Senate Leadership Outlines 2026 Priorities

Senate majority leadership met this week in Bardstown to outline their priorities for the 2026 General Assembly — a session that will center on crafting Kentucky's next two-year budget and road plan. Senate President Robert Stivers (R-Manchester), Senate President Pro Tempore David Givens (R-Greensburg), Majority Floor Leader Max Wise (R-Campbellsville), Majority Whip Mike Wilson (R-Bowling Green), Majority Caucus Chair Robby Mills (R-Henderson), and host Sen. Jimmy Higdon (R-Lebanon) spoke to the media on Wednesday about the party's focus. They said the supermajority - which currently holds 44 of the Senate's 50 seats, with one vacancy - will focus on education, workforce development, transportation, infrastructure, and Kentucky's overall fiscal outlook.

These topics directly influence how cities operate, grow, and serve their residents. KLC Director of Government Affairs Gracie Kelly said the League appreciates the opportunity to work with senate leadership on these shared priorities.

"Modernizing city infrastructure and ensuring communities have the resources needed to maintain these essential roads is a top priority for cities this session," Kelly noted. "We're encouraged to hear senate leaders recognize the importance of strengthening the transportation systems that cities rely on every day. Addressing these challenges together is key to supporting long-term economic growth in every community."

Senate leaders emphasized continued investments in Kentucky's roads and infrastructure. For years, cities have stretched limited Municipal Road Aid (MRA) dollars across growing maintenance needs, increased construction costs, and aging streets.

A recent KLC analysis found that state road aid funding has not kept pace with local needs, undercutting economic growth and basic mobility in many communities.

With nearly half of daily vehicle miles traveled occurring on city streets, the 2026 budget session presents a key opportunity to ensure Kentucky's road plan better supports all communities — large and small.

As the General Assembly prepares for the 2026 Regular Session, KLC will work closely with legislators to:

• Grow Kentucky's economy through stronger infrastructure, business-ready communities, and modern revenue tools.
• Protect public safety to keep neighborhoods, schools, and businesses secure.
• Modernize infrastructure and services that support economic development and improve the quality of life.
• Streamline and save taxpayer dollars by ensuring the government works efficiently.

Many of the themes Senate leaders highlighted on Wednesday mirror these priorities, especially around the budget, road plan, workforce, and housing. The legislature convenes on Jan. 6, 2026.