Although 2007 saw the AGC of Kentucky along with the Kentucky Construction Coalition push forward a major legislative initiative with the passage of HB-490, the Fairness in Kentucky Construction Act — this year we enter the session with more modest expectations. Granted much of this session may involve remaining vigilant for any potential threats to last year’s successful legislative initiatives and a few small steps forward for the construction industry.

During the 2008 session to date much attention in Frankfort has been focused upon the dire state of the Commonwealth’s budget with consensus forecasters predicting shortfalls which have led the new administration to propose cuts of 12% or greater in higher education. Revenues are projected to be $121.1 million less than previously expected for the current fiscal year, while several state agencies say they’ll need $166 million extra just to keep the lights on through June. It remains to be seen how the financial pressure placed upon policy makers to reconcile the current significant budget deficit with an infusion of additional tax monies or casino licensing fees will ultimately play out.

There have been a number of construction related bills introduced during the 2008 session related to construction. Here is a bulleted summary of just a few of the more than 400 bills we are following this session. For more details be sure to subscribe to our weekly legislative update which is sent to AGC members each Friday during the session. MORE »