Mitch Whitaker, 94th District State Representative

Mitch Whitaker, 94th District State Representative Official page of Mitch Whitaker, State Representative for Kentucky's 94th District. Representing Harlan (part), Letcher, and Pike (part) Counties.

Today in 1792, Kentucky became the 15th State admitted into the Union. The Commonwealth is a one-of-a-kind place, and I ...
06/01/2026

Today in 1792, Kentucky became the 15th State admitted into the Union. The Commonwealth is a one-of-a-kind place, and I can’t express how proud I am to be a Kentuckian.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATERepresentative Mitchum Whitaker We celebrate our Commonwealth’s role in making America during Kentucky...
05/29/2026

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Representative Mitchum Whitaker

We celebrate our Commonwealth’s role in making America during Kentucky History Month
In 2025, the legislature officially designated June as Kentucky History Month, ensuring our commonwealth has a dedicated time each year to reflect on the people, events, and ideals that shaped who we are today. June was chosen because of its deep significance in Kentucky history. Our state was admitted to the Union as the 15th state on June 1, 1792, marking 234 years since Kentucky officially joined the nation.

While recognizing history may seem like a small gesture, preserving and honoring our heritage matters because it allows us to learn from both the triumphs and hardships of the past. Kentucky’s story is inseparable from the story of America itself, particularly during the Revolutionary era when this region represented the nation’s western frontier and a gateway to expansion, resilience, and opportunity. By recognizing Kentucky History Month, we not only celebrate the pioneers, veterans, builders, and communities who laid the foundations of our commonwealth, but also ensure future generations understand the lessons, sacrifices, and complexities that brought us to where we are today.

However, the history of our commonwealth stretches beyond 1792. In fact, Kentucky was once known as Kentucke County, Virginia. Formed on New Years Eve 1776, Kentucke County existed for nearly four years with its seat located in present day Harrodsburg. The Virginia government also appointed officers to form a militia for the protection of the county during the Revolutionary War, the names of whom read like a roll-call list of the frontier heroes who would eventually be instrumental to the founding of our commonwealth: George Rogers Clark, John Todd, Benjamin Logan, Daniel Boone, and James Harrod. By 1780 though, Kentucke County was abolished and divided into Fayette, Jefferson, and Lincoln counties. By the time Kentucky gained statehood in 1792, the number of counties had grown to include Bourbon, Madison, Mason, Mercer, Nelson, and Woodford.

Despite continuous efforts throughout this period though, Kentucky’s path to statehood was not simple. Settlers had numerous reasons why they wished to separate from Virginia, most of which was due to their location on the American frontier. In order to be represented in state government, call out their militia, or even trade on the Mississippi River, Kentuckians were forced to make the long and arduous journey back to Virginia. With a quickly increasing population and consistent troubles with local natives, the desire for statehood only continued to grow. While Kentucky received the consent of Virginia to become a state in 1788, due to the ongoing ratification of the new United States Constitution it was advised that Kentucky wait until after it was officially adopted to make their final push for statehood.

This final push came in 1792 when a convention was called in Danville to finalize a draft of the state’s first constitution. It was accepted by Congress on June 1st of that year, and Kentucky was officially admitted as the 15th state.

As we celebrate this year’s anniversary of statehood with the first Kentucky History Month, it is also important to remember the other milestones that have both recently passed and are on the near horizon. Two years ago, Harrodsburg celebrated its 250th anniversary, and recognized its legacy as the commonwealth’s oldest city. Last year, both Lexington and Fort Boonesborough marked their 250th anniversaries. This year, the United States of America marks 250 years of independence on July 4.

Known as a sestercentennial, celebrations and events will be hosted across the nation in cities both large and small to commemorate the history of our country and the enduring legacy of the Declaration of Independence.

These celebrations are being spearheaded by America250, an organization established in partnership with the federal government as well as a multitude of other entities in order to effectively prepare for the coming year. Here in Kentucky, America 250 has partnered with the Kentucky Historical Society in order to plan statewide events and provide educational resources to commemorate our history and cherish what it means to be a Kentuckian. For more information regarding these Kentucky events, please visit their website at history.ky.gov. For more information regarding national events, please visit America250’s website at america250.org.

In closing, I would like to sincerely thank the Kentucky Historical Society as well as all who have been involved in commemorating the history of both our commonwealth and our country for these momentous occasions. I also encourage everyone to participate in these once-in-a-lifetime festivities, and celebrate the legacy of those who made today possible.

As always, I welcome your thoughts and questions. You may reach me through the toll-free message line at 1-800-372-7181 or by email at [email protected] You may also track our work at legislature.ky.gov.

Join me as we remember and honor our fallen heroes on this Memorial Day weekend.
05/25/2026

Join me as we remember and honor our fallen heroes on this Memorial Day weekend.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATERepresentative Mitch Whitaker Honoring the fallen: the process of the dignified transferThere are mome...
05/22/2026

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Representative Mitch Whitaker

Honoring the fallen: the process of the dignified transfer
There are moments in the life of a nation when words feel inadequate. The loss of an American servicemember is one of those moments. Behind every folded flag is a son or daughter, a husband or wife, a parent, friend, neighbor, or hometown hero who answered the call to serve something greater than themselves. They stood willing to defend not only the borders of our country, but the ideals that define it: liberty, democracy, justice, and the enduring belief that freedom is worth protecting.

For generations, brave Americans have worn the uniform knowing the risks that accompany service. They have deployed to distant corners of the world, endured long separations from loved ones, and carried burdens that most citizens will never fully understand. Some returned home forever changed. Others never returned at all. Their sacrifice is woven into the very fabric of our nation, purchased at great cost by men and women who believed future generations deserved to live free.

One of the most solemn and powerful traditions honoring that sacrifice is the dignified transfer. Though few Americans witness it firsthand, it represents one of the military’s highest acts of respect and reverence for those who gave their lives in service to our country.

A dignified transfer takes place when the remains of a fallen servicemember are returned home to the United States, most often arriving at Dover Air Force Base. The process is carried out with extraordinary precision, discipline, and care. Every movement is deliberate. Every detail reflects honor.

When the aircraft carrying the fallen arrives, a carry team composed of fellow servicemembers stands ready on the flight line. Dressed in uniform, they move in synchronized silence as the aircraft door opens. The transfer case bearing the American flag is carefully lifted from the aircraft with dignity and respect. There is no applause, no spectacle, and no political division - only solemn gratitude and the quiet of heartbreak.

Often present are members of the service member’s family, who witness the return of their loved one surrounded by military honors. Chaplains, casualty officers, and support personnel stand beside them through every step of the process. For grieving families, the dignified transfer is more than a ceremony. It is a promise kept by a grateful nation: that their loved one will never be forgotten.

The process itself reflects the values instilled in every branch of the United States military -discipline, sacrifice, duty, honor, and country. Funeral honors may later include an honor guard, a rifle salute, the sounding of Taps, and the presentation of the folded American flag to the servicemember’s next of kin. Each tradition carries deep meaning, symbolizing respect not only for the individual who served, but for the ideals they defended.

Another version of the dignified transfer took place recently, after the remains of more than 40 Revolutionary War soldiers were discovered in New York. Nearly 250 years after their deaths, the soldiers’ remains were escorted from the New York State Museum to their place of reinterment in a procession of vintage military vehicles and motorcycles.

For many Americans, these ceremonies offer a powerful reminder that freedom is not abstract. It has names, faces, and stories. It is defended by ordinary people who choose extraordinary service. The rights we often take for granted - the ability to speak freely, worship freely, vote freely, and pursue our own futures - have been preserved through the courage of those willing to place themselves in harm’s way on behalf of others.

Kentucky has long contributed to that legacy of service and sacrifice. From the battlefields of the Mexican-American War and the Civil War to Normandy, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, Kentuckians have answered the call time and again. Communities across the Commonwealth know the pain of loss – including two soldiers lost in Operation Epic Fury. Hardin County native Staff Sergeant Benjamin Pennington and Nelson County native Technical Sergeant Ashley Brooke Pruitt.

As Americans, we can never fully repay the debt owed to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. But we can honor them by remembering their stories, supporting the families they left behind, and living lives worthy of the freedoms they fought to preserve. We honor them when we come together as one nation, recognizing that the liberties we enjoy were secured through selflessness, bravery, and devotion to country.

The dignified transfer serves as a powerful symbol of that national gratitude. It is a reminder that behind every uniform is a life devoted to service and a sacrifice that must never be forgotten.

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 [email protected] and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.

National EMS Week is an observation of the rapid and first response of trained professionals in emergencies providing he...
05/18/2026

National EMS Week is an observation of the rapid and first response of trained professionals in emergencies providing health care services. Thank you for keeping our community safe!

LEGISLATIVE UPDATERepresentative Mitch Whitaker There are many paths to a bright future for graduatesWith graduation sea...
05/18/2026

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Representative Mitch Whitaker

There are many paths to a bright future for graduates
With graduation season upon the Commonwealth, many Kentucky students are preparing to walk across the stage, receive their diplomas, and step into their next chapter. Whether it be high school, technical school, or college graduation, these ceremonies are the celebration of a student’s hard work, perseverance, and strength. They pushed through everything life threw their way, and were able to cross the finish line. Regardless if they thrived or barely survived, each student still walks across the same stage.

Graduation means the closing of one chapter, and the beginning of another. While this season is often filled with excitement, for some graduates it can also bring uncertainty about what lies ahead and an excess of tough decisions. For many, they will decide to leave home in order to seek a higher education or an employment opportunity.

For years, students have been faced with the rhetoric that there is only one path to success: earning a four-year college degree and starting a career thereafter. While higher education remains an important option, it is not the only road to a fulfilling, successful, and financially stable future. In Kentucky, we are fortunate to live in a state that recognizes and values many different pathways to opportunity.

The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) offers students a practical, affordable, and highly respected way to begin building careers in fields that are essential to our economy. From advanced manufacturing and healthcare to information technology and skilled trades, KCTCS equips students with the tools they need to enter the workforce quickly and often with little to no debt.
Kentucky’s skilled trades programs, apprenticeships, and workforce training opportunities are also very important to our economy. Welders, electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, heavy equipment operators, construction workers, and carpenters are not only in demand, they are the backbone of our state’s growth.

Across the Commonwealth, construction projects continue to transform our communities. New schools, roads, hospitals, housing, and economic development sites lay the foundation for Kentucky’s future. These projects do more than create loud noise and traffic issues; they create good-paying jobs, strengthen local economies, and improve quality of life for generations to come. These projects cannot happen without skilled workers.

As Kentucky continues to attract new businesses and make strategic investments in infrastructure, the need for trained, dependable workers has never been greater. Good-paying careers are available right now, many of them without requiring a traditional four-year degree.
For graduates who may feel pressure to have every detail figured out, I want to offer this encouragement: your path does not have to be like anyone else’s.

Success should not be measured by whether you attend a university, enroll in technical school, begin an apprenticeship, join the workforce, or choose military service. Success should be measured by your willingness to work hard and continue learning.

Kentucky needs teachers and engineers, but we also need welders and linemen. We need nurses and entrepreneurs, but we also need builders and mechanics. Every role matters and every path leads to a purpose.

To the graduates of the Class of 2026: this is your time. You do not need all the answers today. Take the next steps with confidence and explore your options. Be open to opportunities you may not have considered. Your future may look different than you imagined and it may be even better because of it.

In closing, I would like to offer a piece of advice that guided me through many seasons of life; focus on what you can control. Not getting into your first-choice school or narrowly missing out on a job opportunity may feel discouraging but these setbacks do not define your future. The way you carry on will.

The Commonwealth is counting on your generation to help build what comes next. Whether that means building bridges, businesses, communities, or dreams, know this: your work will matter. Congratulations, graduates. Kentucky’s future is bright because of you.

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 [email protected] and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.

Wishing you and your family a Happy Mother’s Day!
05/10/2026

Wishing you and your family a Happy Mother’s Day!

LEGISLATIVE UPDATERepresentative Mitch Whitaker Elections: America’s 250 year tradition of democratic participationThe U...
05/07/2026

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Representative Mitch Whitaker

Elections: America’s 250 year tradition of democratic participation
The United States of America was founded on the ideal of no taxation without representation, a phrase coined in the 1760s by a Boston attorney and patriot. This phrase helped spur men across all 13 colonies to come together, form an uneasy union, and cast off British rule. In their wisdom, and according to their ideals, America’s founding fathers established a constitutional republic, where citizens are free to elect the leaders who will represent them in the halls of government.

The cornerstone of our republic is the right to vote and the peaceful transition of power. The American identity is dependent on free and fair elections among its citizens, protected and scrutinized by those same voters.

On May 19, our commonwealth will hold the first election of the year. In the May primary, the political parties of our commonwealth will determine their nominees for the November General Election that ultimately reaffirms or replaces our elected officials.

Our elections depend on members of our community to work efficiently and effectively. Of course, it relies on people like you and me to go to the polls and cast our votes for the candidates we support, but it also relies on others to staff the polls, tabulate votes, and protect against fraud or abuse of the system.

Our elections would not be as efficient and convenient without poll workers. In recent years, the number of eager participants for this job has dwindled, making elections more difficult to manage. I would encourage you to look for an opportunity like this to ensure that our communities have the people and infrastructure in place to conduct free and fair elections. For more information on how to contribute to our elections, please visit elect.ky.gov/Voters/Pages/Become-a-Precinct-Election-Officer.aspx.

Precinct election officers work the polls to ensure that elections are conducted fairly. They must be a registered voter. Each precinct requires 4 officers to open and maintain elections. According to the Secretary of State’s Office, a precinct election officer must:

Attend the required training sessions before the election;
Election day will begin at 5:30 a.m. (or earlier as required by your county board of elections) when you report to your polling place;
Arrange your polling place with all the necessary election materials and voting equipment in a way to ensure privacy for each voter and security in the voting process;
The precinct must open by 6 a.m.;
Process voters and provide any assistance;
Administer all election laws;
Treat every voter with respect and courtesy;
Close the polling place after the last voter in line at 6 p.m. has voted;
Complete all necessary paperwork; and
Return all election materials to the County Clerk's office that evening.

Voters and poll workers are foundational to our election seasons. If we want to preserve the government our founders entrusted us with, then we must participate in the election process with our vote and with our actions.

Across the world, we see that freedom is not easy to keep, but we are blessed to live in a country that has a 250-year tradition of freedom. To keep our freedom, we must continue to exercise it. We must vote and participate in the system that preserves our freedom and protects our nation.

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 [email protected] and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATERepresentative Mitchum Whitaker Lawmakers move to protect property owners with eminent domain changesO...
05/05/2026

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Representative Mitchum Whitaker

Lawmakers move to protect property owners with eminent domain changes
Ownership of land has always been deeply tied to Kentucky’s identity, influencing its economy, traditions, and daily life. From early pioneers seeking independence to modern-day farmers and conservationists, land is more than an asset—it represents stability, heritage, and opportunity. That is why a new law enhancing protections for property owners facing eminent domain is so significant.

Eminent domain, grounded in longstanding legal tradition and the Fifth Amendment, permits the government to acquire private property for public purposes with fair compensation. It has played a role in building highways, expanding utilities, and supporting community growth. Even so, ensuring that these projects do not come at an unfair cost to individual landowners, especially those whose property supports agriculture or carries generational value, has been an ongoing concern.
House Bill 542 addresses that concern by setting a higher bar. The new law:
Establishes that taking private property should be a last resort, not the first option by requiring entities seeking farmland or conservation land to prove no reasonable alternatives exist—or risk dismissal of their case
Strengthens the negotiation process by banning deceptive or coercive practices
Gives landowners about 60 days to obtain an independent appraisal before legal action can begin
Allows courts to impose penalties if these protections are violated
Increases transparency and improves communication with property owners
Ensures compensation reflects the full value of the property, including structures and improvements

Together, these reforms maintain the ability to complete necessary projects while better safeguarding the landowners who call Kentucky home.

House Bill 542 originated in the House Agriculture Committee, which tackled several other issues aimed at supporting Kentucky farmers and the industry that serves them. Agriculture is a multi-billion-dollar industry that reaches into every community in our Commonwealth It touches daily life—providing food, essential products, and the landscapes that define Kentucky.

This session, the committee advanced several measures aimed at supporting and strengthening Kentucky agriculture, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of the Commonwealth’s past, present, and future. Among those bills are:

HB 56 modernizes Department of Agriculture programs, strengthening oversight of amusement rides and attractions, improving licensing and enforcement processes, and eliminating unnecessary agricultural mandates.

HB 111 ensures that decisions regarding on-farm animal health care and production practices are made solely by the farmer or livestock or poultry owner, while allowing them the discretion to consult with a veterinarian or other professional.

HB 281 streamlines how churches and nonprofits donate prepared food to homeless shelters and individuals displaced by natural disasters. The legislation removes barriers for churches and nonprofits like requiring the food be made in an industrial kitchen.

SB 5 grants local school districts more flexibility to purchase Kentucky-grown food for student meals without being subject to specific state procurement and bidding requirements.

SB 73 allows home-based producers to turn sell tallow-based cosmetics, expanding value-added markets while preserving health and safety standards.

SB 155 establishes a clear, structured framework to respond quickly and effectively to animal health emergencies, including disease outbreaks or other serious threats to livestock, poultry, and domesticated animals.

Land ownership and property rights have been intertwined with Kentucky’s story since its earliest days. As far back as 1750, an exploring expedition led by Dr. Thomas Walker entered the Kentucky territory just west of here at the Cumberland Gap, opening the door to westward settlement. While the frontier promised adventure, what drew pioneers most was the opportunity to claim land of their own, to clear it, farm it, and build lives for their families. That pursuit of ownership shaped not only settlement patterns, but also the values that continue to define us. From those first homesteads to today’s farms and rural communities, the right to own and steward land has remained a cornerstone of Kentucky’s identity and economic foundation.

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 [email protected] and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATERepresentative Mitch WhitakerMesonet helps Kentuckians prepare for severe weatherSpring in Kentucky of...
04/27/2026

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Representative Mitch Whitaker

Mesonet helps Kentuckians prepare for severe weather
Spring in Kentucky often brings the threat of storms and severe weather, and now is the time to take that risk seriously. As the Commonwealth prepares for possible impacts, it is important for communities to be weather aware and ready to act. While we cannot prevent severe weather, we can be prepared for it by understanding the tools and resources available, having a plan in place, and knowing how to respond when conditions change.

This is where Kentucky’s mesonet comes into play. Short for “mesoscale network, it is a system of automated weather stations spread across a region to collect detailed, real-time data on local conditions. These stations measure things like temperature, rainfall, wind, humidity, and soil conditions at a much finer scale than traditional weather networks.

In Kentucky, the Kentucky Mesonet—operated by the Kentucky Climate Center—provides this high-resolution data to support forecasting, emergency response, agriculture, and public safety. The goal is simple: give communities timely, localized information so they can make better decisions before and during severe weather.

The mesonet was first established in 2006 with federal funding secured by Senator Mitch McConnell. By 2007, it was serving Warren, Logan, Rowan, Calloway, and Casey counties. The system has grown to 86 monitoring units, with the goal of having at least one unit in each Kentucky county.

During the 2025 interim, the legislature’s Disaster Prevention and Resiliency Task Force highlighted the success of the mesonet. In its final recommendations, the task force recommended promoting access to real-time mesonet and climate data for agencies and the public, and maintaining funding for the Kentucky Mesonet.

In the 2026-2028 budget, the General Assembly committed $3.5 million to the mesonet. This investment will help the mesonet expand its network, grow its decision-support tools, increase ready access to collected data, and expand its partnerships across industries and government agencies. The continued investment by the General Assembly ensures the mesonet will remain a cornerstone of Kentucky’s weather and climate preparedness and a national leader in weather monitoring and research.

The mesonet supports state emergency management, agriculture, commerce, education, energy, health, and transportation services. It collects air temperatures, precipitation, relative humidity, solar radiation, atmospheric pressure, wind speed and direction, soil temperature, soil moisture, and photos. These observations are collected and stored in real time at mesonet’s central processing hub, and it collects more than 100 million observations each year. More than a billion observations are archived and available for research and education.

This data was instrumental during several recent weather emergencies, demonstrating the mesonet’s impact on public safety. The data provided by mesonet has an important impact on public safety and commerce in our commonwealth. Our emergency management services rely on the data to make severe weather announcements during emergencies. This system was utilized during the 2021 tornado outbreaks in western Kentucky, the 2022 flooding in eastern Kentucky, and the severe floods in 2025.

Beyond emergencies, mesonet’s data informs daily operations in agriculture and environmental management. Agriculture also depends on the mesonet. The Kentucky Division of Water uses data collected by the mesonet to conduct weekly drought analyses. Additionally, Kentucky farmers can use data collected by the system to make crucial decisions related to farming activities. The mesonet also collects air quality data that supports monitoring air pollutants and tracking temperature extremes, supporting not only agriculture and emergency management but also public health. Mesonet’s role in supporting agriculture and public health continues to grow as it expands its monitoring capabilities.

Mesonet also supports research and environmental monitoring. The data collected from the system has supported federal grants from NASA, NIH, and NOAA. The Kentucky General Assembly designated mesonet as the Commonwealth's official environmental monitoring network in 2006 through Senate Joint Resolution 228.

The Kentucky Mesonet has a new, easy-to-use website to improve access to the data and observations collected by the system. Please visit www.kymesonet.org for more information.

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 [email protected] and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.

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702 Capital Avenue
Frankfort, KY
40601

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