By Sen. Chris McDaniel
The Kentucky General Assembly officially convened the 2026 Regular Session this week, marking the beginning of a 60-day budget session. As always, I’m honored to represent the people of Senate District 23 and to serve as your Senate Budget chair. That role carries the serious responsibility of crafting a fiscally sound state budget that reflects both our commonwealth’s needs and the hard work of every taxpayer who contributes to state revenues.
The dollars we spend here in Frankfort aren’t government dollars — they are your dollars. Every line item in the budget should reflect that reality. Our task is to invest wisely, protect essential services, and ensure that every expenditure delivers value for Kentuckians.
I’m proud of the progress we’ve made over the past several years. Thanks to conservative, disciplined budgeting, Kentucky has built robust budget reserves, earned a stronger credit rating, and stabilized our pension systems. These results did not happen by accident. They are the product of years of tough decisions and a firm commitment to long-term fiscal responsibility.
As required by law, the budget process begins in the House of Representatives. The governor recently delivered his initial proposal. While there are still many details to review, I look forward to reviewing the full plan as it becomes available and as the House crafts its version of the budget. Once the House version is finalized and sent to us, the Senate will begin our work. We will carefully examine the numbers, debate the priorities, and shape a final budget that serves all Kentuckians.
In addition to my budget responsibilities, I’ve refiled a constitutional amendment to enhance accountability and transparency in the executive branch’s pardon powers.
Senate Bill (SB) 10 would amend Kentucky’s constitution to prohibit a governor from issuing pardons or commutations during the final 60 days of an administration — beginning before a gubernatorial election and lasting through the next inauguration.
This reform was prompted by real-world abuses and public concern, including last-minute pardons by former Governor Matt Bevin and renewed national attention following similar actions by former President Joe Biden. The bill is rooted in bipartisan support and has been designated by Senate leadership as a top-ten priority.
This isn’t about politics. It’s about public trust. No governor, regardless of party, should be able to use the pardon power as a political shield or favor. SB 10 ensures voters have the final say on this important issue by placing the question on the general election ballot.
The work ahead will be challenging, but I remain committed to serving with discipline, accountability, and respect for the people of Kentucky.
You can follow along with the legislative session at legislature.ky.gov, where all bills are available for public review. Committee meetings and floor action are streamed live and archived by KET and on the LRC’s YouTube channel.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve. I’ll continue working to be a good steward of your trust—and your tax dollars.
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Sen. Chris McDaniel, R-Ryland Heights, represents the 23rd Senate District in northern Kenton County. McDaniel serves as chair of the Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee and co-chair of the 2026-28 Budget Preparation and Submission Committee. He is an ex officio member of each budget review subcommittee. Additionally, McDaniel is a member of the Senate Committees on Licensing and Occupations and State and Local Government. He also serves as a member of the Public Pension Oversight Board and an ex officio and non-voting member of the Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board.
Please visit https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate123.jpg for a high-resolution .jpeg of McDaniel.