This week was exciting for me—not just because I have been a lifelong Catholic and faithful Notre Dame football fan as the team continues an exciting season—but because Tuesday marked the start of the 2025 Regular Session of the Kentucky General Assembly. The 30-day “short session” is constitutionally divided into two parts. The first four legislative days conclude on Friday. Legislators will reconvene on Tuesday, February 4, to continue their work on behalf of the commonwealth.
Winter Storm Blair brought significant challenges across the state, but thanks to the tireless efforts of road crews and utility workers, legislators arrived safely in Frankfort to get to work. Their commitment to keeping roads clear, ensuring safety, and maintaining power across Kentucky has been essential. On behalf of my colleagues, I extend our deepest gratitude for their dedication.
I hope you and your loved ones have remained safe and warm during the bitterly cold winter that has swept through our commonwealth.
I was honored to officially step into the Senate majority floor leader role as we begin the 2025 Legislative Session. Representing the 16th Senate District in this capacity is a privilege I do not take lightly, and I am humbled by the trust my colleagues have placed in me to help guide our work in the Senate.
Over the past decade, I have had the opportunity to introduce impactful legislation and work alongside dedicated public servants to address the challenges facing our commonwealth. I embrace this leadership role with gratitude and determination. As majority floor leader, my focus will not be on personal legislative priorities but on helping my fellow senators succeed and advancing policies that improve Kentuckians’ lives, notably in economic growth, workforce development, education, and conservative values.
With our Republican supermajority, we have a mandate to deliver meaningful results, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to fulfill that charge.
As I’ve often said, Frankfort has not changed me, and I will continue to approach this role with the same principles and dedication I’ve brought to my work since day one.
One of the key highlights this week was the advancement of House Bill (HB) 1 in the House of Representatives. This bill aims to further reduce the state income tax and set the stage for an additional half-percent decrease in individual income tax rates starting in January 2026. With Republican-led tax reforms already returning $1.8 billion to Kentuckians, this legislation promises to keep more hard-earned dollars in the hands of families and businesses. The Senate received the bill on Thursday, gave it its first of three required readings, and approved it through the Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee. Upon our return to Frankfort, the Senate will act swiftly to finalize HB 1.
As is customary during the first week of the session, many new bills were introduced to address many policy areas. Several of these proposals stem from the extensive work conducted by interim task forces over the past year, including a measure in the Senate that would lift government barriers and red tape on faith-based organizations that wish to build affordable housing units on their existing property.
February and March will be fast-paced as we tackle pressing issues and advance policies to foster growth, create opportunities, and improve the quality of life for all Kentuckians. I remain dedicated to representing your interests and ensuring your voice is heard in the legislative process.
In closing, I want you to know that I’ll join Larry Glover LIVE on WVLK 590 AM/97.3 FM on Fridays at 2:05 p.m. EST during active session weeks: February 7, 14, 21, and 28 and March 7, 14, 21, and 28. I’ll provide an update on the week’s legislative activity. Listeners can tune in on air or at wvlkam.com. Podcasts of each episode and segment will be available for playback at wvlkam.com/podcasts. I hope you’ll listen in.
Additionally, I’m scheduled to join a Kentucky Educational Television panel at 8 p.m. EST on Monday, January 27, for Kentucky Tonight with Renee Shaw. We will discuss all the topics surrounding the legislative session. That will air live at KET.org/live, and playback will be available the following day at KET.org/program/kentucky-tonight.
Thank you for allowing me to serve you in the Kentucky Senate. Please contact my office at 502-564-5450 or Max.Wise@kylegislature.gov if you have any questions, concerns, or ideas.
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For updates, follow me on X (formerly Twitter) at @maxwellwise, and track the Senate Majority Caucus’ efforts at @KYSenateGOP on X and @kysenate.gop on Instagram. Press releases from the Senate Majority Caucus and information on members are also available at our website: kysenategop.com.
PHOTO: Senate Majority Floor Leader Max Wise participates in the first meeting of the Senate Education Committee. 1.9.25. Photo Credit: David Hargis, Photographer, Public Information Office, Legislative Research Commission.
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Sen. Max Wise, R-Campbellsville, represents the 16th Senate District, including Adair, Allen, Metcalfe, Monroe, and Taylor Counties and eastern Warren County. Wise serves as Senate majority floor leader. He is a member of the Senate Committees on Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor; Education; and Families and Children. As part of Senate leadership, Wise also serves on the Legislative Research Commission, the Rules Committee, and the Committee on Committees. He co-chaired the Workforce Attraction and Retention Task Force during the 2024 Interim.
(Dustin R. Isaacs – Office of Senate Majority Floor Leader Max Wise)