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On Tuesday, January 7, 2025, state legislators return to Frankfort to kick-off the “short” 30-day Regular Session of the Kentucky General Assembly. In contrast to the 60-day Session, the shorter Session focuses on the legislature’s priorities outside of the biennial budgetary process. Special taskforces met over the legislative Interim related to housing affordability, workforce attraction and retention, artificial intelligence, and school governance in the Commonwealth. Legislation is anticipated from those working group meetings.  2024 Commerce Lexington Legislative Appreciation Breakfast presented by Kentucky Eagle, Inc. (Photo by Shelly Dawn Photography) Following the November elections, a new General Assembly gavels in on January 7, with approximately twenty new lawmakers beginning their first terms in 2025. Republicans maintained their supermajorities in both the Kentucky House of Representatives, 80-20 and Senate, 31-7. The House Majority leadership remains unchanged. Speaker David Osborne (R-Prospect); Speaker Pro-Tempore David Meade (R-Stanford); Majority Floor Leader Steven Rudy (R-Paducah); Majority Caucus Chair Suzanne Miles (R-Owensboro); and Majority Whip Jason Nemes (R-Middletown) all retained their positions. House Minority leadership is brand new because Minority Leader Derrick Graham (D-Frankfort) and Minority Whip Rachel Roberts (D-Covington) retired from the House this year, and Minority Caucus Chair Cherlynn Stevenson (D-Lexington) lost her bid for re-election. New Minority Leadership will be led by Minority Leader Pamela Stevenson (D-Louisville), Minority Whip Lindsey Burke (D-Lexington), and Minority Caucus Chair Al Gentry (D-Louisville).
Continue reading for more information on key changes in Frankfort and to find out what Commerce Lexington and regional leaders will be advocating for in 2025.  Commerce Lexington is proud to announce the members of its 2025 Ambassador Committee, a selective group of volunteers who serve as an extension of the Commerce Lexington Inc. staff, ensuring that member businesses get the most out of their membership. Ambassadors help educate members on benefits, programs, and events, as well as represent Commerce Lexington at ribbon cuttings, grand openings, networking functions, and open houses.
Bob Quick, president and CEO of Commerce Lexington, said, “Our Ambassador Committee is so important to the success of our organization. With so many members, it can be difficult for our team to interact with all of them on a one-on-one basis, so the Ambassadors provide that extra connection to help them access information and resources to grow their businesses. We greatly appreciate their efforts and look forward to a fantastic 2025.” Regional Leaders Convene for Full-day Event Aimed at Elevating the Region's Competitiveness12/4/2024
Written by: Josh McCurn, Haymaker Company  November 14, 2024- Leadership Lexington Class of 2024-25, affectionately dubbed the “Best Class Ever,” added a new accolade to their name: “Most Fiscally Responsible.” During Government Day, participants were immersed in the multifaceted operations of local government, gaining insight into the roles, challenges, and opportunities that define Lexington’s governance. For many—including myself, with a previous background at LFUCG—it was both a chance to revisit familiar ground and an opportunity to explore new initiatives shaping our city’s future.
 With all eyes on the Presidential election results, multiple federal, state, and local elections took place in the 9-county, Greater LEX region on Tuesday. Total voter turnout in Kentucky reached nearly 59%, with 792,000 Kentuckians taking part in early voting, a record-high number.
SIXTH DISTRICT CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT: Starting with Kentucky’s Sixth Congressional District, incumbent U.S. Representative Andy Barr won re-election by defeating Democratic challenger Randy Cravens 63.4% to 36.6% of the vote. As of today, the U.S. House of Representatives majority remains unknown as races are too close to call in the suburbs of California and across the country. STATEWIDE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS: Statewide, two Constitutional amendments were present on the ballot. Amendment 1 prohibits non-citizens from voting in local and state elections. This amendment passed 62.4 to 37.6%. Amendment 2 would have allowed the Kentucky General Assembly the ability to debate whether public education funding could be available to non-public education initiatives and institutions. This amendment was defeated 64.8 to 35.2%. KENTUCKY SUPREME COURT: The Kentucky Supreme Court also had a race in District 5 to replace retiring Chief Justice Laurance B. VanMeter. Court of Appeals Judge Pamela R. Goodwine defeated Erin Izzo 76.8 to 23.2% to become Kentucky’s first African American female Supreme Court Justice. |
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COMMERCE LEXINGTON® and the Commerce Lexington logo are registered trademarks of Commerce Lexington.
330 East Main Street, Suite 100, Lexington, Kentucky, 40507
Phone: (859) 254-4447