For the longest serving Republican Senate majority floor leader in Kentucky history.

The just adjourned regular session of the General Assembly will be his last.

>> Georgetown Senator Damon Thayer talks about new laws made and ones that missed the mark this time around and his legislative legacy that's now on connections.

♪ ♪ ♪ Good day to you.

Thank you so much for joining me on connections.

I'm Renee Shaw, the 2024 regular session of the Kentucky General Assembly is in the books.

>> And the next chapter will be written without Senator Damon Thayer after a 22 year.

Ron, 12 of those as majority floor leader, the Georgetown senator is moving on today.

We debrief on the lawmaking session that ended April 15th.

What could come back next year and we'll see if he spills and it on his next move for going to try that question again and see if we get more answers.

Thank you.

Later, Thayer for being here.

>> Renee, it's great to be on your show and I appreciate everything that you and KET to do for for Kentucky.

>> Well, thank you are right back at just sir.

How do you feel now Sine die happened on April 15th?

You've had a couple of days to really let it sink in.

Didn't really sink end.

That that's your last session.

>> I feel By the way, how?

I feel really good about the time that I've spent and this job, it hasn't really sunk in yet.

And it may not until January 7th, right?

And everybody else goes to Frankfort and I don't the the rest of the year will be fairly typical for me, except I'm not running for re-election.

So I don't have to do all the the campaign stops.

I still will serve until midnight on New Year's Eve.

All still be attending interim committee meetings.

Probably asking pointed questions of people who are testifying in front of those will be attending legislative research Commission I'll be campaigning for people who I think deserve to win in both the primaries and the general.

And that might be one thing that's a little different.

I'm going to be a little more outspoken and some of these primaries coming up next.

>> Paso and for whom?

For normal Republicans.

What is a normal Republican, someone who wants to help put the fire out.

That's burning in America today.

Do you believe there are abnormal?

Republicans believe there are members of both parties on the fringes who would rather pour gas on the flames and walk away and run to their Twitter feeds or to CNN or to FOX News to talk about it and brag about it.

Lee, fully and you know, that's not me.

I I'm very active on Twitter and happy to do TV interviews.

You know, they they say the most dangerous to be in Frankfort is between me and a microphone or a hello and I'm fine with I like being the spokesperson for my Caucus and my party's beliefs when the time is right.

But I just believe that there are fringes in both parties sort of like that.

One hit wonder from the 1970's by stealers clowns to the left of me Jokers to the right.

And I'm tired of the jokers.

>> Do you have those members in your caucus right now?

>> It's it's less so and our caucus.

I think it's more so in the House of Representatives.

When when you've got a a district of 45,000 people in all you have to do is win a Republican primary and that that smaller district.

I think it's a little easier for that to occur.

>> With 11% turnout or whatever you get a low turnout election like they had a northern Kentucky in a part of the state.

>> Where voter turnout is low to begin with.

Then you take a non-presidential your primary like we had 2 years ago.

This is where we are.

>> Does that come at the cost of losing some seats, though?

And the Republican super majority in the House?

I don't think so.

I think projections.

>> Are House Republicans will probably continue to be it 80, maybe even 81 or 82 after this election cycle.

You got to remember.

And by the way, I'm going to continue to be critical of the Kentucky Democratic Party and its leaders.

The KDP failed to field candidates in a majority of House you know, I'm going to focus on trying to elect.

Republicans who are focused on solutions to help move Kentucky forward.

>> Is there any point where you reach a point of diminishing returns with more members?

I mean, you really only made 65 to have a safe super majority.

And and the house.

When you get above that, do you risk getting more of what you would maybe call the fringe element?

I think that's probably true.

>> But, you know, as a proud Republican and former vice chair of the state Republican Party who started out as a treasure of the Grant County Republican Party.

When I lived in northern Kentucky, I'm proud of of the growth we've had.

I remember when Democrats controlled everything I remember when they were 32 or 33 Republicans in the House of Representatives.

So, you know, there's a little bit of the who likes the bragging rights of being able to say these are our numbers.

We worked hard for this.

I'm proud of the role I played in it.

In some cases I want better people.

>> So for people who are trying to figure out what exactly you, Maine, right?

And is it the policies that they espouse?

Is it the way maybe under appreciate what government's role is?

What is it about perhaps this fringe element as you described?

Yes, that makes them different.

All of the above.

The above >> just give me a particular issue that really is the hallmark of someone that you think does not represent the Chamber of Commerce tile Republican.

If that's well, you'd even.

>> Describe what I do on the proud Reagan Republican.

I sometimes worry that Ronald Reagan couldn't win my party's nomination for president today.

That's not that's not something I'm proud of.

But to me, he's his policies are the kind of policies I wish we could espouse.

Now, look, parties have had to visions right from the start.

We go back and look at the the election of 1800, the first truly contested presidential race in America.

Yeah.

The sitting president, John Adams with his vice president Thomas Jefferson running against him.

And then you have Aaron Burr was running as a stalking horse for Jefferson and then it.

It was a very nasty race.

There's a terrific book on it called a Magnificent Catastrophe.

And they they were as nasty then as we are now.

But if if somebody said something in Rhode Island in March about Thomas Jefferson, the people in Georgia might not find out about it for 3 months, whereas today they find out about it instantly because of social media and the 24 7 news cycle.

I don't really want to name names, write short or get into policy sometimes it's just in the way they approach our approach their jobs and, you know, there will be campaign finance reports that people can scour em and they they can look for my name and they will see the kinds of candidates.

But I will be supporting.

>> Do you believe that?

>> Former president now presumptive nominee of the Republican Party for President Donald J. Trump.

Do you believe that?

>> The advent of his political activism helped usher in this different kind of Republican.

>> Partially I think I think that we were already headed that way.

It started probably.

You know, 12, 14 years ago with the Tea Party movement, although hit the Tea Party movement now looks pretty mainstream compared some some folks the inconsistent stances they take based on what they what they feel is important.

What is not important, but I don't I don't think that President Trump is the problem, but I do think he's a style of politics.

Exacerbated the and made appeared to be more more ugly and and dirty and yeah, either way, I'm I'm I'm I'm voting for Donald Trump for president in November.

>> Without any qualms about it.

But we do know that we would expect to have it.

I didn't say that.

I mean, I'm Ron DeSantis sky.

and I I wish that he had become the nominee out.

>> A vote for him in the May primary knowing that President Trump is the nominee and will will get a supermajority of votes from Republican primary voters.

But like Congressman Thomas Ron DeSantis sky and I'm I'm going vote for him.

For for in the May primary.

But I will I will vote for Donald Trump in November.

I mean, I don't I don't.

Like the direction our country is going under.

Joe Biden and I and I did agree with most of Donald Trump's policies when he was president.

I don't think there'd be a war in Ukraine right now.

If Donald Trump were still president, I don't think Iran would be lobbing missiles at Israel if Donald Trump, we're still president gas would not be 3 and a half dollars a gallon if Donald Trump still president.

I don't think we would not have runaway inflation of Donald Trump are still president.

So you know, I I'm you know, I I wish things had gone differently, but my party is they are they were determined to for the 3rd presidential cycle in a row to nominate Donald J Trump to be the next president.

Knighted states.

And I've always supported the Republican nominee.

I voted for Pepe Martin for >> Madrid.

Yeah.

And then she ran as a as a Democrat.

I So I do want to go back to what you're talking about, that you're going to be vocal and active for in the House races in particular and in Senate race and some Senate races.

But it reminds me of the is at the 11th commandment of Ronald Reagan that thou shall not speak ill of another Republican and I haven't done that yet.

But when you do, are you the legacy of Ronald Reagan in some way?

I think I have a right to >> support people in primaries just like non elected citizens get to voice their support for people in primaries.

I've endorsed in primaries before you know, I've got.

Never never said anything.

2 derogatory that I can think of about a fellow Republican.

But I'm I'm going to be campaigning more in earnest for people who I believe want to come to Frankfort and find solutions and not just try to blow the place up.

Yeah.

>> What potentially, of course, right?

Yes, yes, what does Kentucky's Republican Party stand for?

I think if you mainstream, I mean, I think if you look at our accomplishments since 2017, when Republicans took over the House of Representatives.

I think there's a very strong statement there for what we stand for.

First of all, we've cut taxes 3 times and if everything goes according to projections by this time, 2 years from now.

Kentuckians will be experiencing their 4th consecutive cut in the personal income tax rate.

It started out at 6% that went to 5 at 4 and a half and 4.

And by this time, 2 years, 21 months from now, we should be at 3 and a half percent.

So I think.

And the budget was crafted in such a way where that could happen.

And so the Lakers would be set back that that we that we meet those triggers.

And I think the proof is in the pudding.

We every time I think every time we cut taxes by half a point, people get to KET 6 or 700 million dollars.

So we we've allowed Kentuckians through the tax code to KET a couple billion dollars more of what they earn and give them the chance to decide how to spend that money and how and how to pay taxes because there are more taxes on services.

But that is the model that works in some of the most successful state economies in the country.

So I think number one, I think the tax cut.

Make a bold statement about what Kentucky Republicans are for.

And I we are we are very pro business.

And if you look at one of the first things we did that first week in 2017 as we passed the right to work law and literally within days, Amazon made its announcement.

They were the first one.

They made their announcement that they were coming to northern Kentucky to base at Cvg and dozens and dozens and dozens of companies since then, by the way, we also cut the corporate income tax rate by a point from 7 down to 6%.

That has made a bold statement that Kentucky is open for business.

Was that >> causation or just correlation?

Because aren't those kind of deals often works long before they actually happen and come to fruition?

Well, I think both and >> you know, I have my issues with Matt Bevin, but let's try to be objective.

He was the best salesman for Kentucky that this Commonwealth has ever had, at least in modern times.

And he did a great job going out and selling Kentucky and getting I think within the first year, 18 months like 45 new companies to come in here and as well as Rick Retention is a poor to recruitment of new jobs and companies important.

But so is And I think we've done a great job with both of the so you you asked the question, is it cause Ation a correlation?

And I would say yes, I think it's both.

It's both and, you know, these these companies were coming here when we we were stuck at a 6% personal income tax rate and a higher corporate rate and we we didn't repeal the prevailing wage and we we were right to work.

State.

So I I think causation is is a big a big answer to your question.

>> When we look at economic development and there have been significant winds and recent years dating back to to Matt Bevin's time as governor.

We also have a workforce participation issue.

We do right.

And many would say, well, unless we have a more robust, even PRE K through 12 through 16 post graduate system of education.

We will not really realize our full potential when it comes.

Economic development did the Kentucky General Assembly do enough to address 2 things higher education and childcare.

>> I would say yes.

I mean, people are always going to be disappointed in the budget process because there are some people who you could give them every dollar in the state budget and they'll continue to complain that they didn't get enough, particularly the public education sector.

When we were increasing the seek formula 3% in the first year, 6% in the second year.

I had one superintendent from my district.

Thank me for that.

You know, they were they were on me, you know, leading up to it about how much money they wanted.

And then we gave them record funding 100% transportation increase the funding for tier one schools.

We did some big school construction initiatives.

I've had.

I've had one superintendent.

Thank me for it.

>> Is that because they're not direct raises too public educators and to bay, perhaps the classified staff.

Was that what they're still, though, the super it's superintendents.

>> Who most of our legislators rely on for input and advice and on budgeting and and policy.

They are the ones who said send us the money through the seek formula.

And we will decide who gets the raises and how much classified employees which are bus drivers custodial cafeteria workers and certified, which are teachers.

And that's what we've been doing.

They are not state employees right?

Teachers are not state employees in Kentucky.

They are employees of the local school board and the other.

The other thing that hurt aggravates me on the on the school funding issue is we are putting more money than we are required to by law into the teachers retirement system and have been since Matt Bevin recommended it during his first year as governor.

We've continue that policy and it has to be a part of the teacher compensation discussion because a lot of the reason.

Teachers go into that field is because they can work for 27 years and then retire and they know that there's going to be an excellent.

Pension system waiting for them.

We pay their health care gap funding until they qualify for Medicaid.

It's one of Medicare Medicare start and starting up Medicaid, the state cares.

Yes, that's correct.

I'm not the first one to get the absolute.

It's easy to complete them.

But yes, we have one of the most.

Generous teacher pension systems in the country.

And that needs to be not only is I feel that is a part of the what Republicans stand for.

It should be a part of better part of the teacher compensation discussion.

You asked about childcare.

We did put money into childcare, not as much as some people wanted, but I think we took steps on that there.

There isn't much support to go 4 funding for Pre-K, but just a couple years ago, we did go to full day funding for kindergarten and we have put hundreds of millions of dollars into workforce development.

We are working with Doctor Ryan corals, my constituent and one of my closest friends, the new president kctcs.

There's funding for Kctcs to continue to develop programs that will assist with cranking out workers for jobs in our workforce, where we have these participation issues.

But let's we have a workforce participation issue before the pandemic.

But it got worse during the pandemic when a bunch of able-bodied non retired individuals found out they can get free money from the government for not working.

And in, you know, we we wanted Andy Beshear to cut that off at a certain time and he let it go on for ever and ever.

And that's exacerbated the The reason we have work force participation issues and I brought a couple of articles on this.

It is white single men between the ages of 18 35.

We're dropping out of the workforce.

>> And doing what just living off of the government.

baby in the gig, economy, the cash We don't really don't know if they're actually on public assistance of any contract right to get to the be that kind of segways into Jefferson County, Public Schools, right?

There's a lot of conversation about them as good as it should be been many people's eyes.

And there was a press conference that the majority had yesterday.

But the well for the time that this show will air it would have happened on Tuesday.

And one of the things you said because there is a task force through a resolution that now enables a task force to do a top to bottom and zam.

A nation of JCPS which some fear will lead to splintering of the district.

I think you are asked by a member of the press.

Do you favor that?

You said yes.

I believe they should be broken up.

Tell us why.

And what would that accomplish and the kind of problems that could arise from that splintering?

>> Well, the test scores in Jefferson County are.

Very poor, very on satisfactory.

Despite the fact that that they continue to get more and more money from the state every year, they can't get their kids to school.

They've got a huge blessing problem.

Yes, I would have voted the session to split it up.

Metropolitan areas and America that are smaller than Jefferson County that have multiple school district.

I think the Jefferson County Public Schools.

Our it's too big.

The look they it's just it's unmanageable.

I would have voted to split it up, however, and to have many district.

I mean, I I don't know.

I would.

>> 3, maybe, but I would have, as I did.

On the resolution, I would look to the Jefferson County delegation for for leadership on that and I told many of let's put it up.

I'm ready.

Let's go.

And they they said, look, we want to be contemplative.

We'd like to do a top to bottom study.

And I think I think that's appropriate.

The questions need to be asked why they can't get kids to and from school in their busing system.

They why are their test scores and certain schools?

So so the satisfactory, you've got to remember one out of every 6 students in Kentucky is educated in the Jefferson County Public Schools.

And I I really bristle when some Democrats say it's not your business there.

You're from Georgetown.

Leave us alone.

That's not how it works.

If you're going to ask me to vote to send all this money to Jefferson County Schools, I'm going to be involved in the policy.

We're just we're not here just to send you money to school district.

We are here to set some of the policies as well.

>> So we think about perhaps these the splintering of the district, there is concern that there would be a more bloated administrative de Mont de.

There crusie excuse me that has been railed against already when it comes to Jefferson County with Marty Pollio, his administration and what some of those officials make perhaps.

So wouldn't that be and be antithetical to smaller government by having for more superintendents and for more central offices and all of the infrastructure that you've got to have in place?

>> No, I think I think quite the opposite.

I think you have.

You have those central office is overseeing spoke to a smaller number of students, a smaller number teachers, smaller number of staff.

I think it would be more manageable.

And I I think there I've heard suggestions of multiple ways to split up Jefferson County.

And by the way, I'm not going to serve on this task force, not something.

That's a question.

That's not something I'm interested in doing during my my 8 months and the job.

But I'm going to follow it very closely.

Obviously, I won't be here next year when any of the recommendations are voted on.

But I feel very strongly that those those kids in Jefferson County deserve better policies of from from its state government and from its school board.

And I think it would be better if it was split up.

But they look, they may get in there.

Renee and and start looking at this and they may decide that that's not the best approach.

There are multiple problems and probably going to be multiple solutions recommended for yeah.

>> I can't believe we've got 3 minutes left in.

Get to have things I want to roll some with taste because there's more we can talk about on that and we'll have to have you back.

Of course, talk about any time your bill Senate bill to 99 that restructures the horse Racing Commission.

This was important.

Why?

>> Well, we made a lot of positive for horse racing in Kentuckyian I felt a part of my legacy needs needs to ensure that we do everything we can to KET it.

And I think removing the racing commission from politics as much as we can adding in the extra layer, transparency and disclosure and integrity through Senate confirmation and then the Executive Branch Ethics Commission.

I think it was the right step I'm disappointed the governor, the toll that I was surprised.

I thought he was for good government.

He still gets to appoint people to to the seats.

we overrode the veto.

And I appreciate my colleagues for sticking with Speaker has written me to to override those vetoes.

I think it's going to insure the safety and integrity of horse racing and integrity for charitable gaming and sports betting for generations to come.

>> So when the 2 minutes we have remaining, what do you consider to be your greatest legislative victory?

Senate Bill, 2 2013 that reformed the Kentucky public pension that that's my greatest individual accomplishment.

I'm proud of collectively of a lot of the things we've done as Republicans.

I'm proud of the work that I and a handful of others have done on our signature industries.

Bourbon, horses and tourism.

>> But for for me, the bill I sponsor that I think had the most effect on the most number of people would Senate Bill.

2, 2013.

>> What advice do you give your successor?

Be yourself?

Don't don't try to do the job like I did it do the job with your your own flair, your own flavor, your own personality.

Just because I've done this for 12 years doesn't mean I have a monopoly at how it should be done.

Who should be the next majority floor leader in the Senate.

Julie, Rocky Adams.

I don't have a vote, but I do have influence in the U.S. wants it.

I no one else has told me that they want it.

But I think Julie has the skill set and the temperament very, very beloved in are in a caucus.

Probably more love than me.

And she does a great job running a caucus meetings and she understands the time commitment.

It is huge up being and Senate leadership and I think it would be great to have a woman from Jefferson County become the first Senate majority floor leader in Kentucky history.

She's also one of my best friends and I I wish you nothing but the best and hope she runs for and gets the job.

>> And she was very teary as she gave you a very heartfelt farewell.

Last question.

The couple were dancer.

What politician has had the most influence on you and impacted your direction.

>> And how you perceive your role as majority Leader David Williams, I think is the most consequential legislative Republican in Kentucky history.

We we had our battles over the years, but we're still friends.

He he called me Monday morning.

We spoke on my way home from the Monday evening.

But I also I have to get a lot of props to Robert Stivers and and Kelly, who are my predecessors as majority floor leader.

They set a great example for me and how do the job.

So I gave you 3 names.

That's a good way.

A lot of us know those 3 names of people may not, but hopefully they should.

They should come on stream.

We consequential men in the history of the Commonwealth.

The Kentuckyian I thank them.

>> For their role in helping me succeed.

Well, thank you for your service to become what the still have 8 more months to go.

So no, no goodbyes just yet have you back in time.

What we do have your right over there.

I was privileged to always do it.

Thank you.

Later, Fair and thank you for watching us today.

You can check us out on the social media channels and watch Kentucky Edition each week night at 6.30, Eastern 5.30, central and listen to our podcast.

Also at KET Dot Org.

Slash podcast.

Take good care season.

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