Preparing for 2026 Session
As your State Representative, I want to take a moment as we look ahead to 2026 and the next legislative session to discuss the significant challenges and opportunities that will be shaped by recent federal policy changes. As we prepare to craft a new two-year state budget, we face a complex landscape, particularly concerning our fiscal stability and critical social programs. Please give me your feedback on this survey. Let’s dive into what we are anticipating.
Federal Cost Shifts and Budgetary Pressures
A major concern for our upcoming budget session is the shift of costs from the federal level down to the states, reportedly driven by federal legislation like "HR 1."
Medicaid and SNAP: Changes to federal funding for vital programs like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) could mean that the Commonwealth must shoulder a substantially higher share of these expenses. This is money that directly supports the healthcare and basic needs of our most vulnerable citizens, and absorbing these new costs will put immense pressure on our already strained state budget.
Fiscal Planning: This cost-shifting comes at a time when state revenues are already forecast to decline due to our own planned reduction of the individual income tax rate to 3.5% on January 1, 2026. The combined effect creates a difficult environment for maintaining essential funding for public education, human services, and safety.
Health Coverage Affordability
Many families in our district rely on the health insurance marketplace, kynect, which is tied to the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Enhanced Premium Tax Credits: The enhanced Advance Premium Tax Credits (APTCs) that have helped lower monthly health insurance premiums for many Kentuckians are set to expire at the end of 2025 unless Congress acts to extend them.
Impact on Families: If these subsidies are not renewed, thousands of families in Kentucky could see a significant increase in their monthly health insurance costs, and for many, they will drop coverage and “roll the dice” if they are relatively young and healthy. This is a direct financial burden on working and middle-class families that we must prepare to mitigate through state-level solutions or advocacy for federal action.
Education and Workforce Development
Changes to federal financial aid and other programs also threaten our progress in building a world-class workforce:
Removal of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: The current administration is taking significant action at the federal level to dismantle Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which directly impact schools and educational institutions that receive federal funding. In 2025 Kentucky passed legislation to remove DEI at colleges and universities, and we expect a bill in 2026 to do the same thing for K-12 public schools.
Higher Education Funding: Federal cuts or new requirements related to programs like Pell Grants could reduce financial aid for thousands of Kentucky students, making college less accessible and increasing student debt. This hinders our collective goal of increasing the number of Kentuckians with a postsecondary degree or credential.
New Federal Tax Provisions: While certain federal tax changes (like enhancements to the Employer-Provided Childcare Tax Credit) offer opportunity, other complexities and reporting requirements at the federal level can create administrative burdens for our state agencies and local businesses.
My commitment to you, and my request for you
These federal policy changes mean that the 2026 legislative session will be one of the most challenging budgets to craft because of these unprecedented circumstances. We must be fiscally transparent in our actions and committed to protecting the investments we've made in our people.
I will focus on protecting funding for vital programs, including our public schools, healthcare services, and support for families and children. Together, we can navigate this complex environment to protect our most vulnerable neighbors in the Commonwealth. Your input is invaluable as we face these challenges. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any concerns or suggestions you may have. Please take this survey so I can ensure my vote reflects the values of our district.