By Representative Kim King (R)

 The House has just adjourned its second week of the 2017 session, but due to an unprecedented level of production, we have already accomplished much of what the people of the Commonwealth sent us here to do. In our first week, we made good on promises to promote economic growth, protect the sanctity of life, and restore a government that works for the people. These accomplishments have already paid huge dividends for our state and its citizens.

Despite much productivity, we still have many issues pending over the next four weeks. Many of the issues we must confront as a state were highlighted by Governor Bevin’s recent State of the Commonwealth address. In his address, he painted a picture of a more prosperous Kentucky that works for everyone. What Governor Bevin so thoughtfully pointed out is that our state has the potential of becoming a leader that can be an example for the rest of America.

One of the improvements that we in the General Assembly feel we can move on this session is how our state conducts business. The Governor promised all of Kentucky that our state will become an engineering and manufacturing power. This will happen through more business enhancing policies such as more favorable taxes and large scale investment into workforce development.

Kentucky’s citizens have been stymied by an archaic tax system. If we expect a better economic climate to attract business, then we must first protect the consumer. I agree with Governor Bevin that the General Assembly must take on tax reform in a special session to get it completed in an organized fashion. The House Majority and the Governor both agree that closing tax loopholes, while also reducing the state’s income tax, will move toward a more balanced financial reality for Kentucky. Additionally, our state has a great need to address its underfunded pension program. Like tax reform, pension reform should occur in the same special session dedicated solely to those two major issues.

This legislative session has created a vision of a more vibrant state that will be a better place to live. It is now time for every Kentuckian to do their part. I am committed to fighting for a state that we can all take pride in, and to do this we must be each other’s keeper.

It is an exciting time to be a Kentuckian. Our state truly is approaching its best days due to the leadership of Governor Bevin and the House Majority Caucus. This session is far from over, but if our progress so far is any indication of what is to come, Kentucky is moving toward national leadership on many fronts.

I welcome your comments and concerns on any issues impacting our Commonwealth during the 2017 Regular Session. I can be reached through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181, or you can contact me via e-mail at kim.king@lrc.ky.gov. You can keep track of committee meetings and potential legislation through the Kentucky Legislature Home Page at www.lrc.ky.gov.