SENATE PRESIDENT ROBERT STIVERS RECEIVES COUNTY ADVOCATE AWARD
FRANKFORT, KY (November 28, 2023) – Kentucky Association of Counties (KACo) Executive Director/CEO Jim Henderson and Director of Government Affairs Shellie Hampton recently presented Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, a 2023 County Advocate Award for his efforts in the 2023 Legislative Session.
“President Stivers has always understood the vital partnership between the state and county government. His grasp of our issues is second to none,” Henderson said. "President Stivers is a staunch advocate for what’s fair. His leadership in Kentucky has been a key component in the progress our counties have seen through the legislature, and KACo is proud to present him with the well-deserved title of 2023 County Advocate.”
The County Advocate award is presented to legislators who supported counties throughout the 2023 Legislative Session by sponsoring or shepherding legislation that helps counties continue to provide services without unfunded mandates or limiting home rule.
Among KACo’s priorities during the previous session were addressing Kentucky’s decades-old laws regarding city annexation, addressing workforce challenges and energy needs.
As Senate President, Stivers was actively involved in discussions and legislation addressing these topics important to Kentucky Counties. Senate legislation becoming law in 2023 and backed by KACo and supported by Stivers included:
● Senate Bill 4 - Prohibited the Public Service Commission from approving a request by a utility to retire a coal-fired electric generator unless the utility demonstrates that the retirement will not hurt the reliability or the resilience of the electric grid or the affordability of the customer’s electric utility rate.
● Senate Bill 101 - Extended maximum duration of training cost reimbursement contracts with newly appointed deputy sheriffs and police officers from three to five years.
● Senate Bill 141 - Placed a pause on city annexations, expiring June 30, 2024, and established the Task Force on Local Government Annexation during the 2023 Interim. Stivers is a task force member, and KACo is among the stakeholders contributing to task force meetings and discussions.
● Senate Bill 263 - Required the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority—which is authorized to distribute the combined $500 million in federal funding allocated by Stivers and the Kentucky General Assembly—to distribute grant awards for water and wastewater projects to give preference to water and wastewater projects that are regional.
KACo is a non-profit, non-partisan, member-owned association of elected county officials in all 120 counties. The organization provides services and products to support, educate, and advocate for its members. KACo represents more than 1,500 county elected officials, including county judge/executives, magistrates, county clerks, sheriffs, jailers and others.
Find KACo’s 2023 Legislative Wrap Up by clicking here. Find more information on Senate President Robert Stivers and follow legislative activity by visiting legislature.ky.gov.
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Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, represents the 25th Senate District, including Clay, Jackson, Knox, McCreary, Owsley, and Whitley Counties. He serves as chair of the Senate Committee on Committees and the Rules Committee. President Stivers is co-chair of the Legislative Research Commission Committee. Additionally, he serves as a member of the Senate standing committees on Education and Judiciary. During the 2023 interim, Stivers is a Task Force on Local Government Taxation member.