WHEELER TO CHAIR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TOURISM, AND LABOR COMMITTEE
Additional committee assignments announced
FRANKFORT, KY (Dec. 9, 2024)—Senate Majority Leadership has announced that Sen. Phillip Wheeler, R-Pikeville, will serve as the new chair of the Senate Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor Committee. The committee’s jurisdiction encompasses a broad range of issues, including commerce, industry, workforce development, tourism, economic planning, labor laws, and the promotion of state parks, historic sites, and arts facilities.
“Phillip Wheeler is a proven leader and a tireless advocate for economic development across Kentucky,” said Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester. “His deep understanding of the unique challenges facing rural communities, combined with his commitment to ensuring that all regions of our state benefit from economic growth, makes him an excellent choice to lead this committee. I am confident that under his leadership, the committee will foster innovative policies that create jobs, support businesses, and enhance Kentucky’s tourism and economic potential.”
As chair, Wheeler will oversee critical issues such as workforce training, business recruitment, collective bargaining, unemployment compensation, and workers’ compensation, as well as policies aimed at boosting tourism and preserving Kentucky’s cultural and historical assets.
“I am honored to be named chair of the Senate Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor Committee,” said Wheeler. “As one of the most vocal advocates for investment and job growth in rural Kentucky, this role provides a tremendous opportunity to advance policies that bring the economic growth that we are seeing in the “Golden Triangle” and Bowling Green areas to the Eastern and Western ends of our state that have struggled in recent years while at the same time ensuring that our traditional economic centers continue their track record of success since the emergence of the Republican supermajorities in the Legislature. I especially want to promote a growing tourism economy throughout our beautiful Commonwealth. I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure Kentucky remains a competitive and thriving state for its residents and visitors alike. I am grateful to have been paired with a dedicated vice-chair in Northern Kentucky, Senator Shelley Funke Frommeyer brings not only energy and an innovative spirit, but also vast financial management skills gained from her work in the private sector.”
In addition to his chairmanship, Wheeler will continue to serve as vice chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary and as a liaison member of the Budget Review Subcommittee on Economic Development and Tourism, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection. He is also a member of the Senate Standing Committees on Transportation and Natural Resources and Energy, as well as the Legislative Oversight and Investigations Committee.
Wheeler represents Kentucky’s 31st Senate District, which includes Pike, Martin, Lawrence, Elliott, and Morgan Counties.
