DENEEN NAMED A FRIEND OF KENTUCKY CITIES
BY THE KENTUCKY LEAGUE OF CITIES
HB 131 and HB 369 moved through Senate VMAPP
FRANKFORT, KY (July 17, 2025) – Sen. Matt Deneen, R- Elizabethtown, has been named a Friend of Kentucky Cities by the Kentucky League of Cities (KLC). Deneen, chair of the important Senate Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection Committee (VMAPP), is one of 24 legislators recognized in 2025 for their work supporting Kentucky’s cities.
Each year, KLC recognizes lawmakers who demonstrate strong advocacy for issues critical to cities and help secure the passage of important legislation. Deneen was acknowledged for his consistent dedication to promoting the interests of cities and working alongside locally elected officials to ensure their communities thrive.
“I am honored to work with Chair Deneen on issues that our first responders face. He is always there with an open door to ensure our cities’ issues are heard and the public is protected,” KLC Government Affairs Director Gracie Kelly said.
As chair of the Senate VMAPP, Deneen helped advance important KLC initiatives, including House Bill 369, which allows former second- and third-class cities and urban county governments to implement accrual leave policies for police officers. He also supported HB 131, which permits fire departments in former second-class cities and urban-county governments to adopt alternative firefighter schedules.
KLC Executive Director/CEO J.D. Chaney thanked Deneen for being a strong supporter of cities.
“Our cities thank you for your exemplary service. We look forward to working with you again next year to serve those who serve,” Chaney said.
Deneen has consistently championed numerous bills supported by KLC, reaffirming his ongoing commitment as a steadfast ally of Kentucky’s municipalities.
“I’m deeply honored to receive this recognition,” Deneen said. “It’s a privilege to work with our local leaders to help shape meaningful, lasting progress in our communities. I remain dedicated to supporting the continued growth and success of Kentucky’s cities.”
The Kentucky League of Cities is a nonprofit association that represents over 370 cities and municipal agencies throughout the commonwealth. Founded in 1927, KLC provides legislative advocacy, legal assistance, community consulting, and policy development services. It also offers enterprise services, such as insurance and financing, through KLC Insurance Services, which serves more municipal clients than any other provider in the state. Governed by an 18-member executive board and a 68-member board of directors, KLC is widely regarded as one of the nation’s most forward-thinking and adaptive leagues.
There were over 60 pieces of legislation passed in 2025 that KLC found to be friendly to Kentucky cities. You can find their full report here.
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Sen. Matt Deneen, R-Elizabethtown, represents the 10th Senate District, which includes Hardin County and a portion of Jefferson County. He serves as co-chair of the Interim Joint Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection, and serves on the Interim Joint Committees on Agriculture; Families and Children; and Judiciary. Deneen is also a member of the Housing Task Force. He also serves as co-chair of the Education Assessment and Accountability Review Subcommittee, a statutory body responsible for monitoring Kentucky’s education accountability system.
For a high-resolution .jpeg of Deneen, please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators Full Res Images/senate110.jpg