Conrad.

And of course, I'd like to thank the chamber's board of directors as well as our past board chairs.

So would you please stand to be recognized if you're one of our board members or a past board chair?

We've got several of them here with you all.

Please stand.

Ladies and gentlemen, these are the Kentucky business leaders who devote their time and energy to make the chamber represent us.

So.

Well and so very effectively.

To all of you.

Thank you for your dedication and service to the Kentucky Chamber.

The chamber would not be as effective if it weren't for key investors.

You see the logos and their companies names are on the screen and recognized in your program.

Please join me in showing appreciation.

These investors as well.

Now as someone who served on the chamber's board for many years, I have had a front row seat.

To see the incredible work of this organization.

From the dedication of our staff to the commitment of board members and councils.

I can calm.

Police say to you that the interest and are well represented by the Kentucky chamber each and every day.

One thing that sets the chamber part is a strong partnership with over 100 local chambers across Kentucky.

And these partnerships are vital to strengthening the voice of Kentucky businesses promoting free enterprise.

And amplifying our impact in the communities of every size across the state.

We want to thank you for your inbound Belmont in Kentucky Chamber as well as your local chambers efforts.

This is so important to all of us.

Our businesses are the backbone of Kentucky's economy and the best ideas come we share best practices and tailored solutions to our unique challenges.

This collaboration is what makes Kentucky stand that.

Having worked another state.

I can tell you that the level of cooperation we have here is rare and it should not be taken for granted and makes us stronger and more resilient as a business community.

Team conduct.

There you go.

Governor warmed the crowd up for you tonight.

Thanks to the hard work of each person.

This room, Kentucky is on the pat for growth and opportunity.

Although or state leaders may approach challenges differently, we must continue to find common ground and act now to build upon the momentum that we've created.

The future success of our state depends on collaboration, not division.

And it depends on all of us.

Business leaders, advocates and engaged citizens staying active and committed to finding solution.

The chamber has been and will continue to be your partner.

And I truly believe our efforts will lead us to a bright, more prosperous future for our families, business and the Commonwealth.

Finally, I want to thank all of you elected officials in the room who are joining this that this evening, your public service and sacrifice.

And I'm appreciative of the commitment that you are making to the Kentucky.

Thank you for your willingness to serve.

Thank you all very much.

And this time I'd like to turn it over to the Kentucky Chamber.

President and CEO actually want actually.

>> Thank you, Scott.

Good evening, everyone.

We are so fortunate to have gotten his leadership this year here at the chamber.

And of course, thanks to the incredible Renee Shaw for hosting tonight.

And thank you to the Kentucky Chamber staff who just kind of pulls together a nice little dinner for 2000 people every single year.

And thank you to all of you all for braving the winter weather to join us tonight.

I have joked that I've been twitching a little more this week, but the weather might have cooperated.

I want to say a special thanks to all of our utility members, our road crews for ensuring that we have remains safe and warm during the last week.

I would also like to acknowledge the numerous day local leaders in the crowd tonight.

So bear with me.

I'm gonna give a lot of names right now.

We have Governor Andy Beshear.

We have Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman.

We have U.S.

Congressman Andy Barr.

We have constitutional officers, Secretary of State Mike Adams, Attorney General Russel Coleman, State Treasurer Mark Metcalf, Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell.

We're also joined by 3 Kentucky Supreme Court justices, including Chief Justice Debra Lambert.

We have several local officials, magistrates County judge executives and mayors, including what Mayor Linda Gorton of here in Lexington.

And they are Craig Greenberg of Louisville.

We are also joined by many university college in higher education.

President and more than 25 our local chambers of commerce are in attendance and last but not least 92 of our state legislators are in attendance tonight, including President Robert Stivers speaker David Osborne, members of leadership and committee chairs.

I would like to ask all members of the Kentucky General Assembly.

Please stand and be recognized.

It is truly an honor to stand before you tonight.

Leaders from across the commonwealth who represent the heartbeat of Kentucky's economy.

Your dedication and hard work and vision are why our state continues to grow stronger.

I want to start by expressing my gratitude each of you, your contributions, whether through your business, your communities or the partnerships that we've forged together are the lifeblood of our mission.

This gathering is the basis of our commitment to fostering economic prosperity, celebrating the business community's innovation and advocating for policies that make Kentucky the best place to live work raised a family and of course, do business.

Has the employer community.

We must continue to build on this fundamental truth.

When businesses succeed, communities thrive.

The connection is undeniable.

A thriving business provides more than just jobs.

It supports our local schools if funds critical health care services.

And it empowers nonprofits to serve those in need.

It pays wages that circulate through local economies that sparks innovation.

That drives future growth and create the foundation for opportunity in progress to thrive.

Not just in one city or one region, but throughout our entire commonwealth.

impact are the building blocks of the stronger, more vibrant communities across Kentucky.

Take for example, our chair got Davis and the work he and his team at feel the main bank do in Henderson, Kentucky.

Their staff contribute hundreds of volunteer hours annually.

They serve as board members and volunteers for nearly every nonprofit in the communities in which they do business and they provide substantial financial underwriting to bolster the missions and operations of these organizations through their investment leadership and service.

They are demonstrating exactly what it means to uplift a community.

In fact, Bill, the mains purpose statement is to build community through inspired leaders and impactful way.

And this story, as you all know, is not unique to Henderson.

It's happening across Kentucky from Pike Ultimate Duca and everywhere in between, businesses of all sizes are improving.

The quality of life.

They're driving economic growth and they're giving our communities the resources they need to thrive.

The let me be clear, none of this happens by accident.

Business is 6 feet because of bold leadership, persistence and strategic investment.

They often succeed because of the port of policies that encourage growth, innovation and collaboration.

I'm talking about policies like pro-growth tax reform, solving childcare challenges for working families, investing in education and workforce development building a world-class infrastructure system and removing burdensome regulations in our state.

We are seeing the remarkable outcomes of public policy initiatives like these from the resurgence of advanced manufacturing to the booming growth in logistics, in our signature industries.

Our Commonwealth is not just competing, but we're leading at the national stage.

And while the the impact began, the local level, their power grows even more.

When businesses across Kentucky Unite for a common purpose.

That's why the work of the Kentucky Chamber.

Your work is so essential.

Together, we create jobs.

The cornerstone of upward mobility and economic growth.

And we know that job isn't just a paycheck.

It transforms lives.

It provides stability for families.

It keeps graduates here in Kentucky to build their futures and it gives these were those reentering the workforce, a renewed sense of purpose.

The ripple effect of these efforts does not stop with the individual.

When businesses come together.

They boost consumer spending, staying local enterprises and attract investment, the benefit every part of our state.

But to unlock the full potential of the commonwealth.

We must continue to work together to tackle important issues.

The business, the space like Child Care Act that housing burdensome regulation and workforce shortages.

And we must also continue modernizing our tax code to ensure Kentucky him maintain its competitive edge over other state.

This collective advocacy amplifies our impact.

Ensuring we emphasize the vital role, businesses and free enterprise play and building a brighter future for all your involvement, whether it's 3 engaging in policy discussions, mentoring the next generation of leaders.

We're sharing your stories makes all the difference.

And we need more businesses and community leaders to get involved, especially in the policy arena.

I want to thank all of the elected officials in the room per serving our beloved Commonwealth and supporting Kentucky businesses.

To continue ensuring we that the Commonwealth had leaders that prioritize economic growth and a thriving business climate.

I am proud to announce the launch of the chamber's fellowship for Civic Leadership, a new program that will equip emerging Kentucky leaders with the tools, the knowledge and the connections they need to shape policy and strengthen their communities.

You can find out more about this new program at your state again, thank you for believing in them.

Tamer of the mission of the chamber and we're advocating for progress and for being champions of Kentucky's future cheers to a successful legislative session.

Thank you, Ashley.

And now.

I have the honor of introducing our first speaker and 63rd governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear grew up in Central Kentuckyian graduated from Henry Clay High School before attending Vanderbilt University and the University of Virginia School of Law.

>> His family and community instilled in him, the values of faith, family and public service.

He leaned on those values more than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic.

And during 2 historic natural disasters, the western Kentucky tornadoes on the eastern Kentucky floods, even as our state faced some of its toughest challenges.

Governor Beshear has prioritized bringing good paying jobs to every corner of the commonwealth since he took office in December of 2019, the private sector has announced nearly 34 billion dollars in investment and team Kentucky has attracted more than 1000 economic development projects creating more than 57,500 full-time jobs.

This is the largest investment amount under any governor in Kentucky's history.

Governor Beshear has stayed laser focused on helping our people find great job so they can earn more and with the cooperation and leadership of the General Assembly, the state has also lowered income and property taxes so families can save more.

The governor and his wife first lady Britainy Beshear along with their 2 children live in Frankfort and are active in Louisville's Bear grass Christian Church.

Please help me.

Welcome Governor Andy Beshear.

>> In Kentucky are moving forward together.

Our businesses are winning.

And our families are private.

Because Kentucky is a place where business is fast.

Okay.

So life is just right.

We found a way to create a brighter future by working together.

Why leading with our values of times and hard work.

We're looking at a new Kentucky.

One where good jobs and good life for possible for everyone.

We all interested.

We don't blame you.

So come explore.

Kentucky.

Home.

♪ >> Thank you, Renay.

And good evening as 2025.

Again, we're coming off yet another storm event in Winter Storm Blair.

The storm dumped more than 8 inches of snow and more than a half an inch of ice over most of the common.

Well.

Mother Nature hit us hard, but we were ready.

As of today.

We have no reported fatalities and no major injuries.

99% of power has been restored.

Let's hear it for our utility and our utility worker.

Thanks to our county judges.

Warming centers are over Kentucky.

So Mike Ashley asked us, let's take a moment to thank our meteorologist road crews, emergency personnel until any workers for their incredible work these last several days.

I think about these last 5 years and all that we've been through a pandemic, a tornado floods.

Winter storms, polar plunges, more floods, more tornadoes.

But none of that.

None of it can dampen the optimism that we collectively should feel about.

Our state.

Last night presented the state of the Commonwealth and if you tune in to hear it, get ready to hear most of it again.

But as I said last night, the state of our Commonwealth is strong and it's growing stronger.

It's growing stronger because every day we're welcoming more businesses, more families and more visitors to our New Kentucky home.

As I said, then right now.

They're on Kentucky.

We've learned that through our collective achievement by getting things done and by breaking record after record after record.

Renee mentioned over the past 5 years, we've now announced a record 35 billion dollars in private sector investment in Kentucky.

IM not over the same period we broke in the job creation record creating more jobs than any other administration.

And you can bet I call my dad reminded of that every night.

We've broken the all-time exports record, meaning your business is now global.

We broke our tourism record in 2023. and we fully expect 2024 to be the best year in Kentucky.

History for tourism.

Let thank everybody in that industry.

Because of your work and all of our work.

We're just not looking at the theme.

Kentucky anymore.

And that's why you saw that video right now is our time the right time to reintroduce ourselves to the world, to leave the stereotypes of the past.

In the past and welcome the world to our new Kentucky.

Hello.

Are new Kentucky.

Home is the place where your pace, the businesses bat.

But the pace of life.

It's just right.

That's a state that based on our work ranked number 2 and 3 and per and per capita economic development in back-to-back years.

One of the only states that's the carrot upgrades from all 3 major bond rating agencies.

A place built in 3 of the largest battery plant on planet Earth.

And we just announced a 4th.

There's so much to be proud like I said the other night.

The greatest thing about it.

It's how we got here.

By finding common ground by applying common sense and then getting after it and making good things happen for our people.

I think making good things happen starts with the recognition that people don't wake up thinking about whether they're Democrat or Republican.

They don't wake up thinking about their their party or politics.

They wake up thinking about their job and whether they make enough to support their family.

I wake up thinking about their next doctor's appointment for themselves, their parents or their kids.

They wake up thinking about the roads and bridges.

They're going to drive that day.

I wake up thinking about the public school.

They're dropping their kids off that and wake up thinking about safety in the communities that we all call home.

None of those concerns.

Our political and none of them should be partisan.

So my goal over the next 3 years is just a laser focus, creating more and better jobs, more affordable and accessible health care, safer roads and bridges and the best education for our children.

Let's continue to make sure our communities are safer.

But people wake up feeling safer every day.

I mentioned earlier that we broke that job creation record.

Our number 2 economic development is now 59,000, 800 new jobs over the past 5 years.

But that doesn't include all those new jobs to the tourism development projects and add those we're talking about 64,000 new jobs.

64,000.

It's a big number, but it's not really a number of 64,000.

Kentuckians, 64,000 families, 64,000 of our neighbors that are less stressed about paying bills at the end of the month and put food on their table.

And as we enter 2025, we want to look back on last year and we ought to be proud.

2024 has been one of our best years ever here in the Commonwealth.

We rank 4th in our history in terms of private sector investment.

In total.

We are now 7.2 5 billion dollars of investment and over 11,100 new jobs this last year.

And this last year at some game-changing, when's that we ought to celebrate again.

If you hear the name of your company, if you are a part of these jobs, let us hear you because we are so proud of the work you're doing.

They included the 3rd largest jobs announcement of my administration.

Shelbyville battery manufacturer.

We're excited.

You're here.

This project is creating 1572 skilled, high-tech jobs.

And they're gonna have an R and D facility inside that building in western Kentucky.

Our winds included the largest jobs announcement and more than 2 decades for Hopkinsville Christian County with Kitchen food company.

They're creating 925 full-time jobs in Davis County, Swedish match's creating 450 new jobs.

Greenfield manufacturing in new Lundberg is adding 250 new jobs.

Now, mark, it's creating 159 jobs in Allen County, Kentucky, aluminum processors creating 75 quality jobs in Logan County.

In Bowling Green.

This the medal is creating 52 new jobs.

Jensen is bringing 80 more jobs in the agriculture commissioner and I were there when Tyson Foods opened the door, creating 450 new jobs in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

In Elizabeth Town.

We cut the ribbon on with the House of Kentucky.

Another 100 jobs and we opened the center will train Kentuckians for new jobs at the blue Oval.

Ask a battery park which is already hired 750 Kentuckians.

Mayor Greenberg in Louisville.

We announced help track our actions creating 230 new jobs that ban to another 100.

And 22 new jobs.

In just a couple months ago, we cut the ribbon on the largest economic development project in West Louisville in decades.

That's the 137 million dollar investment by pretzel manufacturer, stellar snack that investment is creating 350 good full-time jobs in west Louisville.

In Central Kentucky.

One of your sponsors had the largest dollar investment of the year with Toyota investing another 922 million dollars.

That plant in Georgetown.

What's your portfolio to?

And all they've invested the past decade.

Mayor Gordon was proud to announce Piramal Pharma Solutions announced expansion grading 45 high-quality jobs in Lexington, Grist announced 20 jobs are coming to Marion County to turn waste from our bourbon distilleries in the green gas in Goose Creek candles and Casey County and amazing 160 jobs for the people of that community in northern Kentucky, Candice, the airport continues to generate job after job after job.

DHL broke ground, creating 300 new jobs.

Chick-Fil-A announced plans for 178 jobs in El to aviation announced 250 new jobs in the East and southeast.

The redundant Web services, 50 new jobs in Clay County Eastern, like Distilling another, 50 jobs in Raleigh County, Progress.

Rail services, 30 jobs and not counting.

And I know a TNT is here tonight.

We were in Grayson celebrating 150 new jobs and they pledged to double that workforce in the coming years.

Many of these companies and many others to announce new jobs are here with us tonight.

Let's thank them all for this.

Incredible year.

They made happen.

While we're creating these jobs.

We must continue to ensure our work force is strong and is ready for the future.

And thanks to your help with broken records there, too.

It was back in 2023 that for the first time we feel more than 2 million jobs here in the commonwealth.

We've been above that number ever sense.

But we know it takes hard work so we must continue to work to make it easier and faster for you.

Our companies to develop your workforce.

That's why we innovated and at the state level of the largest new projects are now going to receive a trained workforce coordinator.

That coordinator will connect your company to our amazing career and technical education programs in our public schools now work with our kctcs campuses that now have amazing training opportunities and they're going to work with our universities that are adapting to this new economy.

We must continue the work of flight development knowing that every fight we feel means there's one less for the next company.

We've got to KET that catalog current.

And finally, especially at the request of our regional chambers.

We must invest in a talent attraction program.

With all these jobs.

We need more people to see what's so special.

And our new Kentucky home and a talent attraction program run by the state and regional agencies that do this work every day.

We'll provide more and more talent for your companies.

A strong workforce.

It's also a healthy work force.

And as I talked to the beginning, that starts with your next doctor's appointment in 2024, our health care companies represented here tonight expanded at a rate we've never seen before in November.

We opened the doors to the new Norton, West Louisville Hospital, the first hospital in West Louisville in 150 years.

Thank you to North.

In March, we opened you about found hospital in Bullet County and UK broke ground on a new cancer center in August.

In Owensboro, we opened the Birch in October in Maysville.

We open the J. Hugh Grant primary plus medical Center Baptist Health.

Your new hospital in Lexington, folks.

It's creating 700 new jobs.

Livingston Hospital, a 60 million Dollar Mansion and Saint Elizabeth Healthcare expanded.

It's Florence campus.

As we continue as we continue to work to create new jobs.

We've got understand some people, you know, little extra help or another chance.

So we continue to fight for those suffering from addiction over the past year.

We've now won out 14 recovery ready community.

Those are cities and counties that have come together to provide the tools and the hope for those in need of services because of their work, the work of law enforcement and the work of everybody and treatment and recovery.

Drug overdose.

Deaths of note now going down 2 straight years in the Commonwealth.

Thank God.

Let's thank everybody working to make that happen.

You know, everywhere we go, whether it's our job, we're a church where that next doctor's appointment, how we get there is so important now, Kentuckyian think about the roads, the bridges, the traffic that they're going to encounter every day and the speed of our Internet is vital to our families.

At the beginning of my administration made it a priority to complete the 4 Lanning of the Mountain Parkway.

In 1963.

Governor Combs called this parkway and age old ring of Kentucky's mountain people.

Like I said last night in 1963.

I was -14.

So it's been talked about a long time.

Some not the first governor to work on it, but I'm determined to be the last.

And thanks to our federal government with 160 million Dollar Grant in our General Assembly, the parrot 150 million dollars of general funds to help us get that grant.

We now have the last piece in place.

Let's thank all our members of the General Assembly for helping to make that happen.

In the West, we announced 55 new miles of interstate to provide better safer commutes for our families.

The sections were officially accepted into our interstate system as I one 69 and I-69 in a major step for northern Kentucky.

We got that critical environmental review.

That's going to help us move forward with the Brent Spence Companion Bridge Project with out told.

As we move into the future, we have to continue to invest in high-speed Internet.

We know that Internet is no longer a luxury.

It's a necessity for education, health care and for our economy.

And thanks to so many people in the crowd tonight.

We've now announced projects to connect 80,000 229 additional homes to high-speed Internet.

Thank you to the Internet providers to collect.

But as Ashleigh, that Internet to a home.

That's only helpful if you can afford a home.

And we're making strides on affordable housing.

First in the areas hit by tornadoes and floods.

The team, western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund has now helped to rebuild 200 and 20 new homes and in June, thanks to an innovative partnership we announced plans to build 953 new rental units in the impacted communities, folks, that is the largest housing announcement, the largest single housing announcement in our history.

And in the East.

We continue to KET our promise to those families devastated by flooding.

We've got 7 high ground community that are moving forward right now.

Utilities coming to the fight and people even moving in.

That was the most difficult rebuild in the history of the United States.

But let me tell you, our response.

It's going to be viewed as historic.

It is a connection and a and a partnership of so many from the federal to the state to the local level.

But tonight I want to make sure I mention our non profit partners.

The housing can't wait.

Coalition has already completed 393 homes in the region and it's going to help us build more than 500 new homes at those high ground fight.

Let's thank each of them for building that New Kentucky home for our families.

But to me, the most important infrastructure is that road between where I live and where my kids go to school and with all these jobs and with all these opportunities, making sure our kids get the very best education I know is the goal of all of us.

You know, we made progress.

If you look at 2024, welcoming New Kentucky Colonel Dolly Parton.

2 to announce that expansion of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.

And folks, we need your help with that.

It provides our kids from birth to age 5, one free book per month.

But right now, less than half of our kids are signed up.

We can do that.

But to truly reach our potential.

It's time that we fully support our public school system.

It's time that we work to fully fund our public school system.

And it's time we stop trying to defund or provide voucher systems.

We're have tax shelters.

Let's do the hard work of improving our public schools.

To do that.

Are educators need better salaries?

They deserve it.

And our kids deserve it.

To do that.

We must enact Pre-K for everything will four-year-old across the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

I mean, we know in Pre-K provide lifelong game.

And when we look at our children right now, we're failing them more than half of our kids.

54% are showing up for kindergarten, unprepared.

That means they're behind before they ever get started.

It means they're behind before they ever step in a public school.

So when we think about that and then we think about the fact that we can expand Pre-K to 34,000 Kentucky kids every year.

The currently are getting.

It shows how impactful it could be.

And for all of our businesses here tonight, Universal Pre-K is the single most impactful policy that can boost your workforce.

So many of our parents, they're ready to get back to work.

But the cost of childcare and then the total absence in some areas of childcare makes that impossible.

Building our New Kentucky home.

It's also about ensuring all of our families are safe and the feel safe.

That means getting drugs off our streets.

We gotta thank tonight all of our Kentucky State police, local law enforcement for everything they're doing seizing more than 26 million dollars worth of drugs last year.

And I mentioned this last night, our Kentucky Counter Drug Task Force.

It's better than virtually any task force I thi across the United States last year they seized enough fentanyl to kill 28.9 million people.

I'm proud of.

But it wouldn't be right to talk about that counter drug task force without mentioning our National Guard.

You know, last year we had 700 guard men and women.

The came home from overseas deployment and we were able to recognize 2 of them last night that weren't tower.

22 where a drone attack killed 3 soldiers from Georgia.

The attack at tower.

22 want to remind us that our enemies are not members of another political party, but real foreign adversaries that want our country to fail.

It should remind us that we are Americans first and everything else.

Second 3rd, 4th or tent.

And it should remind us we should thank our guard tonight for their bravery and for their sacrifice.

Because of our collective work and that everyone because economic development is a team sport.

Our economy is surging and we are becoming a national leader keeping this momentum going.

It means we can't lose our humanity as we proceed to make the gains that we have always wanted.

When a neighbor loses a loved one.

We're there to lend a hand.

we don't ask who they voted for when a person attends your churches sick.

We'll check their voter registration.

And when a child's friend needs a ride to an event were practice, we don't look at their social media.

You know, our job should be able to act.

In care towards one another to provide that compassion and help that our fellow human being needs.

And when people see us doing that, when people see you in your companies do that.

It grows.

People want to join and be a part of that.

I believe that this year and moving forward is our chance.

Not just to be economic leader, but to be a moral leader to show that you don't have to choose between one or the other things like reducing recidivism being a second chance employer.

Things like investing in your communities.

Hiring that person that is in recovery.

There are so many things that each and every one of our businesses that are here tonight already do and can continue to do that can lift all of our people out with all these jobs that we have right now, folks, there doesn't have to be an U.S. versus them.

It can be all of us.

Simply by making that extra step and that extra work we can fight Inter generational poverty in a way we've never seen simply through prosperity.

So my a** is that in the next year we push out all the noise.

We don't let the DC division come into our state because this is the best window of opportunity and prosperity that I've seen in my lifetime.

And we cannot trip ourselves up.

This is our chance to lead a collective legacy that will reverberate not just for kids but for multiple generations to be the generation that changed everything in Kentucky and make sure we left the very best for those that are coming after us right now.

We are climbing every ranking.

We've always prayed about.

And then we've always wanted to.

And our goal should be to continue to spread as fast as we can.

As long as we can.

And if we can do that and continue to show each other kindness, generosity, patients, even forgiveness.

Then we can show the rest of the country and the rest of the world how Democrats, Republicans, independents, neighbors, people from different sides of the state and that root for different basketball team.

Can get along and can do special and amazing things.

I want to thank all of you here tonight because I've worked with almost all of you and I know your heart is in this place.

The reason that we launched our New Kentucky home is we have a chance to take everything we love about this commonwealth and spread it to the world with an invitation to join.

And now is our time.

So thank you.

All are members of the General Assembly who do their best working.

That's hard as they can.

Thank you.

All of our mayors and county Judge Executive suite work so h*** o* to expand infrastructure and bring in those new jobs.

Thank you to all our businesses.

They believe in Kentucky.

Every time you have an expansion.

It proves your competent enough and it lets a cell that confidence to others.

And remember, there's always room for us to get out for you to go out and for us to welcome that new company to their new Kentucky.

Hello, I believe that God has granted us this chance to do really special things.

And for the rest of the world to truly see who we are.

So God bless you all.

Thank Way over my time.

Good night.

Thank you, Governor.

>> Our next speaker of this House minority floor leader Pam Stevenson.

Newly minted.

Colonel Bam Stevenson, U.S. Air Force Retired was born and raised in a union family in Louisville, Kentucky admitted to both the Indiana in Kentucky bars.

She has been licensed to practice law since 1984, during Colonel Hammes 27 year service.

As an attorney, she provided legal services to military members and programming to equip and empower military members and their families.

Colonel Steven's that he's honored to continue her public service as Kentucky State representative for the party 43rd House district and was recently elected as the new minority floor leader.

Please count me in welcoming Representative Stevenson.

>> Certainly 2000 people can be louder than that.

I want to thank you so much.

I'm excited to be here with my colleagues.

I'm excited to be here with the governor and most importantly.

Hi, good to be here with the leaders that Kentucky's County not and that would be you.

>> We can do anything that we set our mind to.

And this is how I know.

>> Renee told Rice served 27 years in the United States Air Force.

I consider myself a servant leader.

I retired at the rank of Colonel.

I went all over this world, Croatia, Germany, Italy, the Middle East, and of course, America.

I did the work of a prosecutor, Defense Council allow senior attorney and I worked with the State Department.

The 9.11 commission and in the United Nations.

This is what I now.

No matter what the language, no matter what the culture, no matter what the issue was, not.

>> We all want the same thing.

We want our children to do better.

We want our families to thrive.

And more importantly, this one like we have.

>> We want to make a difference.

And that's what this is about.

I mean, everything.

What do you like this coming together for the good of one thing?

In all the different places that I've been.

Mostly when we were resolving conflict in those foreign countries, there was a lot of hate those a lot of anxiety.

There was a lot of you and him and not up.

And we have shown not only ourselves, but we've shown the world, but there is power in I would like to think that.

I've been Mary 42 years and I'm sure that he agrees with everything I spent.

So why is it that we coming to a public place?

And we think we have to agree on everything.

I can't we start with where we are in agreement and ground to make sure that the things we agree on that all children should be loved her to care for all event.

Family should be thriving that all people ought to have much chance to live the life that they've been given.

Why can't we start We put a man on the moon and certainly.

We can and homelessness.

We can make sure that education system worked.

We can make sure that people have what they need.

We can make sure that medical care is available.

If we're brave enough.

Going to land.

We're going to be in the next.

Several days.

The big, several years working for the people of Kentucky that time.

We have been a lot of different places and this is what I know.

Kentucky has everything it needs.

To lead people.

Top of the list.

To move away from that middle.

And do the things we know to do.

We have the compassion.

We have everything.

If California or any other places had it, they would be trying to sell.

It was.

So this is our opportunity.

This is a question I'm gonna leave you with.

We got a lot of issues facing Too much too little people with no money, $6.8, education.

We're not funding.

Teachers were not pay communities that are not safe.

People that are living with snow is a blanket.

What about affordable housing?

What about reproductive health care?

What about gun violence in my community in West Mobile?

There is one thing we were getting some things done and I contend that we could get it done faster and better.

We were all together.

We have Kimberly do need some more homes and I love the community doing all sorts of things supporting people.

>> And >> making sure we in gun violence.

Nation on trade due to open up Melanie.

A marketplace for entrepreneurs all they want.

It was a shock to be in business, but they didn't have what they need.

She gave them what they need.

She provided an environment where people that have goods and products.

To fail in common.

Do that.

>> We are the ones that could provide the environment.

Kentuckians.

If a break.

We're often told.

Should budget for Army cannot.

I want.

>> A good ring teacher.

This happen to come to school.

My bus driver just got my precious cargo on it to feel you.

>> I want my mom owns 84 moment.

Be able to go to the hospital where she's not feeling good.

>> I don't want my neighbor to say.

I have a choice between Medicaid or food.

Do we say we are not?

In all.

We live it up to half.

I'm watching my tank that I want to KET down.

We've got a lot to do and we have some great leaders that I'm pleasure to work with.

General Neal Robert Stivers.

>> I'm David Osborne, who gambles be quite a bit and I am convinced and we can find ways to serve.

Kentucky Especially we spend the time to build on the things we agree on.

Think of this.

It impacts you.

What if every one of your employees came to work?

Happy ready to work because they KET where their medical care was coming from.

They KET that the children were going to be safe at school.

They KET that they were gonna have enough food.

They didn't have to worry about if they had.

>> To pay paying the rent or not.

What if they came to work?

Don't you think your business will take off Iraq?

Don't you think it would translate into you be in the bill gates of the world or whatever your profession might be, because your people are the ones that make your best.

And when we give them what they need, they will.

Do you proud.

Think of it this way.

The 6 mean?

Can go in a basement.

After consulting with their wives.

And create this concept called America.

This experiment that has never been done before.

Can't the 2000 the bot create the Kentucky that haven't been seen before.

It's all up.

If we're brave, it.

In the military.

We live by.

Duty.

I invite everyone here to join the people doing the work.

People that are moving Kentucky up the ladder and live.

We are the ones the people that are not yet born key point.

Completion families and more importantly, plus this commonwealth and the United space up 5th America.

I forgot to say in reading her bio that she is a preacher, but you probably gathered that.

>> And the one to follow her as we were joking is the Senate minority floor Leader Gerald Neal.

Senator Gerald Neal was elected to represent Senate district.

33 in Louisville in 1989.

He is the second African American to serve in the Kentucky state Senate and holds the title as dean of the Kentucky Senate title given to the longest serving member.

Senator Neal was elected by his colleagues to serve as leader of the Kentucky Senate Democratic Caucus for the 25 26 term.

He has received many prestigious awards and is an inductee and the Kentucky Civil Rights Hall of Fame in 2001, please help me in welcoming Senator Gerald Neal.

>> I noticed that.

You didn't stand up when I came in.

legales little deflated, but it no problem.

He's a gentleman.

The Kentucky chamber.

Commerce governor this year.

Speaker eyes were on leaders, Stephenson and all those in attendance here tonight.

Well, welcome me back.

This podium.

I have to say it's a little daunting.

It ends when you look over this crowd here.

You understand that it's not really you were talking about because everyone in this room is a leader.

It's clear that you will make impacts on lives and never know.

But I know that the theme of together.

It's clear what has to happen between us all.

To make a huge difference in Kentucky.

thank you.

I want to thank you for your dedication to your work.

The vision that you make into a reality.

And the outcomes that we all benefit from.

Give yourselves a round of applause.

Please.

Speaking to you feels like this by sitting down with an old friend.

Revisiting familiar challenges and the dreams.

We will carry this commonwealth.

In this room are builders of businesses, Sabres communities and big levers in Kentucky's potential.

Each of you and say 3 into the fabric we call home.

Now.

I know you didn't come here just to hear another politician give a speech.

As they say politics, the only profession where you can lay your head down at night, knowing you've made half of people angry and the other half to support it.

>> But tonight I promise to aim higher than that.

I promised a mad than that.

Speaking of a minute, let me make take a moment to recognize someone who truly embodies that spirit.

Recently elected House Democratic leader Pamela Stephenson.

Give her another round of applause.

>> Not only has she demonstrated her leadership in defense of our nation.

We have passion for justice, unwavering commitment to the people of Kentucky.

On match.

Krause things spent her life fighting.

For fairness and inspiring those around her.

Now as a leader in the House.

She continues to be a voice for progress in a champion for the values we hold dear.

You just heard that.

But I got a complaint.

>> I have made these people over and over and not to let me speak behind her.

Because you see her passion and I can match it that way.

Because this unravel and he's sincere.

And I appreciate appreciate working with her.

And I look forward to many, many triumphs as we move forward in the interest of Kentuckians.

As we gather here tonight with friends lead isn't.

Maybe in nemesis, so too.

Let's talk about the work we have accomplished.

This past year has been a year of milestones.

You've heard the governor speak to it.

One of them, the passage of omnibus bill wasn't just a legislative victory.

It was a step toward giving mothers and families the care they deserve.

It established a team to review maternal health outcomes, ensuring the data leads us to better solutions.

And every number we track in sun life.

We're about to improved.

That is an example.

One among other initiatives.

That I calculated to uplift.

And I emphasize the word up live not to put down.

Not to put down.

This is what I see is our mission.

2 of live.

I know that when we left others up, we're confirming the best in us.

It is.

Well, we engage in suppressing the aspirations of others that we repeat the mistakes of the past and limit ability to improve the prospects.

We're all in facing the future.

Another positive example of uplift and empowerment is our investment in workforce development and infrastructure.

I've got to give the governor a a he said everything he told you he Warren G said everything you said last night.

And he was correct.

He was I accurate.

Because it's worth repeating and you should go out and repeated all over Kentucky.

Programs like a pretty ships mo, more than just skills.

They're about opening doors.

For every job creating.

There's a story of someone's first paycheck, someone's newstart someone's chance to dream bigger.

There are many actions and members of the General Assembly have engaged in that reinforced my belief.

It when we work together.

For good, much can be achieved for all.

I want to tell you, I am encouraged.

Not only do I have hope.

I am encouraged, continue the work that we do in the General Assembly.

I applaud all every member of the General Assembly because I know other sincerity, the things that you don't see that we share when we communicate with each other.

Often made the observation.

Others are made that observation that what you see sometimes just what you define as division.

It was wobbling.

But the fact of the matter is we agree almost things that we do.

We do have some fundamental differences, but we work to try to make it right.

The proposed reduction.

Francis in the individual income tax rate promises immediate savings, but it also carries the reason for concern.

Now, I believe that we should help the pocketbooks of our with.

I think we're all together on that.

the project it 230 million dollar decline in general fund revenue.

Likely meaning fewer resources for schools.

Hospitals and roads.

We travel.

We will meet that challenge.

But that reality still looms.

A case can be made that we have not fully funded some of our nominations.

We must KET these impacts the man because every decision we make.

Touches the lives of real people.

So it's good to celebrate.

Current circumstances.

It's encouraging to see the progress that we've made.

>> And we're hopeful and we will work toward a benefit to assess what we're all talking about.

But the reality is we must not ignore the realities of life.

We've been there before.

Maybe we have not been here before.

We've been there before.

The balance we strike isn't just about budgets.

It's about priorities.

It's about values.

When Kentucky INS feed it constitutional amendment 2, they sent a clear message.

Education matters.

It is foundational is a cornerstone.

We should hold it high and we should not bear investing in it.

From won't rolling hills of rural counties to the bustling streets of our savings.

Voters stood for something bigger than partisanship.

They stood for the idea that every child deserves a fair chance in every classroom on every block.

As we prepare for the next legislative session.

There are many questions that must be answered.

How do we ensure every student has a teacher who inspires them?

How do we make child care available for parents who are trying to build better lives.

How do we help Kentuckians who drab hours just to see a doctor?

We have a teacher shortage that is not just in crisis isn't call to action.

Competitive salaries and resources aren't luxuries their necessities.

Without them.

We risk losing the very people who helped shape our children's futures.

Housing is another her.

As costs rise too many.

Kentucky U.S. find themselves without options.

Affordable housing isn't just about walls and roofs.

It's about stability.

It's about dignity.

It's about opportunity.

Best supporting housing initiatives.

I mean, soundly supporting housing initiatives and reforming zoning law.

We can ensure everyone as a chance to call.

Businesses too, can help lead this charge.

You heard it here once and I'll say it again through workforce, housing projects and local partnerships.

Collagen that this should not be arbitrary and should be intentional.

We must have a meaningful input from the communities that will be affected.

Despite these turtles back in.

And I should say, remain hopeful.

The mom of them on the bus bill and other reforms show that we can do what we can do when we come together.

You've heard that theme over and over here tonight.

It is true.

We all Collaboration is a bridge between challenges and solutions.

We've crossed that bridge before.

And we can cross of the Union.

I asked my colleagues regardless of party.

The focus on what unites us.

What unites us.

Look around this room.

There are people from every background, every corner of Kentucky.

That diversity.

I'll say it again.

That diversity strengthens us and unites us as Kentucky INS.

In fact, is that diversity that is making the United States of America, the greatest country in the world that diverse.

It calls on us as lawmakers, in fact, common ground.

You've heard it before and we'll say it again.

We must phantom common ground.

And I want to tell you, we have found a lot of common ground.

Some of my colleagues complained about the press not put in there.

The focus on that understand that concern.

But the reality is, is that we find common ground all the time.

As I say before, we agree on much of what we do, in fact, most of what we do such as workforce development, infrastructure and creating opportunities for everyone.

These are not partisan goals.

Yeah, Kentucky goes.

I'm reminded of the quiet strength, se info many Kentuckians, the teacher to phase late to help a struggling student prayer at works 2 jobs to give their child a better life.

The small business owner who keeps their doors open against all odds.

They inspire us to KET going to KET building.

As I recently departed, former President Jimmy Carter once We must adjust to changing times and still hold to unchanging principles.

Those principles, justice.

Equity.

Progress of the foundation of everything that we do.

while we push forward.

Even when the path his feet.

My dad and having it carries with it a great responsibility.

Let me repeat that.

Evan power carries with it in great responsibility.

I believe as well as myself.

My colleagues understand that.

You must be used wisely, not just because you have it are for its own sake.

There's a great responsibility.

We recognize that.

Tonight.

Let us recommit to the working guy.

Let us on of the trust Kentuckians have placed in us by taking action that lifts everyone.

Together, we can build a commonwealth where progress is just the word.

What he promised the field.

Thank you.

God bless you and God bless the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Thank you, leader Neil.

>> Next, I'd like to welcome the speaker of the House, David Osborne, House speaker David Osborne has 3rd in the Kentucky House of Representatives since 2005 and a speaker since 2019.

He represents the 59th House district in Oldham County.

Osborne is a recipient of multiple awards, including the Children's Alliance Champion for Children Award Prevent Child Abuse.

Kentucky's champions for children.

Mary Allen Award, the outstanding Service award from the Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police and multiple MVP awards from the Kentucky Chamber.

Please welcome House Speaker David >> Well, thank you.

Run.

Before again, I do want to echo the comments of our governor.

You'll hear me say that very often.

But let me take this opportunity behalf of the House representatives to again extend our incredible appreciation to this snow plow drivers, the utility workers.

>> EMS police, the folks who braved the weather to KET the the grocery stores and gas stations and all of our other essential services opened.

Give them another round of So the governor said in 1963, was -14.

I thought I was that young started when he started his speech.

>> got it was 10 minutes that my wife is really still married.

A young man.

And Pam, my gosh, if I'd had my gavel, you have known about it.

25 minutes into the governor speech.

Well, happy New Year.

>> You know, I am the I'm not real big on and the New Year's resolutions.

I don't make them because I frankly I don't like to fail but I will tell you this year.

I made a New Year's resolution.

I resolved to eliminate negativity my life.

And that means that I have to find joy in the things that I enjoy.

And I have to let go of things that are relevant.

So I resolved to stop making fun of the governor.

Sarge like it.

I'm going to to limit my jabs to the number of legislative successes.

>> That he has in the General Assembly.

And that does not include veto overrides.

And now I'm going to tell you, I've had several people ask me if I if I had lots of good jokes and everything to tell the night, but I'm going cold turkey and this resolution.

I wish I'd made this resolution after the governor speech, quite frankly, but I'm going cold turkey.

So I'm just going to warn you, the dispute is going to be a lot less money that it could have been.

But that seriously, but much is made of my relationship with the governor.

Just not sure we're on a first-name basis.

He calls me David Cohen, Rocky.

♪ And Pam Savings.

And welcome to your new role in that as the minority later.

>> I'm excited to have you there.

I can't say that.

I think you've got a I wish you longevity, but there's not a great track record.

There it is.

You're the 4th in 8 years.

An you know, paying did make history.

This year, though, she not only became the first female African-American leader in Kentucky history.

But she also has the distinction now of leading the smallest caucus in Kentucky history.

>> And 19.

>> But they weigh 233 years ago.

A group of people met here in Lexington to convene the first regular session of the Kentucky General Assembly 2 days ago, we convene the 159.

And the same principles that compelled those people.

233 years ago.

Stick with us today.

New years as we become the majority, we passed legislation to take us to new heights in every nearly every metric.

We've got the individual income tax by a 3rd reform workers, compensation and unemployment insurance, modernize business service taxes and eliminate unnecessary and burdensome regulations.

>> We have consistently delivered responsible budgets, focusing our state's needs not are ones.

Place, record amounts of money in our Budget Reserve trust fund.

It's a matter of fact.

It's worth a little show and tell now my members know that hey props, and we all go to my house where we're not on the House floor and and also believe that their power points are a crutch for a bad speaker.

But we're not on the House floor.

I can tell jokes anymore.

So I actually got some some graphics that I'm gonna show you.

And the reason emotional, too, because every time I show most people they are shocked at the facts.

Don't line up with what they're being told by so-called experts.

So what?

Maybe it's that I don't have time to do daily press conferences or a willing media to being accomplished.

But I want to take a look at the the modern history of our budget Reserve.

Copley shows that first lead.

KET them at.

This is after we spent nearly 3 billion dollars.

And one-time expenditures, one-time House bill one last year.

Never before.

As Kentucky been is prepared for tomorrow as we are today.

We'll call it a rainy day fund anymore.

It exists to prepare us to take advantage of opportunities as well as prepare us for our challenges.

We were complicit just over the vetoes of 2 governors.

The disbelief media and the flat out consternation of folks who think that the only way to success is the government programs.

Earlier today, the House voted almost unanimously.

To approve a measure that will lower income tax again to 3 and a half percent.

>> Say almost unanimously.

Because 7 of our friends on the other side of I voted against it as opposed to giving the tax relief to every single Kentuckian that it's only 7, 0, that's a that's a big jump from the lot.

Less than the ones that voted against it for the last couple years.

Jason Namus opined that perhaps they'd seen the light.

I would submit to you that based on the same polling that made the governor before and after he was against.

I said was going cold Turkey.

Cao Show that slide.

Even before this tax cut we passed today since 2018, we have left for over 4 billion dollars in the pockets and paychecks of hardworking Kentuckians.

And we did just over the gloom and despair that some of some people pretending to be economists.

There's the same people that look at this lad I got to tell you, a look at that's led to celebrate.

Because I think are celebrating.

And the fact the matter is this money is a powerful incentive.

Money was never state money.

There were blown in state government.

This money isn't a powerful incentive to work in the state of Kentucky and everyone knows and everyone in this room knows the challenges we face.

We're going to continue our work to make state government more effective and efficient.

Everyone in this room knows how important it is to evaluate the systems we have in place for far too long.

Government programs have been held sacred.

When, in fact, many are outdated and were unable to fulfill that purpose.

We have a few things on our agenda return in February.

Education will obviously continue to be a priority.

Since becoming the majority.

We provide more funding to K through 12 education.

Then any time in our state's history, I don't believe me.

Here you go.

Thanks like out.

>> And KET in mind.

It's not something we made a KET in mind.

This is data from the Department of Education and it is adjusted for inflation.

Show this to every single education, education advocacy group that has come into my office.

And I've yet to have one single one.

>> To say it's not accurate.

You know, Saint.

lab statisticians, the I'm Nicole, anybody alive.

You're not.

But I'm telling you, the people of Kentucky are not being told the truth.

These are the same people that have not provided one single substantive, creative, thoughtful, intentional policy change to improve education.

Because let's be clear.

Asking for more money is not big.

Asking for more money is not old.

Asking for more money is just an ask.

And it's not working.

We crafted policies.

Improve a bit for improving teaching of reading and math rather resources to attract and retain teachers and work to support local boards.

And as they set policies, our support increased even a school in the schools have experienced unprecedented Roman last count.

Please.

You believe your eyes again.

Believe the propaganda party.

They had 100 years to fix our problems.

Despite record funding and count was policies aimed at improving education.

More than half of our students do not read at grade level.

And barely a 3rd proficient at math.

If you need evidence that look at one last final slide cow that see the math.

This can't be our future workforce.

Over the past several years, we prioritize initiatives to address our workforce shortages and participation.

Are we?

No, there's more to do.

Those of you here tonight as well as 1000 employers in every community of all sizes and in every area of Kentucky, identify workforce challenges as their top priority.

We hear you the path to get to sustainable growth begins with investing in our people.

We will look for ways also address our housing shortage because to borrow a phrase homes or jobs go at night.

I want to thank you all for your leadership.

Your resilience and your belief and the potential of our Commonwealth.

As we continue to hear.

That was enough credit to go around.

We've heard several times.

Where elected officials, for God's sake, everybody knows we love to cut ribbons and hand out big shovel dirt and puffer chest.

Now like we actually had something to do with what you do with building.

But the group that never gets the credit they deserve are the men and women who take risk to invest money and leverage everything to build and grow.

Businesses in Kentucky.

The biggest hope.

And I pledge to you.

Is that the aim of this majority?

Is to get the h*** out of your way.

>> Let's continue to work together to build a stronger Kentucky for all Kentucky INS.

>> Kentucky's that stays always in its future.

>> I thought it was Fancy Farm like there for a moment.

Let's see if our final speaker for the evening can match that energy.

The president of the minutes, Robert Stivers, Senate President Robert Stivers was elected to the Senate in 1997 and represents the 25th district.

He served as Senate majority floor leader from 2008 until he was elected to Senate president in 2012 and 2015 president Stivers was honored by governing magazine as a public official of the year and 2016.

He was chair of the Southern Legislative Conference and in 2018, the chair of the Council of State governments.

He currently serves on the board of the Senate president's form.

Please join me in welcoming my favorite president and yours.

Senate President Robert Stivers.

>> Here's must beach and it just went out the door after those first 4.

I want to try to be the most appreciative person is come on stage and stay within the time limit.

>> That got the biggest applause of the night.

>> First of all, I want to thank a lot of people.

This is my 29th year.

So actually, when the governor was talking about years, I think he was in diapers.

When I started.

But is also my 13 years as Senate president.

And I want to thank the people of my district.

For giving me the honor to represent him.

And to my colleagues in the Senate for reelect me to this position.

I do want to say a few things and, you know, most people see the pictures of May that the prince put out always have a fight on.

You know, I've always got my mouth open, but it's never a flattering picture.

You see me here to not not made reference to this before.

When I started in 2013.

I look a lot different.

I hope you focus on my view of it.

This is what I look like.

But after 12 years.

With Damon Thayer, you get what you see today.

>> Now, one of the reasons I stayed around and I want to introduce my leadership colleagues.

Max was who is now the new Damon Thayer.

Robbie males, who is our caucus chair.

>> We have with us.

They.

>> Who are the other 2?

David Givens is somewhere and it's hard to see everybody that is here.

But if my members of leadership would please stand up and with this one.

>> My question our caucus with if they would please stand up and let me thank for all the time and effort that they put Ian.

Is not here to not.

He went to watch Notre Dame gay.

My far more interesting than what we're seeing here.

But I want to tell you what Max promised me.

He promised me that just after a year of dealing with him, I would look more like this.

Then I do today.

And speaking to the governor.

He told me if I don't change like this.

He would make sure that for PTSD for having dealt with in a minimal loss of hair, he would get me a prescription for medical marijuana.

So let me discuss a few things about what we're going to do.

Now was talking with KET and Ashley earlier, the governor made a reference to something about how we're getting good ratings from the ratings agency.

Well, I think the reason part of that is because the chamber took the lead.

And many of the members of the chamber will remember.

How they came out with the list of the leaky bucket.

And one of the biggest priorities.

Was the fact we had to work on our failing pension system.

>> We've done that.

>> We've become responsible listening to these rating agencies and you saw what the speaker did.

He listed the fact that we now have a strong budget Reserve trust fund that we do not have structural imbalances.

That we are doing the necessary things for job growth and development.

We're looking at how we reduce.

>> And make sure we find appropriate health care without blowing up our Medicaid budget.

>> Along with the fact that we are doing responsible.

Now.

These are the ratings agencies.

These are not Democrats or Republicans.

The rating agency saying how we are doing responsible tax modernization.

So the speaker said today they passed.

The reduction from 4% to 3 and a half percent.

We received it on the floor, got its first reading tomorrow.

It will get a secondary.

And the first day that we return to the General Assembly in February.

I will guarantee you the U.S. and in many years of 29 that I have served, I don't guarantee much.

We will pass that tax reduction from Ford 3 and a half percent.

A couple things we're not going to let happen about taking affirmative action.

We are not going to let tax payer dollars be used for sex change operation for people who have committed crimes and are currently incarcerated.

And we are not going to change or allow the profits to be changed on per meeting where it will become 17 times more expensive.

To build construct ore mine in this state for which this administration currently has 2 regulations out to do about it.

We will stop both of those in this session.

The other thing that we will do, we will continue to have policies as the not discuss on a regular basis.

That will look at bad ring.

Our educational outcomes that will look at housing.

And this is something you didn't see reported.

We worked.

With Mayor Goldberg to put 20 million dollars in to see 3 campus to look at community care and housing for those individuals who have substance use disorders or mental health disorders.

>> And need housing and the treatment around it.

We worked with Luther date and the local bankers here in Lexington to put 10 million dollars in the housing and what was called the train to project.

>> We will continue to do this.

We will continue to do the better outcomes.

We will look at artificial intelligence and we will look at energy.

>> As well as developing our workforce.

But in that the backbone of our new economy is AI and data.

And we have to be so cognizant of what it does with energy.

>> Because there are estimates that with the S and I just came back from a national forum.

That this is where we will have our future.

Bill is in the technology.

And the computer age.

We have moved into.

So you will see us com with substantive legislation on all these topics.

And why do we want to do that?

You know, the governor stood here tonight to talk about all the things he cut the ribbon for.

All the things that have been an out.

We want him to do more of that.

We want him to be successful and, you know, a lot.

He talked about his dad never got to do any of these things.

Do you know why?

Because he didn't have the legislature controlled by the people.

He has a legislature controlled by now.

It is not for this administration, but for the legislation that we have put up since 2013, 14, 16 and this current year, we have made this our old Kentucky home, proud of it.

The not God bless and be safe.

Travel.

>> And on that note, we'll bid you adieu.

Thank you all for joining us tonight.

We hope to see you at the annual meeting of the chamber in Louisville later this year.

We like to thank our speakers, of course, and also fatality investments being Suntory Brown-Forman and all of the sponsors for making this event possible.

Have a safe trip home.