LEGISLATIVE UPDATE - Promises Kept: Legislature continues commitment to cutting individual income tax

The first week of the 2025 Regular Session is already behind us as members of the Kentucky House of Representatives convened at Noon on Tuesday, January 7 and left Frankfort after a busy, successful four days. We moved full speed ahead into the 159[th] Regular Session and accomplished several goals for this year, while laying the groundwork for the legislation we will take up when we return to Frankfort on February 4. 
This session is a bit different from those of recent years because we have no massive legislative packages to consider. Over the past several sessions, the legislature has wrestled with budgets, redistricting, and providing resources for Kentuckians during the pandemic while addressing the executive branch's overreach. This year, we have an opportunity to devote a great deal of attention to other important issues, including growing our workforce, and ensuring resources are reaching Kentucky classrooms. 
 Of course, the legislature will also take some time to deal with administrative work, particularly since new members get accustomed to the process, and several legislative committees are under new leadership. It goes without saying there will be a learning curve for all of us. 
 The first piece of legislation that came across our desks this week was HB 1, which would lower the state's individual income tax to 3.5% in 2026. Economists estimate the tax cut will leave approximately $718 million in the pockets of Kentucky taxpayers in the first fiscal year of full implementation. This tax cut reflects the simple philosophy that the men and women who work hard should be the ones who decide how they spend the money they earn. It is also the next step in our work to eliminate the state's individual income tax and build on what the legislature has already done to make our state more competitive and stop penalizing productivity and work. HB 1 now heads to the Senate for their consideration. 
 As we wrap up part one of this year's legislative session, I believe the future is bright for Kentucky as we continue our work to create sound, responsible fiscal and social policy. As I mentioned earlier, we will return to Frankfort on February 4 to reconvene and take up more legislation. More than 200 bills have already been filed for consideration, including legislation aimed at protecting our most vulnerable, improving education, and making health care more accessible. If you would like to review the bills, visit the Legislative Record section on the Legislative Research Commission's website at legislature.ky.gov. 
 I am eager to continue working for the people of our district and make Kentucky a state where people wish to live, grow businesses, and raise families. In addition to filing and passing legislation, legislative committees also began meeting. I am pleased to share that I will be serving on the Appropriations and Revenue, Primary and Secondary Education, Post-Secondary Education, Economic Development, and Tourism committees. 
As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via email at Timmy.Truett@kylegislature.gov and keep track through the Kentucky legislature's website at legislature.ky.gov.