News Release:
Members of the 2023 House Majority Caucus met at the Capitol on Thursday to elect a team that will lead the chamber’s efforts for the next two years.
House Speaker David Osborne, R-Prospect, was nominated without opposition for a historic third term, a first for republicans in the state’s 230 year history. Osborne has served in the Kentucky House since 2005 and previously served as the Speaker Pro Tempore.
“I do not take this opportunity lightly and appreciate the faith that my colleagues have placed in me,” Osborne said. “I also recognize that the people of Kentucky have entrusted all of us with passing legislation that reflects their values and priorities. They know the great potential our Commonwealth possesses and expect us to work together to realize it.”
Speaker Pro Tempore David Meade, R-Stanford, also faced no opposition in his bid for a third term. Meade was elected to the House in 2013 and served as Majority Caucus Chair until the Caucus elected him Speaker Pro Tempore in 2018.
“It is an incredible honor to work with other members of leadership to set an agenda that reflects the values of our commonwealth,” Meade added. “We’ve made great strides, but still have work to do to ensure that the policies coming out of Frankfort provide opportunities for people across the state.”
As they are constitutional roles, both Osborne and Meade will be affirmed by the entire House when the General Assembly convenes on January 3, 2023.
In addition to the House Speaker and Speaker Pro Tem, the Caucus also selected its leadership. House Majority Floor Leader Steven Rudy, R-Paducah, was unopposed for a second term. Rudy chaired the House Appropriations and Revenue Committee until members elected him to his first term in 2021. The House Majority Floor Leader manages the day-to-day House Floor activity and works with members and the rest of leadership to set a legislative agenda.
House Caucus Chair Suzanne Miles, R-Owensboro, will also continue in the role she has held since 2018. Miles presides over majority caucus meetings as members discuss and debate issues before the legislature. In her capacity as Caucus Chair, she plays a key role in setting priorities for the session.
Joining the leadership team is Rep. Jason Nemes (R-Louisville), who will serve as Majority Whip. The duties of the Majority Whip primarily focus on gauging overall support for both Caucus priority issues and legislation brought by individual members.
The leadership team is already engaged in preparing for the upcoming session. Legislators are expected to take the next step in eliminating the state individual income tax by lowering it to 4% in 2024. Lawmakers will also continue their efforts to provide resources to help Kentucky students recover pandemic-related learning losses, eliminate barriers to entering the workforce, and eliminating the burden of unnecessary government intrusion.
“You will see us build on what we have accomplished since being given the majority in 2016. We are going to pass good, intentional policies that strengthen our state’s position and take into consideration the basic premise that state government should put the people of Kentucky first,” Osborne added. “Kentuckians across the state are facing tough decisions as poorly conceived federal policies are driving up the cost of food, fuel, rent, and other basic necessities. We understand their concerns, that’s why we fought to pass a tax reform package that will leave an estimated $600 million in their paychecks and pockets in 2023 and that number is on track for that to be $1.2 billion in 2024. Our work is far from done as we remain committed to making this state the best place to live and work.”
