January 10, 2025
SENATOR PHILLIP WHEELER’S LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Week 1 of the 2025 Regular Session
Winter has hit Kentucky hard as we began the first week of the 2025 Regular Session. Snow and ice made for a tough start. With more on the way, I want to thank the road crews and utility workers for working hard to keep our roads clear and the power on. We appreciate all that you do for our communities.
This week marked the start of our 30-day “short session,” which began with four productive days. We’ll return to Frankfort on Tuesday, February 4, to continue legislative business.
One major development this week was the House’s advancement of House Bill (HB) 1. This legislation proposes another reduction in the state income tax, lowering individual income tax rates by an additional half-percent starting in January 2026. These reforms have already put $1.8 billion back into the hands of Kentuckians, and this bill builds on that success. The Senate will finalize HB 1 swiftly when we return in February.
This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the Kentucky Senate achieving a Republican majority. This milestone is a testament to the values and priorities we’ve championed for the past quarter-century. When I was elected as a state senator for the 31st District on March 19, 2019, as the 29thmember of the Republican Senate Caucus, I became the first Republican to hold that seat since 1966. Since that time, two additional Republicans have been elected bringing the total number to 31 out of 38 senators. It’s an honor to continue building on this legacy as we work toward a stronger future for Kentucky.
The weeks ahead will be fast-paced as we tackle important issues for our commonwealth. I’m here to represent you and ensure your voice is heard in Frankfort.
Stay Connected
- Contact Lawmakers: Leave messages through the Legislative Research Commission’s toll-free line at 800-372-7181 or find your legislator at legislature.ky.gov using the “Find Your Legislator” tool.
- Track Bills and Meetings: Stay updated on legislative proceedings by visiting legislature.ky.gov, watching live at KET.org/Legislature, or accessing archived footage on the LRC YouTube Channel.
- Follow on social media: For updates, follow me on X @SenWheeler31 or track the Senate Majority Caucus at @KYSenateGOP on X and Instagram. Press releases from the Senate Majority Caucus and information on members are also available at kysenategop.com.
It’s a privilege to serve you in Frankfort. If you have questions or ideas, feel free to contact my office at 502-564-8100 or email me atPhillip.Wheeler@kylegislature.gov.
Stay safe and warm!
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Sen. Phillip Wheeler, R-Pikeville, represents Kentucky’s 31st Senate District, including Elliott, Johnson, Lawrence, Martin, and Pike Counties. Wheeler serves as chair of the Senate Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor Committee and vice chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. He is also co-chair of the Capital Planning Advisory Board. Additionally, Wheeler is a member of the Senate Committees on Transportation, Natural Resources and Energy, and Licensing and Occupations.
