229 Shelby

Tuesday, May 21, 2019

KY Election Results - May Primary

Kentuckians went to the polls today to determine the Republican and Democrat nominees for Kentucky's Five Constitutional Officers. The unofficial results (97.5% reporting) and key takeaways are below:

1. It will be Gov. Bevin vs Beshear for the Governor's Mansion in November. Governor Bevin fended off a primary challenge from State Rep. Robert Goforth garnering 52% of the Republican primary vote to earn the GOP nomination. Attorney General Andy Beshear won a hotly contested Democrat primary with 38% of the Democrat vote.

2. Cameron wins contested race to be GOP nominee for Attorney General. The Republican primary for Attorney General was a hotly contested election, but ultimately ended up being won by Daniel Cameron who was supported by Mitch McConnell and openly expressed his support for President Trump's agenda. He will face Democrat nominee and former Attorney General Greg Stumbo in November.

3. The leading vote getter in the May primary was a Democrat. In a state that trends heavy in voter registration and at the ballot box for Republicans it was Democrat nominee for Secretary of State Heather French Henry who was the leading vote getter in the May primary with more than 250,000 votes.

Unofficial Results (97.5% reporting)

Governor - GOP

Matthew G. BEVIN / Ralph A. ALVARADO 130910 51.88

Robert GOFORTH / Michael T. HOGAN 99705 39.51

Ike LAWRENCE / James Anthony ROSE 8078 3.2

William E. WOODS / Justin B. MILLER 13642 5.41

Governor - DEM

Rocky ADKINS / Stephanie HORNE 123745 32.75

Andy BESHEAR / Jacqueline COLEMAN 142618 37.75

Adam H. EDELEN / Gill HOLLAND 102856 27.22

Geoffrey M. YOUNG / Joshua N. FRENCH 8584 2.27

Secretary of State - GOP

Michael G. ADAMS 91499 41.21

Andrew ENGLISH 60844 27.41

Stephen L. KNIPPER 40296 18.15

Carl NETT 29378 13.23

Secretary of State - DEM

Jason S. BELCHER 46066 12.97

Jason GRIFFITH 45888 12.92

Heather French HENRY 251773 70.87

Geoff SEBESTA 11544 3.25

Attorney General - GOP

Daniel CAMERON 128530 55.31

Wil SCHRODER 103853 44.69

Auditor - DEM

Kelsey Hayes COOTS 91965 33.31

Sheri DONAHUE 129246 46.81

Chris TOBE 54916 19.89

Treasurer - DEM

Michael BOWMAN 208954 66.41

Josh MERS 105694 33.59

Agriculture Commissioner - GOP

Bill POLYNIAK 40725 17.77

Ryan F. QUARLES 188462 82.23

Agriculture Commissioner - DEM

Robert Haley CONWAY 194325 60.19

Joe TRIGG 128545 39.81

We will have more analysis in the days ahead.

Friday, March 29, 2019

KY Legislative Update - Sine Die

Sine Die

The 2019 regular session of the General Assembly came to a close just before midnight when legislators finalized their work on several issues on the 30th legislative day. Among the items considered on the final legislative day, that were passed without the ability for the General Assembly to override any vetoes that may be issued, were:

- HB 458 - Was amended to become a supplemental revenue measure to clean up various tax changes that amend the tax bill passed earlier this session, HB 354. In addition, the General Assembly passed HB 346 with amendment to amend the budget to transfer funds from the Rainy Day fund to pay for the tax changes in HB 458.

- SB 18 to require certain accommodations by employers for employees affected by pregnancy or childbirth.

- SB 175, which revised the school assessment and accountability system was passed after an additional amendment was filed today to broker a compromise on the issue.

- HB 11 to ban the use of tobacco in schools, unless the local school board opts out.

- HB 358 that allows quasi-entities and regional universities to exit from the current retirement system was passed after action by a Free Conference Committee.

In addition, the House and Senate did override two vetoes issued by the Governor earlier this week on HB 4 and HB 268. HB 4 amends the legislative review process of administrative regulations. The legislature opted to only override one of the Governor's two vetoes on HB 268, which made amendments to the 2018 biennial budget. The legislature opted to override the veto dealing with the grant procedures of Area Development Districts in seeking certain federal funds

When the General Assembly adjourned it did so until January 7, 2020 or until called into special session by the Governor.

We will provide a final summary of the 2019 session in the coming days.

Friday, March 15, 2019

Time for Recess

The 2019 Session of the Kentucky General Assembly completed its 29th day and adjourned for the Veto Recess shortly before midnight tonight. The bills passed during this session now head to the Governor's Desk for consideration of veto action. The General Assembly returns for the 30th and final legislative day on March 28 to consider overriding any vetoes, bringing final action to any remaining bills, and sine die adjournment.

Before commencing the veto recess tonight the legislature brought final action to several bills after a marathon day of floor action. Noteworthy bills that passed this session include:

- SB 1, an act relating to school safety, Sen. Max Wise

- HB 354, a correction to the 2018 tax reform legislation, that included a fix to the misapplied sales tax on nonprofit admissions and changes to the bank franchise tax, Rep. Rudy

- HB 268, corrections to the 2018 budget that included funding for State Parks, Rep. Rudy

- SB 250 that would strengthen some powers of the JCPS superintendent, Sen. Julie Raque Adams

- SB 7 to clarify and allow arbitration agreements as a condition of employment, Senate President Stivers

- SB 100 net metering reform, Sen. Brandon Smith

- SB 4, an act relating to elections, Sen. Damon Thayer

- HB 4, an act relating to administrative regulations, Rep. Ken Upchurch

- Several Social Issues - We didn't list all of the bill numbers here, but the House and Senate spent a significant amount of activity this session on issue that passed like: allowing permitless carry of a concealed weapon, prayer and religious freedom in schools and universities, and several abortion bills.

Obviously we did not list all of the bills of interest from this session, but we will be following up with a weekly report on client specific issues as usual. If you have questions don't hesitate to contact us.