LAWMAKERS' EFFORTS THWART REGIONAL ASSOCIATION'S PLAN TO FORCE SO-CALLED "DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION" RULES

LAWMAKERS' EFFORTS THWART REGIONAL ASSOCIATION'S PLAN TO FORCE SO-CALLED "DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION" RULES

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges cancels vote on incorporating DEI accreditation rules

FRANKFORT, KY (December 7, 2023) — Senate Majority Whip Mike Wilson, R-Bowling Green, Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer, R-Georgetown, and Senator Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield, released a joint statement this week in response to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) considering a vote on new diversity, equity, and inclusion rules that would circumvent sovereign state policies and impact over 700 institutions across the association’s 11 states. State Rep. Jennifer Decker also released a statement.

Following lawmakers' efforts, SACSCOC assured the accreditation board that it was not planning to vote on establishing a DEI standard for accreditation.

“This is a significant win for intellectual diversity and freedom of thought on our college campuses,” Tichenor said following the association's decision. “We are responsible for holding our institutions of higher learning accountable in preparing students for a successful future beyond their educational career. These short-sighted DEI standards threaten the quality of education we provide young people and are counter-intuitive to the standard's stated goals.”

SACSCOC is the body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.

“The delegates at SACSCOC were wise not to create new accreditation standards incorporating DEI initiatives, said Representative Jennifer Decker, R-Waddy. “SACSCOC’s consideration of such standards could be seen as an attempt by its unelected members to usurp the ability of the Kentucky General Assembly to set policies for postsecondary education and ensure accountability in the funding of our institutions of higher education.”

Recently, higher education institutions in Texas, North Carolina, and Florida have sought ways to circumvent their state legislatures' policies on DEI. Accrediting bodies have aimed to integrate specific elements of their DEI position statements as a standard or proponents have released statements giving the impression of a new standard, even if in conflict with duly enacted state law.

“We are not going to stand by while activists, including those within bureaucracies across the state and nation, undermine state sovereignty and the governing authority of our state legislature,” Thayer said. “We will also fight to ensure Kentuckians and their legislators govern our universities, not unelected bureaucratic activists.”

Opponents of DEI standards often express several concerns and objections. Those include fear of suppression of free speech and academic freedom, loss of opportunity for students based on their academic merits, and reducing the values of diversity to a check box exercise. In Kentucky, DEI initiatives have failed universities that have emphasized them for approximately a decade. According to the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education’s final enrollment report for 2022, Kentucky has experienced a significant decrease in low-income student enrollment over the last five years, with indications of further stagnation until 2030.

“I am pleased the association was responsive to our concerns,” Wilson said. “We will keep our finger on the pulse of efforts to force DEI on the residents of Kentucky, and I can assure my constituents the Kentucky General Assembly will continue to look out for what is best for the students who attend Kentucky colleges and universities.”

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Senator Mike Wilson, R-Bowling Green, represents the 32nd Senate District, including Logan, Simpson, and Todd Counties and part of Warren County. He is the Senate Majority Whip.

Senator Damon Thayer, R-Georgetown, represents the 17th Senate District, including Grant and Scott Counties, southern Kenton County, and northwestern Fayette County. He is Senate majority floor leader.

Senator Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield, represents the 6th Senate District, including Oldham and Trimble Counties and part of Jefferson County.

Representative Jennifer Decker, R-Waddy, represents the 58th House District, including part of Shelby County.

Access archived footage of the 2023 Regular Session and 2023 Interim meetings at ket.org/legislature/archives.

KENTUCKY SENATE MAJORITY CALLS ON SACSCOC DELEGATES TO VOTE NO ON NEW DEI POSITION STATEMENT

KENTUCKY SENATE MAJORITY CALLS ON SACSCOC DELEGATES TO VOTE NO ON NEW DEI POSITION STATEMENT

Senate Majority Whip Wilson, Floor Leader Thayer and Sen Tichenor appeal to delegates

FRANKFORT, KY (December 5, 2023) – The following may be attributed to Senate Majority Whip Mike Wilson, District 32, Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer, District 17, and Senator Lindsey Tichenor, District 6, in response to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges vote on a new DEI Position Statement.

In response to the news that the SACSCOC may vote to amend its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Position Statement, Senators Wilson, Thayer, and Tichenor state the following:

“Kentucky's public colleges and universities should strive to hold all students attending our institutions of higher education with intrinsic value in who they are without discrimination. Each public institution should be held accountable to provide equal opportunity in accordance with Kentucky's constitutional obligation to educate without regard to the immutable characteristics or qualities that naturally bring about diversity onto our campuses.

“Unfortunately, DEI is a misnomer that does not contribute to the equal opportunities and inclusive environments our post-secondary institutions need to create a 21st-century workforce. The DEI movement across our college campuses is often not the force that ensures an inclusive environment or holds accountable those who discriminate in higher ed, but often fosters the exact opposite of what its acronym stands for.  Students and faculty often find DEI initiatives to be thinly veiled ideological standards that stifle or stigmatize opposing ideas. SACSCOC should instead remain focused on the intellectual rigor and academic success of the universities it accredits.”

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Access archived footage of 2023 Regular Session meetings at ket.org/legislature/archives.

KENTUCKY ISRAEL CAUCUS APPEALS TO PUBLIC UNIVERSITY PRESIDENTS TO SIGN LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL

KENTUCKY ISRAEL CAUCUS APPEALS TO PUBLIC UNIVERSITY PRESIDENTS TO SIGN LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL

Rep. Daniel Grossberg, Sen. Lindsey Tichenor appeal to all Kentucky public university presidents to join as signatories

FRANKFORT, KY (December 1, 2023) – The Kentucky Israel Caucus has delivered a letter to all public university presidents, asking them to add their signatures to the letter supporting Israel in the war against Hamas.

“This was a terrorist attack against innocent civilians, is sickening and heartbreaking, and our young people need to know this sort of action won’t be tolerated,” said Senator Lindsey Tichenor, District 6, (R-Smithfield). “I applaud President Schatzel of UofL and President Jackson of Murray state, and urge our university presidents to sign on in support of Israel and our Jewish community on and off our campuses across the state.”  

The letter was delivered via email on November 30.

“In the wake of Hamas’ evil attack against Israel on Oct. 7 and the sickening rise of antisemitism here at home, staying silent is not an option for those who believe in religious freedom, the very right of Israel to exist, and peace itself,” said state Representative Daniel Grossberg, District 30, (D-Louisville) who co-chairs the bipartisan 40-member Israel Caucus in the General Assembly and is Jewish. “I am proud of the strong support from many of my legislative colleagues and the unanimous condemnation Congress recently adopted. The lack of public support from many of our university leaders, however, is deeply concerning, and I hope that we will soon see all of them join the two who have spoken in clear and unmistakable terms against the attacks on Israel and antisemitism here at home. Their voice matters.”

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The following letter was delivered to Kentucky’s public university presidents on November 30. 

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Dear Presidents, 

The US House of Representatives voted unanimously (414-0) on Tuesday evening to condemn Hamas for the attacks of October 7th and their continued violations of international law. This was a powerful statement to the nation at large. 

College students are facing the greatest levels of campus antisemitism in history. They are threatened, harassed, intimidated, and dehumanized, even by faculty who openly deny the events of October 7th, praise Hamas, and call for extermination of the Jewish state. These students are seeking the same moral clarity and reassurance from their University leaders that we, as a nation, got from Congress Tuesday night.

Please join President Schatzel of the University of Louisville and President Jackson of Murray State University in signing a statement of University presidents that condemns Hamas and affirms the humanity of Israelis and Palestinians alike.  

https://universitiesunitedagainstterrorism.org/ 

Here is the content of the brief statement:

**We Stand Together With Israel Against Hamas

We are horrified and sickened by the brutality and inhumanity of Hamas. Murdering innocent civilians including babies and children, raping women and taking the elderly as hostages are not the actions of political disagreement but the actions of hate and terrorism. The basis of all universities is a pursuit of truth, and it is times like these that require moral clarity. Like the fight against ISIS, the fight against Hamas is a fight against evil. We, the presidents and chancellors of universities, colleges and higher education associations across the United States of America and the world, stand with Israel, with the Palestinians who suffer under Hamas’ cruel rule in Gaza and with all people of moral conscience.** 

As Martin Luther King Jr said, “In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” You have a powerful voice. Please use it.  

Sincerely

Representative Daniel Grossberg and Senator Lindsey Tichenor on behalf of the KY-Israel Caucus.

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Senator Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield, represents the 6th Senate District, including Oldham and Trimble Counties and part of Jefferson County. She serves as a Senate member of Interim Joint Committees of Education; Families and Children; and Health Services. Senator Tichenor also serves as a liaison member on the Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Family Services and a member on the Lottery Trust Fund Task Force. 

State Representative Daniel Grossberg serves the 30th House District in Jefferson County and is a member of the following House committees: Natural Resources & Energy; Small Business & Information Technology; Tourism & Outdoor Recreation; Administrative Regulation Review; and the Lottery Trust Fund Task Force.

For more information on members of the Senate Majority Caucus and the upcoming 2024 Legislative Session, such as committee schedules and membership, please visit legislature.ky.gov. 

Access archived footage of legislative meetings at ket.org/legislature/archives. 

SENATE MAJORITY LEADERSHIP TO MEET WITH PIKEVILLE EXECUTIVES AND COMMUNITY LEADERS AHEAD OF 2024 GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE MAJORITY LEADERSHIP TO MEET WITH PIKEVILLE EXECUTIVES AND COMMUNITY LEADERS AHEAD OF 2024 GENERAL ASSEMBLY

FRANKFORT, KY (November 20, 2023) – All members of the Senate Majority Leadership, along with Senator Phillip Wheeler (R-Pikeville), will tour facilities and meet with Pikeville Medical Center leaders, River Place Recovery Center providers, and Appalachian Tank executives as a precursor to the 2024 General Assembly.

Date: Wednesday, November 29

Time: 2:30 p.m. EDT

Where: Pike County Courthouse, 146 Main Street, Pikeville, KY 41501

Credentialed members of the press should RSVP to Andrew Westberry at andrew.westberry@lrc.ky.gov.

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Please visit Legislature.ky.gov for information on Senate Majority Caucus members and the ongoing 2023 Interim, such as committee schedules and membership. Live legislative coverage is available at ket.org/legislature and via the Legislative Research Commission YouTube channel.

SENATE PRESIDENT ROBERT STIVERS RECEIVES COUNTY ADVOCATE AWARD

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.

STATEMENT RELEASE SENATE PRESIDENT STIVERS ISSUES STATEMENT ON SENATOR JOHN SCHICKEL RETIREMENT ANNOUNCEMENT

STATEMENT RELEASE SENATE PRESIDENT STIVERS ISSUES STATEMENT ON SENATOR JOHN SCHICKEL RETIREMENT ANNOUNCEMENT

FRANKFORT, KY (November 14, 2023) - The following is a statement from Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, regarding Senator John Schickel’s announcement that he will not seek re-election for Senator of District 11:

“Senator John Schickel has brought deep respect and trust to this constitutional office and rigor to the legislative process. John ran his committee meetings with military precision, and it's been a privilege to serve alongside him. Despite being a part-time legislator, John has always brought everything he has to Frankfort during our General Assembly and while back in our districts.  John Schickel is a dear friend, and I wish him all the best in this next chapter of his life.”

Schickel’s term will conclude in December 2024. Visit Legislature.ky.gov for more information on Schickel.

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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 was a member of the Task Force on Local Government Taxation.

STATEMENT FROM SENATE PRESIDENT STIVERS

STATEMENT FROM SENATE PRESIDENT STIVERS

FRANKFORT, KY (November 8, 2023) –  the following may be attributed to Senate President Robert Stivers (R-Manchester), District 25.

“I want to congratulate Governor Beshear on winning the governor’s race.”

“While we are disappointed in the outcome of the gubernatorial election, nothing substantial will change as it relates to the efforts of the Kentucky General Assembly. I am hopeful that in his second term, though, the Governor will choose to work collaboratively with his co-equal branch of government. This General Assembly remains committed to a fiscally responsible budget and creating an environment for economic growth.”

“Regardless of the outcome, the Republican supermajorities in the House and Senate are the ones who have delivered on tax reform and a large budget reserve.  We are committed to the conservative values and policies we have championed since 2017. Our constituents can remain confident we will bring forth legislation to protect Kentucky families from some of the extreme agendas of the Beshear and Biden administrations.”

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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.

CONGRESSMAN ROGERS, SENATE PRESIDENT STIVERS AND 1 CLAY COUNTY ANNOUNCES MAJOR RENOVATION PROJECTS FOR DOWNTOWN MANCHESTER

CONGRESSMAN ROGERS, SENATE PRESIDENT STIVERS AND 1 CLAY COUNTY ANNOUNCES MAJOR RENOVATION PROJECTS FOR DOWNTOWN MANCHESTER

MANCHESTER, KY (November 7, 2023) –  U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05), Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers (R-Manchester), and members of 1 Clay County (1CC) announced a comprehensive plan to renovate Downtown Manchester that will boost economic development, tourism, healthcare, and education. The projects will be supported with federal, state, local, and private investments, including $4.25 million in state funds and a $2.2 million federal earmark secured by Congressman Rogers.

“There is strength in unity, and these projects are evidence of our united mission to make the City of Manchester a better place to live for generations to come,” said Congressman Rogers, Dean of the House. “I was honored to secure a $2.2 million federal earmark for the new Downtown Manchester Marketplace, which will be the centerpiece of these exciting changes for Clay County.”

Today’s announcements included the development of the Downtown Manchester Marketplace, THE Elk Mountain Trailhead, and the arrival of a new distillery.

“Thank you to Congressman Hal Rogers, our current Mayor Stevie Collins, former Mayor James Ed Garrison, and the entire 1CC working group because they volunteer so much of their time to make this all happen,” Senate President Stivers said.

 Total investment in these projects, including private funds, is expected to exceed $20 million.

“After two years and 2,500 volunteer hours committed by the members of 1CC, I’m delighted we were able to gather today to show the Manchester community what we have worked so hard to develop, and I cannot wait to see the impact these projects will have on Clay County,” said Jennifer Hancock, President and CEO of Volunteers of America Mid-States and 1CC Secretary/Treasurer.

Founded in January 2022, 1CC is a diverse group of community leaders who collaborate with the goal of revitalizing Clay County and Manchester through community development, entrepreneurship and tourism. The vision of 1CC is to transform the downtown area, including Main Street and Bridge Street, into a bustling hub of commerce, tourism, and entertainment. With funding from federal and state government and private investors, 1CC is making strategic decisions to position the county for tremendous growth and new development.

A live stream of yesterday’s announcement can be found here.

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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.

IJC ON VETERANS, MILITARY AFFAIRS, & PUBLIC PROTECTION TO HEAR TESTIMONY FROM KDVA ON ALARMING VA NURSING HOME ISSUES

IJC ON VETERANS, MILITARY AFFAIRS, & PUBLIC PROTECTION TO HEAR TESTIMONY FROM KDVA ON ALARMING VA NURSING HOME ISSUES

FRANKFORT, KY (November 3, 2023) – The Interim Joint Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection, co-chaired by Senator Rick Girdler, (R-Somerset)  District 15, will hold its sixth meeting of the 2023 Interim on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. in Room 154. The Committee will hear testimony from the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs (KDVA) leadership about alarming issues within VA-run nursing homes in Kentucky.

This meeting will be will be live-streamed on the LRC YouTube site: https://legislature.ky.gov/Public%20Services/PIO/Pages/Live-Streams.aspx

Date: Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Time: 11 a.m. EST

Where: 702 Capital Ave, Frankfort, KY 40601, Room 154 

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Please visit Legislature.ky.gov for information on Senate Majority Caucus members and the ongoing 2023 Interim, such as committee schedules and membership. Live legislative coverage is available at ket.org/legislature and via the Legislative Research Commission YouTube channel.

WHEELER ISSUES STATEMENT FOLLOWING BUILDING COLLAPSE IN MARTIN COUNTY

WHEELER ISSUES STATEMENT FOLLOWING BUILDING COLLAPSE IN MARTIN COUNTY

PIKEVILLE, KY (November 1, 2023) — The following is a statement from Senator Phillip Wheeler regarding the tragic news of a building collapse in Martin County:

“This morning, like many, I'm deeply saddened by the tragic news of a building collapse in Martin County, resulting in injury and the loss of a precious life. This incident is a stark reminder of the inherent risks in any job and the unexpected nature of tragedy. It underscores the preciousness of life and the importance of treasuring our loved ones.

“Please join my family and me as we pray for the safe rescue of the hardworking Kentuckians and the safety of the dedicated and courageous rescue teams tirelessly working to save them. The General Assembly and I are closely monitoring the situation. We are prepared to assist those affected by loss or injury and their families and the local government in any way we can.”

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Senator Phillip Wheeler, R-Pikeville, represents Kentucky's 31st Senate District, including Elliott, Johnson, Lawrence, Martin, and Pike Counties. Wheeler is a member of the Interim Joint Committees on Economic Development and Workforce Investment; Transportation; Natural Resources and Energy; Judiciary; Tourism, Small Business and Information Technology, and State Government. Additionally, he is the Co-Chair of the Capital Planning Advisory Board. Lastly, Wheeler was recently appointed to the Jail and Corrections Reform and Local Government Annexation Task Forces.

SENATOR MAX WISE TO CHAIR FINAL SCHOOL CAMPUS SAFETY TASK FORCE MEETING

SENATOR MAX WISE TO CHAIR FINAL SCHOOL CAMPUS SAFETY TASK FORCE MEETING

FRANKFORT, KY (October 30, 2023) – Senator Max Wise will chair the final School Campus & Safety Task Force meeting.  In addition to discussing recommendations from the task force, members will hear testimony from Tim Hays, Executive Director of the Office of Safe Schools in the Florida Department of Education, and Steve Miracle, Superintendent of the Marshall County School District.

Date: Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Time: 2:00 p.m. EST

Where: Capitol Annex, Room 131

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Senator Max Wise, R-Campbellsville, represents the 16th Senate District, including Adair, Allen, Metcalfe, Monroe, and Taylor Counties and eastern Warren County. Wise is the Co-chair of the Interim Standing Committees on Economic Development and Workforce Investment; co-chair of the Tourism, Small Business, and Information Technology; and co-chair of the Task Force on School and Campus Security.

INTERIM JOINT COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION TO HEAR UPDATE ON 2023 STUDENT TEST SCORES

INTERIM JOINT COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION TO HEAR UPDATE ON 2023 STUDENT TEST SCORES

FRANKFORT, KY (October 31, 2023) – The Interim Joint Committee on Education, co-chaired by Sen. Steve West, will hear an update from the Kentucky Department of Education on the 2023 Kentucky Student Testing Report.

Date: Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Time: 11 a.m. EDT

Where: Capitol Annex, Room 154, 700 Capitol Ave Loop, Frankfort, KY 40601

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Senator Steve West, R-Paris, represents the 27th Senate District, including Bourbon, Fleming, Harrison, Mason, Nicholas, Robertson, and Rowan Counties and part of northern Fayette County. He serves as the Senate co-chair of the Interim Joint Committee on Education; a member of the Interim Joint Committee on Agriculture; and a liaison member on the Budget Review Subcommittee on Education. Senator West also serves as the co-chair of the Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee; and the Education Assessment and Accountability Review Subcommittee. He is also a member of the School and Campus Security Task Force.

SENATE PRESIDENT ROBERT STIVERS

SENATE PRESIDENT STIVERS TO PROVIDE KEYNOTE TO

SOUTHERN KENTUCKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE

MANCHESTER/CLAY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

AND THE KNOX COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Don’t take out the bridge before we cross the river!

FRANKFORT, KY (October 27, 2023) – Kentucky residents deserve to have their energy needs met at a reasonable cost without fear of brownouts or blackouts like those experienced with Winter Storm Elliott in 2022.  The failure of a single natural gas valve on the coldest day of the year shut down the grid and caused Kentucky families and businesses needless harm and suffering. 

Last year's events proved we need our power plants now more than ever. Yet the Biden administration is forcing the premature closure of coal-fired energy plants in favor of renewable energy by 2035 in a way that won’t meet Kentucky residents’ and businesses’ energy demands. Eighty percent of Kentucky’s energy is powered through coal, and renewables simply can’t meet our demands in the next decade. Kentucky is facing an electric reliability crisis, and this crisis will only be exasperated as Kentucky’s manufacturing economy grows.

The pandemic’s artificial shutdowns exposed supply chain issues making it clear that the United States must remain independent from the whims of overseas manufacturers. These fragile supply chain links—coupled with the war in Ukraine and now between Israel and Hamas—are causing manufacturers to relocate to the US. We must produce our needed power and can’t afford to remove our most reliable coal-fired generation capacity sources when they are needed to support our economy and national security.

We simply can’t take out the bridge coal-fired plants provide before we cross the river into the new energy future, likely more than two decades away. During this transition period, no matter how long it takes, we must maintain energy grid redundancy that ensures you have the energy you need when you need it. 

Our Kentucky utilities are under pressure from the federal government, their parent companies, and shareholders to replace coal-fired power plants with gas and solar power. The groups calling for these closures fail to acknowledge the importance of coal in Kentucky’s energy mix. We support investing in new sustainable energy technologies but have the responsibility to do so in a manner that guarantees the safety, security, and welfare of Kentucky residents.

Kentucky needs all stakeholders—the Kentucky Public Service Commission, investor-owned utilities, local electric co-ops, and local governments—to agree that going green too soon places an unrealistic burden on the existing grid and removes the reliability and redundancy coal-fired plants provide. Switching solely to gas or renewables could mean consumers would be without the energy they need while still having to bear the burden of higher electric bills. 

In a state rich with energy producing natural resources, purchasing additional energy from neighboring states seems ludicrous. Kentucky has broken ground on two electronic vehicle battery factories in the last 18 months. While we welcome the investment these companies are making in Kentucky, we are concerned about our long-term ability to generate sufficient power to operate this growth industry.

Kentucky is not positioned to comply with the Environmental Protection Agency’s unrealistic regulations and still meet our growing energy demands which include the homes, schools, roads, and recreation activities required to support our burgeoning economy. 

Biden’s own federal energy experts have warned our current energy transition timeline is far too aggressive. As recently as September, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission recommended states step in to assert themselves before it’s too late.  

We've discussed this disconnect with fellow lawmakers at the state and federal levels and had conversations with those for and against the continued operation of coal-fired plants. I’ve sent two letters to the PSC explaining my views and sharing my concerns about Kentucky’s energy needs. However, I fear the PSC will crumble to the pressures of existing and proposed federal mandates and raise your rates as early as December.

These likely rate increases are especially problematic for people on fixed incomes, which includes Kentucky’s growing senior population. Many seniors will be forced to pay higher energy fees and lower their thermostats during the bitterly cold winter months. Kentucky lives are worth far more than pandering to environmental extremists and increasing out-of-state shareholder profits.

I’ve had multiple conversations with executives at many of Kentucky’s investor-owned utility companies, which are your primary energy service providers, to no avail. Other states like Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming, are crafting legislation that protects their energy supplies.  In Kentucky, we must take action, too. We can never again allow a single frozen natural gas valve to cripple our economy.    

The answer to our growing energy demands is to keep coal-fired plants operational until the day that renewables generate enough power to keep our homes warm and our businesses fully operational. We simply aren't ready to cross that bridge yet.

Senate President Robert Stivers (R-Manchester), District 25, has been the Senate president for over a decade.

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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.

SENATE PRESIDENT STIVERS TO PROVIDE KEYNOTE TO SOUTHERN KENTUCKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE MANCHESTER/CLAY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND THE KNOX COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SENATE PRESIDENT STIVERS TO PROVIDE KEYNOTE TO SOUTHERN KENTUCKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE MANCHESTER/CLAY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND THE KNOX COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Event will be followed by the Corbin Center Expansion Groundbreaking and Hotel Project Unveiling

FRANKFORT, KY (OCTOBER 27, 2023) – Senate President Robert Stivers will provide the keynote address to the Southern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Manchester/Clay County Chamber of Commerce and the Knox County Chamber of Commerce. He will talk about the General Assembly’s 2024 legislative priorities followed by the groundbreaking for The Corbin Center expansion and new hotel project.

Date: Monday, October 30, 2023

Time: 11:30 a.m. for the Southern Kentucky Chamber keynote address.

1:30 p.m. The Corbin Center expansion groundbreaking and hotel project unveiling

Where: 222 Corbin Center Drive, Corbin, KY 40701

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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.

SENATOR BRANDON STORM RECOGNIZED AS LEGISLATIVE MVP FOR KENTUCKY BUSINESSES

SENATOR BRANDON STORM RECOGNIZED AS LEGISLATIVE MVP FOR KENTUCKY BUSINESSES

FRANKFORT, KY (October 19, 2023) — Sen. Brandon Storm, R-London, has been named a recipient of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce's MVP award for his commitment to ensuring Kentucky's economic growth, creating and retaining jobs, strengthening businesses and improving competitiveness throughout the commonwealth.

"This recognition really means a lot to me because I serve as a voice in the legislature for a growing region of our state and I truly enjoy working with our local chambers of commerce and of course the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce," Storm said. "It's an honor to be recognized, but even more so to be able to advocate alongside my friends and colleagues in the business community of critical issues like fighting to reduce working Kentuckians' income taxes, safe and effective addiction recovery, common sense justice legislation, combatting workforce challenges and so much more."

According to the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, this year's MVP recipients showed strong leadership for the business community by sponsoring or carrying Kentucky Chamber priority legislation to final passage, showing leadership on the passage of critical legislation to improve Kentucky, or by taking hard votes in defense of business.

Notably, Storm supported the business community's position against legislation that would have significantly increased business costs and he also supported Kentucky's signature industries.

Storm is one of only 14 recipients of the 2023 award.

"The business community greatly appreciates Sen. Storm's support and leadership this past session," said Katie Shanks, senior vice president of public affairs for the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.

 "He stood with businesses against costly legislation that would have created new, complicated requirements. He also showed leadership as vice chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, and voted for legislation critical to Kentucky's signature equine industry. We look forward to working with Sen. Storm in the upcoming session to continue efforts to make Kentucky the best place to do business."

Visit THIS LINK to learn more about the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce's 2023 results for Kentucky businesses, and CLICK HERE for more details on MVP award recipients.

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Senator Brandon J. Storm, R-London, represents the 21st Senate District, including Casey, Lincoln, Laurel, and Rockcastle Counties. Senator Storm serves as a Senate member of the Interim Joint Committees of Banking and Insurance; Economic Development and Workforce Investment; Judiciary; Local Government; State Government; Transportation; and Tourism, Small Business and Information Technology. He also serves as the co-chair of the Legislative Oversight and Investigations Committee; a member of the Jail and Corrections Reform Task Force; and a member of the Multimodal Freight Transportation System Improvement Task Force.

LAWMAKERS HEAR UPDATES ON

STATE YOUTH DETENTION CENTERS

FRANKFORT, KY (October 12, 2023) – Senator Brandon Storm, R-London, led a meeting of the statutory Legislative Oversight and Investigations Committee (LOIC) meeting on Thursday as lawmakers posed questions to officials of the Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet (JPSC) and Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), and heard concerns from Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy (DPA) representatives.

Background

Incidents of rioting and violence directed at staff and other youth, including sexual assault, have been widely reported. Lawmakers responded during the 2023 Legislative Session, creating a DJJ work group, ultimately resulting in comprehensive reforms and substantial funding to address the crisis within the agency. Lawmakers have made continued calls for accountability, but there has been little action by Governor Andy Beshear’s administration to root out what some lawmakers have called a toxic culture within DJJ.

Thursday’s meeting focused on the use of oleoresin capsicum spray, commonly known as pepper spray, ongoing investigations within DJJ, and the conditions of youth at juvenile detention centers.

CONDITIONS OF YOUTH - REPORTS OF ISOLATION, DUE PROCESS RULES NOT FOLLOWED

Officials from DPA, which represent those charged with a crime but cannot afford an attorney, addressed concerns for accused youth in the state’s care, reporting findings regarding the Adair Youth Detention Center (AYDC) that included isolation of youth in breach of policy.

DPA representatives testified that isolation may not be used as a form of punishment and may only be utilized if there is a major rule violation, such as sexual harassment or an attempted escape. Representatives also outlined due process rules. DPA—citing DJJ documents, reports from DJJ through open records requests, interviews with employees, and client files—found the facility placed youth in “non-behavioral isolation” without following due process policies.

Cases cited included youth being left in a cell after being pepper sprayed without being properly decontaminated, lack of access to grievance forms, no access to mental health treatment, and more.

A DPA official represented an argument that prolonged use of isolation has been shown to increase aggressive behavior. DPA officials also expressed frustration with DJJ, saying they used to meet monthly with the agency to share concerns, but ceased meeting because they felt their concerns were not being heard.

In response to DPA testimony, officials with JPSC and DJJ denied knowing the information cited. They said isolation as described is not currently happening in youth detention facilities.

“No reasonable person can expect us to respond to something we haven’t seen,” JPSC Secretary Kerry Harvey said.

INVESTIGATIONS

An initial report from the Adair Community Voice in November and subsequent reports from the Lexington Herald-Leader, WAVE 3 News, and more have widely documented cases of riots, sexual abuse of a young girl, and inaction by those in charge. A Wednesday report by John Cheves of the Herald-Leader indicates DJJ did not act swiftly when presented with allegations of sexual abuse by a correctional officer, a case still under investigation.

Lawmakers were informed that since 2015, there have been 55 reports of sexual-related reports filed with six being substantiated. According to testimony, reports are investigated by the Internal Investigations Branch (IIB), which is independent of DJJ, and by staff with law enforcement backgrounds. Cases are determined to be credible based on the preponderance of evidence. IIB makes the final determination on if a case is substantiated or unsubstantiated.

OC SPRAY

Major provisions of DJJ reform legislation, Senate Bill (SB) 162 from the 2023 Legislative Session, included requirements of access to mental health treatment for youth, increased salaries and facility infrastructure upgrades, and reorganization to strengthen communication and accountability.

The Beshear administration authorized staff use of OC spray prior to reform legislation, which codified its use for defensive purposes.

Discussion included agreement that the spray must be used with caution and only as a means of deterring greater harm.

DJJ’s Office of Detention and JPSC’s IIB stated spray is only used for defense purposes, not punishment. Under SB 162, reports are filed immediately, offices are notified, and reviews are conducted to determine if there was misuse. Staff is debriefed after an incident.

IIB representatives reported approximately a dozen instances of unauthorized use of the spray, which the Office of Detention said included disciplinary action and, in some cases, dismissal.

CAMPBELL COUNTY DETENTION CENTER

According to Harvey and DJJ Commissioner Vicki Reed, the Campbell County youth detention center will start housing lower-level offending male youth with a target date of November 1. This will include female youth being moved to Boyd County.  New staff are currently receiving training.

Senator John Schickel, R-Union, has previously expressed the need for a regional facility that can house males and females and has articulated his frustration with some regional youth being transported hours away from their families and community.

“Staffing shortages are definitely a factor, especially when you’re operating a 24-hour operation, but we have lots of 24 hour operations. We have our dispatch center, we have our jail, we have our police department, and we find a way to keep those kinds of critical services open and this is no different,” Schickel said in a July interview.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Storm and LOIC will meet two more times during the 2023 Interim. The next meeting is scheduled for 1 p.m., Thursday, November 16; the final meeting will be at 1 p.m., Thursday, December 14. The next meeting of the Juvenile Justice Oversight Council, co-chaired by Sen. Whitney Westerfield, R-Fruit Hill, and chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, is scheduled for 10 a.m., Tuesday, October 31. Meeting agendas are not finalized and are subject to change. Visit legislature.ky.gov for meeting agendas.

“I think today’s meeting was informative, and there are some positive things we can take away from it,” Storm said upon the meeting’s conclusion. “I am concerned about what we heard from DPA and the lack of belief that their concerns are heard. I wanted to invite them here today because they have a valuable perspective and provide a critical service. I hope we can mend bridges between DPA and DJJ because we must balance protecting staff and youth and ensure the holistic well-being of those within these facilities.”

CLICK HERE to find more information on LOIC, such as membership, and to access meeting materials and agendas. Live coverage of meetings can be found at KET.org/legislature and via the Legislative Research Commission YouTube Channel. Past meetings are archived via KET and the LRC YouTube Channel.

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The Legislative Oversight and Investigations Committee is a 16-member committee authorized under KRS Chapter 6. The committee serves as the main investigative committee in the General Assembly. The committee has the authority to investigate the subjects within the committee's legislative jurisdiction and within the jurisdiction of other standing or statutory committees of the General Assembly. The committee has the discretionary power to review the operations of state agencies and programs, to determine whether funds are being spent for the purposes for which they were appropriated, to evaluate the efficiency of program operations, and to evaluate the impact of state government reorganizations.

Sen. Brandon J. Storm, R-London, represents the 21st Senate District including Casey, Lincoln, Laurel, and Rockcastle Counties. Storm serves as a Senate member of the Interim Joint Committees of Banking and Insurance; Economic Development and Workforce Investment; Judiciary; Local Government; State Government; Transportation; and Tourism, Small Business and Information Technology. He also serves as the co-chair of the Legislative Oversight and Investigations Committee; a member of the Jail and Corrections Reform Task Force; and a member of the Multimodal Freight Transportation System Improvement Task Force.

For a high-resolution .jpeg of Storm, please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators/Pages/Legislator-Profile.aspx?DistrictNumber=121

Please visit Legislature.ky.gov for more information on Senate Majority Caucus members and the upcoming 2024 Legislative Session, such as committee schedules and membership.

Live legislative coverage is available at ket.org/legislature and via the Legislative Research Commission YouTube channel. Access archived footage of legislative meetings at ket.org/legislature/archives.

HIGDON ISSUE STATEMENT UPON THE

SAFE DEPARTURE OF CONSTITUENTS FROM ISRAEL

FRANKFORT, KY (October 11, 2023) — The following is a statement from Senator Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, upon news that Bardstown and Nelson County constituents have safely returned to Kentucky—or are en route—from Israel amid Hamas attacks:

“Representatives Massaroni, Judge Hutchins, Mayor Heaton and I are relieved and thankful to report that all our constituents who were visiting Israel have safely returned home or are en route.

“We want to thank the many Nelson County residents who reached out, expressed concern, and prayed for the group. Nelson County is a resilient and unified community.

“We each sincerely thank Leader McConnell, Senator Paul, Congressman Guthrie, and Congressman Massie, who—in close collaboration with the Pentagon, the United States Embassy and other authorities—worked tirelessly to ensure our constituents were brought home.”

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On Sunday, Bardstown Mayor Richard Heaton’s Office released a statement on behalf of Higdon’s office following communication among local, state and federal delegates concerning 29 Nelson County residents on a Holy Land tour amid Hamas attacks on Israel. The Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral parishioners were granted emergency visas through the US State Department and the Pentagon to depart Jerusalem safely.

Click here to find previous coverage from Spectrum News.

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Senator Jimmy Higdon represents Kentucky’s 14th Senate District, which includes Bardstown and Nelson County.

SENATE PRESIDENT STIVERS RECEIVES

 INNOVATIVE HEALTHCARE LEADER AWARD

FRANKFORT, KY (October 10, 2023) – Senate President Robert Stivers received the Innovative Healthcare Leader Award during today's Council on Postsecondary Education’s Workforce Collaboratory awards luncheon in Lexington.  The award celebrates Stivers’ tenacity, creativity, and dedication to building a diverse and highly skilled healthcare workforce for Kentucky’s future.

“I wholeheartedly believe we have to tackle our healthcare challenges with innovative ways and bring in new partners to invigorate the industry that holds so much promise for Kentucky in so many ways,” said Stivers.  “Everyone in Kentucky has a reason to be excited about how we are changing the healthcare landscape because it means better opportunities for those seeking healthcare professions and better outcomes for those receiving higher quality care.”

The Healthcare Workforce Collaborative is an initiative sponsored through the 2022 appropriation of the General Assembly. This appropriation established grants for public and private two- and four-year institutions to partner with industry to create innovative strategies for boosting the healthcare workforce of Kentucky.

“We are opening up the floodgates to expand higher education opportunities for underrepresented minority groups, low-income and rural students, and reaching down into middle and high schools to get children excited early on about a career in health care,” said Dr. Aaron Thompson, President, Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, (CPE). “I can see the changes materializing before my very eyes, and President Stivers is creating the right environment for Kentucky to transform the industry.”

The collaborative promotes partnerships with industry and between Kentucky Community and Technical College System campuses and comprehensive four-year institutions. 

The award to Stivers was largely because of the important legislation he led the General Assembly to craft and pass. Senate Bill 10, which Stivers co-sponsored and was passed during the 2022 General Assembly, made significant strides in removing artificial barriers that prevented eligible students from entering the nursing profession. It made it easier for nurses outside Kentucky to practice here, addressing major workforce shortages.  It also removed arbitrary caps on admission to nursing programs.

Most importantly, SB 10 restructured the Kentucky Board of Nursing to reflect more of Kentucky’s geographical diversity and bolster the voices of nurses by requiring 10 board members to be practicing nurses.  It also implemented legislative oversight of nominations by requiring Senate confirmation of members.

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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.

For a high-resolution .jpeg of President Stivers, please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate125.jpg/

For more information on members of the Senate Majority Caucus and the upcoming 2024 Legislative Session, such as committee schedules and membership, please visit legislature.ky.gov.

Live legislative coverage is available at ket.org/legislature and via the Legislative Research Commission YouTube channel.

Access archived footage of legislative meetings at ket.org/legislature/archives.

Follow the Kentucky Senate Majority Caucus on X, Facebook, and Instagram.

SENATOR WILSON ISSUES STATEMENT REGARDING SIMPSON COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPUTY SHOT IN THE LINE OF DUTY

Officer shot on Sunday, is in stable condition

FRANKFORT, KY (October 9, 2023) — The following is a statement from Senate Majority Whip Mike Wilson, R-Bowling Green, regarding yesterday’s officer-involved shooting in Simpson County:

“My prayers are with Deputy Brad Harper, his family and the entire Simpson County and law enforcement community. I’m thankful to hear he is in stable condition, and I join all in wishing him a speedy recovery.

“Dedicated officers like Deputy Harper are the thin blue line standing between our communities and criminal dangers. He and others in law enforcement do so out of love for their fellow residents. I remain committed to supporting our law enforcement officers and ensuring their sacrifices are not taken for granted.”

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Wilson is a United States Marine Corps veteran and serves as the Senate majority whip. He represents Kentucky’s 32nd Senate District, which includes Simpson County.

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Senator Mike Wilson, R-Bowling Green, represents the 32nd Senate District, including Logan, Simpson, and Todd Counties and southern Warren County. He serves as a Senate member on the Interim Joint Committees of Education; Agriculture; Transportation; Economic Development and Workforce Investment; Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protection; and Tourism, Small Business and Information Technology. Wilson is also a member of the Legislative Research Commission; the Education Assessment and Accountability Review Subcommittee; the Public Pension Oversight Board; and the Lottery Trust Fund Task Force.

Please visit https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate132.jpg for a high-resolution .jpeg of Wilson.

KENTUCKY'S OLDEST KNOWN WWII VETERAN CELEBRATES 107TH BIRTHDAY

KENTUCKY'S OLDEST KNOWN WWII VETERAN CELEBRATES

107TH BIRTHDAY

Senate President Robert Stivers (R-Manchester), Senate District 25, delivered a special Senate resolution to Hacker at the Paul E. Patton Eastern Kentucky Veterans Center in Hazard, Kentucky. Senator Matt Deneen (R-Elizabethtown), Senate District 10 and Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protection Co-Chair, and Representative Steve Bratcher (R-Elizabethtown), House District 25 and VMAPP member, also celebrated Hacker’s military service and life-long contributions.

FRANKFORT, KY (October 2, 2023) – Today, Kentucky’s most senior World War II veteran, Oakley Hacker, turned 107 years young.  To help commemorate the event, Senate President Robert Stivers (R-Manchester) delivered a special Senate resolution commemorating the milestone. 

“It’s a privilege to meet a member of the Greatest Generation and celebrate his unique contributions to this country and the world," Stivers said. “It warms my heart to honor someone who served so faithfully in one of our nation's bloodiest wars, returned to our beautiful commonwealth and continued making contributions to the community while he raised his family.”

Hacker achieved the rank of gunner’s mate second class and served as an armed guard in the Navy aboard the SS Oliver Wolcott. They were referred to as the “Forgotten Heroes” because of their service protecting cargo, Liberty, and transport ships and did not receive much news coverage. Oakley provided gunnery support during D-Day, June 6, 1944, when more than 150,000 allied troops landed on the beaches of Normandy, France, as part of the largest seaborne invasion in history.

“I was proud to serve in our Navy, as did every other able-bodied man at the time,” said Hacker.  “Even though war is a horrible experience no matter whose side you’re on, I felt I had a duty to defend this country and my family.  I’d do it all over again.”  

Hacker was born in Bernice, Kentucky, and is the son of William Dillon “Crow” Hacker and Mary E. Hornsby Hacker, from Clay County.  He was a state worker, owned a used car lot, and raised his family of four children with his wife, Nella Mae.  Hacker bought and sold cars until he was 92 years old.

“I am thrilled to celebrate Daddy in such a big way and am so happy that our family and friends could participate,” said Fatima Hacker Brown, Hacker’s daughter. “It warms my heart to have created yet another special family memory to cherish.”

Read more about D-Day, here.

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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 member of the Task Force on Local Government Taxation.