State Representative Ken Fleming

03/31/2025

The 2025 session of the Kentucky General Assembly adjourned this past Friday. This will be the last time we will be in the Capitol as it is getting an overhaul for the next three to four years. We will be meeting in a temporary building adjacent to the Capitol and next to where our offices are located.

I wish to thank you many of you who traveled to Frankfort to voice your thoughts on various bills. It is an honor to serve you.

03/11/2025

The legislature is scheduled to adjourn the 2025 regular session by midnight, March 28. As this date now draws closer, the House and the Senate are exchanging the bills that each have passed.

Currently, the main bills that have passed both chambers are the following:

• SB 73 establishes sexual extortion (or known as sexploitation) as a felony. This involves explicit threats to coerce individuals, especially minors against their will or providing payments. There has been an increase in targeting minors via texting or other means and this bill significantly increases the penalties.

• HCR 20 directs the Legislative Research Commission to study increasing the access to sexual assault nurses. There is a growing trend and there is a need to increase the number of nurses to provide these services.

The House has passed many key measures relating to education, Medicaid, criminal justice, and more. The following bills were passed and will now move to the Senate for consideration:

• House Bill 10 protects the rights of property owners which is aimed at protection from unlawful occupation and damage caused by squatters. This measure would establish a streamlined process for law enforcement to remove unauthorized occupants from private property while enhancing penalties for those who unlawfully damage real estate.

• House Bill 14 provides additional student and school safety measures that would allow school districts to employ an enhanced security system that includes a wearable alert alarm system and direct the Center for School Safety to establish the Wearable Panic Alert Grant Program to support districts as they seek access to these devices.

• House Bill 48 reduces red tape for teachers such as burdensome administrative policies and standards that take a teacher's time away from the students in the classroom. This legislation would standardize professional development schedules, reduce the frequency of summative evaluations, and remove unnecessary requirements set by the Kentucky Department of Education, giving teachers more time to focus on instruction.

• House Bill 456 strengthens DUI penalties for repeat offenders who drive under the influence of drugs and enhance requirements for ignition interlock devices.

• House Bill 664 establishes a framework for the use of automated speed enforcement devices in highway work zones.

• House Joint Resolution 49 would direct the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) to submit a report to the Legislative Research Commission on the transfer information of student athletes from past two full academic and athletic years in order for the General Assembly to investigate governing polices and address concerns. This process will help streamline to eligibility of transfers.

• Medicaid is our second largest budget item and with the Federal government looking at making significant changes to the program, House Bill 9 that looks at the effectiveness and efficiency of Medicaid delivery under a newly created board called Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board. This is aimed at optimizing the delivery of health services in order to improve health outcomes in a cost efficient and effective manner. The panel would be comprised of lawmakers, health care providers, agency officials, and other stakeholders, and the board would be responsible for reviewing, analyzing, providing legislative oversight, and making recommendations to the General Assembly regarding the Kentucky Medicaid Program. It would also make recommendations on aspects including, but not limited to, benefits and coverage policies, network adequacy, reimbursement rates, payment methodologies, and administrative regulations.

• House Bill 298 would require the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) to annually review schools to determine their Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) status. Federal law requires CSI identification every three years, but this change would allow the KDE to identify schools yearly and provide support.

• House Bill 342 would mandate that Kentucky public high school students must complete a one credit course in financial literacy during their 11th or 12th grade year to meet graduation requirements. Financial literacy courses may include classes in areas such as budgeting, saving, investing, credit and debt, insurance and risk management, taxes, and more.

You can also contact me via email at [email protected] and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.

02/11/2025

01/28/2025

KENTUCKY HOUSE MAJORITY CAUCUS

Contact:
Lauren Holder
Communications Manager
Office of the Speaker
(502) 564-4334

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA RELEASE

Rep. Fleming Appointed to CSG South Fiscal Affairs & Government Operations Committee

Frankfort, Kentucky (January 27, 2025) – Representative Ken Fleming of Louisville was appointed to serve on the Council of State Governments South (CSG) Fiscal Affairs and Government Operations Committee, House Speaker David Osborne announced this week.

“It is an incredible honor to be appointed to the Fiscal Affairs and Government Operations Committee,” Fleming said. “I am committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability as we work to ensure responsible financial management and effective governance. I look forward to serving the Commonwealth with dedication and purpose.”

Fleming currently serves as the chair of the Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Family Services. He also serves as a member of the Appropriations and Revenue, Health Services, Primary and Secondary Education, and Local Government Committees.

“Kentucky’s participation in the Council on State Government’s provides both resources and an opportunity to collaborate with our legislative colleagues throughout the region,” House Speaker David Osborne added. “We learn a great deal about what worked and what failed in other states and it is more important than ever that we work together. The issues we face in areas like education, health care, energy resilience, and economic development, don’t recognize state boundaries.”
CSG’s Fiscal Affairs and Government Operations Committee provides a forum for leaders to discuss issues relating to tax policies and standards, government operations, government contracting, and budgeting.

Founded in 1947, the CSG South office is a member-driven organization and the largest of the four regions operating under The Council of State Governments. The mission of CSG South is to promote and strengthen intergovernmental cooperation among their 15 member states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. Predominately, this is achieved through the ongoing work of committees, the Executive Committee, and five additional standing committees.

For more information on CSG, click here.

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01/21/2025

KENTUCKY HOUSE MAJORITY CAUCUS

Contact:
Laura Leigh Goins
Deputy Chief of Staff for Media Relations
Office of Speaker David Osborne
(502) 682-6718 cell
(502) 564-4334 office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA RELEASE

Fleming Named Chair of Health Subcommittee

Frankfort, Kentucky (January 16, 2025) – Representative Ken Fleming of Louisville is the new Chair of the Kentucky House’s Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Family Services, House Speaker David Osborne announced this week.

“It is an honor to continue serving my district as Chair of this subcommittee,” Fleming said. “Our state faces numerous challenges in healthcare and family-related services. As Chair, I will advocate for a responsible approach to addressing our Commonwealth’s needs and ensure our state moves in the right direction.”

The Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Family Services is an extension of the Appropriations and Revenue Committee. The Committee makes budget recommendations for programs and other policy-related functions related to health and family services. Additionally, the subcommittee discusses policy recommendations from medical and family service professionals.

“I’m incredibly pleased to see the direction this committee is heading in under the leadership of Rep. Fleming,” Osborne added. “Committees are the backbone of the legislative process, serving as the critical mechanism by which complex issues are studied, debated, and refined. They allow legislators to focus on specific areas of policy, and provide a dedicated environment for public input, enabling citizens, experts, and advocacy groups to have their voices heard in the policymaking process.”

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, a committee chair “serves as the parliamentary head of a committee. The chair sets the committee’s agenda, determining when—or in many states, whether—bills will be considered.”

In addition to leading the committee, Fleming will also serve as a member of the Appropriations and Revenue; Health Services; Primary and Secondary Education; and Local Government committees.

The 2025 Regular Session convened on Tuesday, January 7 and legislators will meet for 30 legislative days before adjourning at the end of March. Kentuckians can keep up to date with legislative activity by visiting legislature.ky.gov or following on Facebook, Twitter, and most major social media outlets.

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01/20/2025

The General Assembly convened on January 7th to start the 2025 session and during this non-budget session, we typically look at bills to modify from the last session, strengthen currently statues, or fulfill obligations the General Assembly has committed.

As an example of fulfilling our obligations, we codified our commitment to reduce the state personal income tax to 3.5% (by passing HB 1) for tax year 2026. This represents over a 40% reduction since 2018 and in savings for you, this puts $1,250 back in your pocket based on wages on $50,000.

During the first week, the General Assembly used this time to appoint committee chairs, assign members to committees and approve rules in each chamber. For my committee assignments, I am a member of Local Government, Health Services, and Appropriations and Revenues. In addition, I am the Chair of Budget Review Committee for Health Services. This is a significant assignment as this committee will be diving into health services and the associated costs in delivering these services.

It’s an honor to serve you which I do not take lightly. As always, please let me know if you have any questions or comments by emailing me at [email protected] oy calling me at 502.564.8100.

12/27/2024

The General Assembly will begin on January 7th and run until the end of March. This is a non-budget year, but we will be taking up several issues with the first one being lowering your state personal income tax rate to 3.5%. This represents a drop of 40% since we enacted tax reform in 2018. Based on a $50,000 wage, this is $1,250 savings, putting more money in your pocket.

My committee assignments for the next two years include
Budget Review for Health Services (Chairman)
Appropriations and Revenue
Health Services
Local Government
Public Pension Oversight Board

12/25/2024

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to all. Peace be with you and your family.

12/22/2024

I recently attended the Wreaths Across America ceremony at Zachary Taylor Cemetery. This annual event pays tribute to those who served in the military by laying a wreath on the grave and saying the fallen patriot’s name. All 11,000 graves received a wreath. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this in honoring those who protect our life, liberty and pursuit of happiness.

Although I’m not related to John Fleming, I always place a wreath on his gravesite. Peace be with you and your family.

11/11/2024

My 97 year old father served in the US Army during the Korean War and we often talk about those who serve. He told me that our country is changing but we should hold dear these men and women who made a conscious commitment to put their life on the line to defeat our enemies, both foreign and domestic. Thank you for upholding life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

10/31/2024

For some time, I have been working on the installation of this significant traffic safety initiative. Councilman Reed was very helpful in helping this come to fruition.

We anticipate that there will be a reduction in accidents so you can travel safely around the Norton Commons and Glen Oaks neighborhoods.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: New Traffic Signal Now Active on KY 1694 (Brownsboro Road) in Jefferson County

Signal activated today, Oct. 31

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Oct. 31, 2024) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) announces the activation of a new traffic signal on KY 1694 (Brownsboro Road) at the intersection of Stone School Road and Norton Commons Boulevard in Jefferson County.

Electronic message boards have been placed at the intersection to alert drivers of the change. Additionally, new pavement markings have been installed to support the updated traffic flow. Motorists should use caution when approaching the newly signalized intersection and adhere to the new traffic patterns

10/31/2024

As my committment to the healthcare community that encompasses education and economic development, the Council for Post Secondary Education and I handed out $11.8 million in awards to institutions whereby they will award scholarships to individuals entering nursing, EMT, mental health, dental assistants and several other professions. UL received $4.8 million for their program.

I led the charge on HB 200 which is now a national model that is currently being discussed in Congress.

When it comes to healthcare, I am serious in elevating your quality life.

CPE and Kentucky Higher Education

NEWS RELEASE
Release Date: Oct. 30, 2024
Contact: Melissa Young
859-321-0566
[email protected]

CPE awards $11.8 million in Healthcare Workforce Investment Fund dollars to postsecondary healthcare training programs

(FRANKFORT, Ky.) -- The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) awarded $11.8 million in matching dollars to 33 eligible postsecondary healthcare programs offered by 19 education and training providers, in partnership with regional employers. The awards were announced today in Lexington as part of CPE’s Healthcare Workforce Collaboratory event, attended by nearly 200 healthcare representatives from across the Commonwealth.

Monies were made possible by state appropriations to the Healthcare Workforce Investment Fund (HWIF), enacted by the Kentucky General Assembly in 2023. A majority of the fund supports scholarships for students enrolled in targeted programs in areas of critical workforce need, while the remainder rewards innovation and excellence among professional healthcare education and training programs.

To be eligible, postsecondary programs must partner with one or more healthcare employers, who pledge a dollar amount to be matched by the HWIF. Students who receive partnership-funded scholarships will be required to practice in Kentucky in their specialty area for each year of financial support they receive, not to exceed two years. Eastern Kentucky University’s School of Nursing was the only program to receive an incentive fund award, thanks to a $75,000 contribution from Humana.

“The awards we announced today are a win-win for Kentucky’s students, employers and patients,” said CPE President Aaron Thompson, who was on hand to recognize recipients. “This innovative, public-private partnership will go a long way toward strengthening the state’s healthcare workforce, alleviating critical shortages in certain regions and areas of practice, and helping the state achieve better health outcomes overall.”

The award recipients with their partners are listed below.

Bellarmine University: $1,000,000

with Anesthesia Services of Kentucky, PLCC (nurse anesthesia)
Big Sandy Community and Technical College: $130,000

with Pikeville Medical Center - $60,000 (nursing)
with Appalachian Regional Healthcare - $70,000 (nursing)
Bluegrass Community and Technical College: $11,474

with Boyle County EMS (paramedicine)
Bridge Valley Community and Technical College: $60,000

with Rowan County EMS (emergency medical services)
Campbellsville University: $45,000

with Taylor Regional Health - $15,000 (radiography)
with Taylor Regional Health - $30,000 (nursing)
Central Kentucky Paramedic Education Consortium: $11,214

with Jessamine County EMS (paramedicine)
Eastern Kentucky University: $150,000

with Humana (nursing)
Hazard Community and Technical College: $140,000

with Appalachian Regional Healthcare - $35,000 (licensed practical nursing)
with Appalachian Regional Healthcare - $35,000 (nuclear medicine imaging)
with Appalachian Regional Healthcare - $70,000 (nursing)
Hopkinsville/Christian County Paramedic Program: $95,556

With Ambulance Service Corporation, Barren-Metcalfe EMS (emergency medicine)
Maysville Community and Technical College: $220,000

with University of Kentucky St. Claire - $100,000 (respiratory therapy)
with University of Kentucky St. Claire - $120,000 (physical therapy assistant)
Midway University: $80,000

with CHI St. Joseph Health (nursing)
Morehead State University: $100,000

with CHI St. Joseph Health (nursing)
Northern Kentucky University: $2,120,000

with Children’s Home of Northern Kentucky - $100,000 (social work)
with OrthoCincy Orthopedics and Sports Medicine - $20,000 (radiologic science)
with Elizabeth Healthcare - $1,000,000 (nursing)
with Elizabeth Healthcare - $700,000 (radiologic science)
with Elizabeth Healthcare - $300,000 (respiratory care)
Owensboro Community and Technical College: $150,000

with Owensboro Health (radiography)
Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College: $780,000

with Med Center Health - $170,000 (nursing)
with Med Center Health - $10,000 (radiography)
with TJ Samson Regional Health - $450,000 (nursing)
with TJ Samson Regional Health - $150,000 (licensed practical nursing)
Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College: $91,000

with Appalachian Regional Healthcare - $21,000 (physical therapy assistant)
with Appalachian Regional Healthcare – $70,000 (nursing)
University of Pikeville: $98,000

with Pikeville Medical Center (nursing)
University of Louisville: $4,880,000

with UofL Health and Owensboro Health (nursing)
Western Kentucky University: $1,592,464

with Baptist Health Hardin, Med Center Health, Owensboro Health and TJ Samson Regional Health - $994,268 (nursing)
with LifeSkills, Inc. - $147,012 (social work)
with Baptist Health Hardin, Graves Gilbert Clinic, LifeSkills, Inc. and TJ Samson Regional Health - $451,184 (social work)

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10/17/2024

Seven Counties is a great organization that works with people of ages for thier mental health needs. As a community-based service, they provide a full range of behavioral setvices, substance use treatment and intellectual and developmental disabilities.

It is a pleasure to work with them and I am honored to receive thier 2024 Behavior Health Champion.

10/04/2024

FYI

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet • District 5
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Morgan Woodrum
502.764.0481 (office)
502.408.1985 (cell)
[email protected]

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Overnight Closures of the East End Tunnel Beginning Monday, Oct. 14, in Jefferson County
Routine inspection scheduled

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Oct. 4, 2024) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) advises motorists of nightly closures of the East End Tunnel beginning Monday, Oct. 14, in Jefferson County.

KY 841 North (Gene Snyder Freeway) will be closed from 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 14, through 6 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15. The closure will continue at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15, through 6 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16. KY 841 North will be closed beyond Exit 37/Prospect (U.S. 42), limiting access to the East End Tunnel/Lewis and Clark Bridge to Jeffersonville, Indiana. The suggested detour is to continue south on U.S. 42 to I-264 East, then take I-71 South to I-65 North to the Abraham Lincoln Bridge.

Indiana 265 East will be closed from 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16, through 6 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 17. The closure will continue at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, through 6 a.m. Friday, Oct. 18. IN 265 East will be closed beyond Exit 11/International Drive in Jeffersonville, Indiana, limiting access to the East End Tunnel/Lewis and Clark Bridge to Louisville, Kentucky. The suggested detour is to head back to IN 265 West and take Exit 7B to I-65 South to the John F. Kennedy Memorial Bridge.

The closures are necessary for contract crews to perform the routine inspection of the tunnel. Motorists should follow posted detours and plan ahead when traveling.

The date and duration of this work may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen delays occur. Visit goky.ky.gov for the latest in traffic and travel information in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. You can also get traffic information for the District 5 counties on Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter).

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09/19/2024

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet • District 5
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Morgan Woodrum
502.764.0481 (office)
502.408.1985 (cell)
[email protected]

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Overnight I-71 Ramp Closure and I-264 West Lane Closures Beginning Monday, Sept. 23, in Jefferson County
Contract crews to patch asphalt pavement

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Sept. 19, 2024) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) advises motorists of an overnight ramp closure on Interstate 71 North and lane closures on Interstate 264 West beginning Monday, Sept. 23, in Jefferson County.

The ramp from I-71 North to I-264 West will be closed from 9 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 23, until 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 24. Lane closures will be in place on I-264 West near mile point 22.6 during the same time period. These closures are necessary to allow contract crews to patch the asphalt pavement.

Drivers should follow signed detours, use caution and expect delays while traveling through the work zone.

The date and duration of this work may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen delays occur. Visit goky.ky.gov for the latest in traffic and travel information in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. You can also get traffic information for the District 5 counties on Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter).

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09/17/2024

GOOD NEWS!!!

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet • District 5

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Morgan Woodrum
502.764.0481 (office)
502.408.1985 (cell)
[email protected]

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: KY 22 (Brownsboro Road) Intersection Improvement Project Now Complete
Roadway to fully reopen to traffic today by 5 p.m.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Sept. 17, 2024) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) advises motorists of the completion of the KY 22 (Brownsboro Road) and Springcrest Drive intersection improvement project. As of today, Sept. 17, at 5 p.m., the roadway will be fully reopened to traffic, providing safety and operational improvements for drivers and pedestrians.

This $5.1 million project, which began in August 2023, improves safety and traffic flow at the KY 22 (Brownsboro Road) and Springcrest Drive intersection. The project included the reconstruction of two 11-foot travel lanes and the addition of a dedicated left-turn lane. A new six-foot sidewalk was also constructed along the north side of KY 22, extending from Cliffwynde Trace to Brownhurst Cove Road.

While full traffic will resume today, work to complete some final details of the project is still underway and intermittent lane closures remain possible.

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