Candid Conversation presents a discussion about the topical issues related to Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) priorities, the agricultural industry, and rural communities, in a question-and-answer format. In this edition, KFB Director of Public Affairs Kyle Kelly and Director of National Affairs and Government Relations Ericka King discuss the current General Assembly session and the importance of advocacy.

KFB: For those who may be somewhat unaware of how General Assembly session operates, could you give a short overview of the session?

KK: The state General Assembly gavels in every year in early January and remains in session for 30 or 60 legislative days. Odd year sessions are 30-days and even year sessions are 60-day budget sessions. This year is a 60-day budget session, which began on January 2 and will conclude on April 15. Many pieces of legislation will be considered throughout the 60-day legislative session but only about 10 percent of the bills will pass. To receive final passage and become law a bill must pass through a statutory legislative committee, pass both legislative chambers and either be signed by the Governor or receive no action from the Governor, which would mean the bill would become law without action by the Governor. The Governor could also veto a bill, which would then require the General Assembly to override the veto to ensure the bill becomes law. 

KFB: With this being a longer session and, one in which a budget has to be passed, what are some of the things KFB would like to see included in this budget?

KK: KFB has many priority issues around the state budget. One of which is maintaining 50 percent of the Tobacco Settlement dollars being allocated to agriculture to continue to diversify agriculture across the Commonwealth. We also prioritize a well-funded Kentucky Department of Agriculture to ensure they have the capabilities of fulfilling their statutory duties as the state’s second largest regulatory agency. This session KFB is also prioritizing increased funding for riverports. Infrastructure investment in rural Kentucky is vital to the success of agriculture and economic development in many of Kentucky’s small communities and riverports are just one piece of the infrastructure puzzle.

EK: One of KFB’s priorities for this session is an increase in funding for riverports. Kentucky is home to numerous inland waterways and bordered by both the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. Riverports are vital to Kentucky agriculture – allowing agriculture products to be shipped out and inputs, such as fertilizer, to be shipped in more economically.

KFB: From a KFB priorities standpoint, what are the major things our members should be advocating for?

KK: We always encourage all our members to look at our priority issues brochure. A couple of new items for the 2024 session is increased funding for riverports to improve agricultural infrastructure and lowering the acreage requirement to establish an agricultural district.

EK:  In addition to increased riverport funding, KFB members made lowering the number of acres required to establish an agriculture district a priority for this session. Farmers can enroll their farms in this program to protect prime farmland from annexation. Currently, the law requires 250 contiguous acres, which can be made up of land owned by multiple farmers, for enrollment as an ag district. Through KFB’s policy development and resolutions process, KFB members recommended lowering the required acreage.

KFB: How effective are the advocacy efforts made by KFB members?

KK: The grassroots involvement from KFB members is what makes this organization so strong. All 138 legislators at the state level understand that KFB members are active in all 120 Kentucky counties. Legislators also understand that policies we are advocating for are issues important to the voters in their districts, and this is what truly sets KFB apart from other organizations.

EK: The 2023 session stands as a testament to the advocacy efforts of KFB members with the passage of HB 4, which requires solar development companies to establish a decommissioning plan when they apply for construction of a generating facility. Another key bill passed was SB 54, which allows for the use of KEES money at proprietary schools. Both bills were based on KFB priorities and due to KFB advocacy efforts, became law.

KFB: Even though we see more and more people, including lawmakers, far removed from the farm, is it a fair statement to say we have a General Assembly in tune to our rural and agricultural needs?

KK: We are very fortunate in Kentucky to have a strong General Assembly that prioritizes rural issues. Legislators understand the importance of strong rural communities and understand that rural and agricultural issues are the foundation to our Commonwealth. Our membership does an incredible job at building relationships and educating their member of the General Assembly on KFB issues as well.

EK: While many lawmakers, particularly in Congress, are increasingly removed from the farm, Kentucky’s General Assembly is in a better position. Many members of the General Assembly, particularly those in leadership and those serving as committee chairs, were raised on farms, are active farmers themselves, or work in ag-adjacent industries.

KFB: In conversations with General Assembly members, what do they say is the most effective way to get member voices heard when it comes to issues on the farm and in their communities?

KK: In the most basic form just reaching out in any way that constituents are comfortable. In today’s society you can do that in a number of ways. You can pick up the phone to call or text, email, or even reach out through social media. However, the best way is to always develop a strong relationship and have an in-person face to face meeting. Meeting with legislators in-person in the district or in Frankfort will always be the best way to advance our policy issues.

EK: When General Assembly members hold events in their districts, come out and speak with them. It’s one of the best ways to make your voice heard outside of organizations like KFB.

KFB: While this session will end in April, what advocacy advice would you give our members after this session ends?

KK: Much of the work that the General Assembly will consider this session was discussed in the legislative interim, which takes place from June through December. So, getting with legislators in the interim months when they are not in session is just as important as it is during session. Hosting legislative appreciation events is a great way to meet your legislators and just say thank you for the work they have put in. Legislators spend long hours working on behalf of their constituents and reaching out to recognize that hard work goes a long way in developing relationships. It also allows a time to fellowship with friends and family without having to make a specific legislative request.   

EK: Advocacy never ends. It may ramp up during session, but advocacy is a year-round effort. Stay involved and keep making your voice heard.