These final days are an important part of the process. They ensure that the work Kentuckians sent us here to do is completed and that every piece of legislation is fully considered before it takes effect.
Delivering a responsible budget and real results
Over the last full week of session, we took major steps to finalize a responsible budget and make smart investments that will benefit communities across Kentucky, including those right here in our 1st Senate District.
We approved a balanced two-year budget that continues strong support for education, fully funds pensions and brings more oversight to Medicaid. In total, the budget directs more than $32 billion toward core services and essential government functions.
We also decided to limit spending growth in other areas to ensure long-term stability. This approach reflects a commitment to responsible budgeting while continuing to invest in priorities that matter most to Kentucky families.
Education
Over the next two years, we increased per-pupil funding by 2 percent to continue supporting our public schools. We also committed an additional $500 million to strengthen our pension system, building on years of progress that have led to one of the most significant turnarounds in the country.
In total, SEEK funding alone exceeds $7 billion, with additional support going toward early childhood education, student services and classroom support. These investments reflect our ongoing commitment to students, teachers and families across Kentucky.
Medicaid
Medicaid continues to be one of the fastest-growing areas of our budget, now accounting for about $6 billion in state funding each year, second only to K-12 education.
We took steps in this budget to increase oversight and control costs while protecting services for those who rely on the program. At the same time, we limited spending growth in other areas of government to keep the budget sustainable long term.
One-time transformative investments
As a meaningful investment in Kentucky’s future, we passed House Bill (HB) 900 to invest $1.7 billion from our budget reserve trust fund into communities across Kentucky. We are directing these dollars toward infrastructure, economic development and workforce needs without creating new ongoing costs in
















