Legislative Update
KAECcontinues to monitor ongoing discussions and public debate regarding how state leaders will address Kentucky’s mounting pension crisis.
It appears that Governor Matt Bevin will call a special session of the General Assembly, perhaps in October, to deal specifically with changes to the pension systems. Another special session, perhaps after the 2018 regular session, would likely deal with tax reform.
Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Congressional Forum
The combined government affairs teams of KAEC, East Kentucky Power, Big Rivers Electric and TVA represented Kentucky’s electric cooperatives as a sponsor of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce’s 2nd Annual Congressional Forum on Monday, August 28 in Louisville.
A common refrain from the members of Congress who addressed the crowd was that—despite the narrative that nothing is being accomplished in Washington, DC in 2017, the rollback and reform of overly burdensome regulations are significant.
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the Senate is now focusing on comprehensive tax reform. He said this is the single most consequential thing the Senate can do, as business leaders know pro-business tax policies lead to economic growth
McConnell, the keynote speaker, said that the Senate needs to stay on track as the Trump Administration has sent over 1,200 executive appointments that the Senate must confirm.
KAECVice-President Joe Arnold also addressed the Chamber event, providing an overview of the important role electric cooperatives play in the commonwealth. Arnold introduced Congressman Brett Guthrie.
Other congressmen to address the crowd were U.S. Representatives James Comer and John Yarmuth.
