House Majority Caucus Chair Suzanne Miles, Rep. Scott Lewis, Rep. Jim Gooch Jr., Rep.-Elect Jonathan Dixon, and Rep.-Elect DJ Johnson received their committee assignments for the 2021-2022 legislative term, beginning when lawmakers convene for the 2021 Regular Session in early January.
The legislature is scheduled to convene the 2021 Regular Session on Jan. 5. While the state budget will dominate the agenda, legislators are also expected to devote time to legislation to strengthen the economy.
According to an announcement sent from House Speaker David Osborne’s office, the region’s legislators will play a significant role in the upcoming session.
Miles, R-Owensboro, who is serving her second term as Majority Caucus Chair, will serve as a liaison member of the Budget Review Subcommittee General Government and a member of the Committee on Committees; Rules Committee; and the Natural Resources and Energy Committee.
“I am excited to be elected once again as House Majority Caucus Chair and to serve on these committees,” Miles said. “I am ready to represent my district as we undertake the critical task of rebuilding Kentucky. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve for another term and vow to be a faithful advocate for policies that will protect our constitutional liberties.”
Lewis will serve as vice-chair of the Elections, Constitutional Amendments, and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee; and serve as a member of the Education Committee; and Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection Committee.
“I am thankful that I get the chance to serve the 14th District in these committees,” Lewis said. “These are my friends and neighbors, and I am committed to providing the service that our district needs in Frankfort.”
Gooch will be reappointed as chair of the Natural Resource and Energy Committee and will serve as a member of the Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government; the Banking and Insurance Committee; Elections, Constitutional Amendments and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee; Small Business and Information Technology Committee; and the Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection Committee.
“I am truly blessed that I’ve been given the opportunity to work on behalf of my constituents for more than 20 years in the General Assembly,” Gooch said. “As a member of these committees, I will continue to work to rebuild Kentucky while fighting for conservative values.”
Dixon, who will serve as a member of the Agriculture, Local Government, and Transportation committees.
“Being raised on a small family farm, I learned the value of a strong work ethic and dedication at an early age. It is a privilege to represent the 11th District in Frankfort,” Dixon said. “I will work every day to stand for the values of our community to tackle the many issues facing our commonwealth.”
Johnson is serving his second term as a state representative and will serve on the Economic Development Committee; and the Workforce Investment, Local Government, and State Government Committee.
“I am humbled to be representing the people of my district in Frankfort,” Johnson said. “I am committed to fighting for our conservative principles, and I look forward to serving on these committees and tackling the many issues that Kentucky faces.”
The House Agriculture Committee deals with matters that pertain to crops, livestock, poultry, and their marketing; tobacco; stockyards; agricultural cooperatives and marketing associations; agriculture weights and measures (including those used in grocery stores), veterinarians, the state and county fairs; and amusement parks.
Local Government Committee members consider legislation that deals with the officers, organization, governing and financing of city and county governments. Committee members are also responsible for how state laws address the administration of public works and public safety programs.
The Economic Development and Workforce Investment Committee is critical to creating an environment that supports business growth, creation, and recruitment. Committee members also craft policies relating to the unemployment insurance program, worker safety, and workforce development.
State Government committee members deal directly with state government policies and administration, including the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. This includes all constitutional officers, the state retirement systems, and Commonwealth’s attorneys and circuit clerks.
The Transportation Committee considers proposed legislation and the implementation of new laws that apply to airports and aviation, boats and boating, motor vehicles, railroads, commercial trucking, and other modes of transporting people and goods. The committee also oversees the state’s Transportation Cabinet and the construction and maintenance of state highways.
Members of the House Education Committee will deal directly with matters that pertain to public schools, including primary, secondary, and higher education. This includes curriculum, teacher qualifications, and accountability. The committee is also responsible for enacting policies relating to the State Board of Education and the Kentucky Department of Education.
Members of the Natural Resources and Energy Committee oversee state policies that deal with Kentucky’s abundant natural resources. These include forestry, mining, soil and water conservation, flood control, water usage, quality, oil, gas, and saltwater wells. The committee also considers legislation that addresses the state’s energy supplies – including electric and gas utilities and cooperatives, hydroelectric and thermonuclear energy, solar and renewable energy, and other alternative fuels. Members are also responsible for setting policies for the Public Service Commission.
The Banking and Insurance Committee addresses legislation aimed at keeping funds invested in Kentucky banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions safe and ensuring that state laws adequately address the various types of insurers operating in Kentucky.
The Elections, Constitutional Amendments, and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee considers legislation that pertains to proposed amendments to the Kentucky Constitution, state and local elections, candidate qualifications, and election finance.
The Small Business and Information Technology Committee works to ensure that state laws help foster an environment that supports small businesses and their employers. Committee members also address broadband Internet, information technology planning, and Internet service providers.
Members serving on the House standing committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Safety consider legislation that deals with the state’s active duty and retired military constituents, as well as fire prevention and protection; food, drugs, and poisons; and public safety. This committee is integral to the House’s commitment to making Kentucky the most military-friendly state in the nation.
