Senator Wheeler Appointed To Economic Development, Transportation And Cultural Affairs Committee Of Council of State Governments (CSG) Southern Region
FRANKFORT, KY (Feb. 4, 2025)—Sen. Phillip Wheeler, R-Pikeville, has been appointed by Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, to serve on the Economic Development, Transportation and Cultural Affairs Committee of The Council of State Governments Southern Office (CSG South).
As a committee member, Wheeler will collaborate with policymakers across the 15-member southern states to advance legislative initiatives that strengthen the region’s economic development, transportation, and cultural affairs. This appointment, with support from committee chair Sen. Becky Massey of Tennessee, offers him access to valuable research, legislative briefings, and expert resources provided by CSG South.
“I am honored to be appointed to this committee and look forward to collaborating with legislators from across the South to advance policies that strengthen economic development, improve transportation infrastructure, and promote cultural initiatives,” said Wheeler. “I recognize the importance of fostering regional partnerships that drive growth and create opportunities for our communities. I appreciate CSG South’s commitment to providing policymakers with the resources and collaborative platform needed to develop effective, forward-thinking solutions.”
Founded in 1947, CSG South is the largest of four regional offices under The Council of State Governments, dedicated to fostering intergovernmental cooperation among southern states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. The organization’s annual Southern Legislative Conference (SLC) is a premier regional event where policymakers convene to exchange ideas, discuss legislative initiatives, and explore emerging government solutions.
As a committee member, responsibilities will include
- representing Kentucky and engaging with fellow legislators to enhance regional economic and transportation policy initiatives,
- participating in committee sessions and business meetings at the Southern Legislative Conference,
- contributing to legislative roundtables and policy discussions,
- voting on key policy positions and committee leadership roles, and
- engaging in CSG South’s legislative briefings, webinars and leadership development programs.
Wheeler will serve a two-year term ending Dec. 31, 2026.
The 2025 Southern Legislative Conference will be in Birmingham, Alabama, on July 19-23. It will provide policymakers with a platform to engage in policy discussions, explore economic development strategies, and promote infrastructure and cultural affairs in the Southern region.
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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.
