Rep. Jason Petrie of Elkton will serve as Chair of the House Standing Committee on Appropriations and Revenue and will also be a member of the House Judiciary Committee when the Kentucky General Assembly convenes in early January, according to an announcement this afternoon from the office of House Speaker David Osborne.
“I understand the weight and responsibility of the Appropriations and Revenue Committee, especially in these unprecedented times” Petrie said. “We must be good stewards of these funds and recognize that it is our taxpayers who fund state government. And in this time of COVID-19, they need us being responsible now more than ever.”
Members of the House Appropriations and Revenue Committee and its budget review subcommittees fulfill the legislature’s only constitutional obligation – crafting budgets for the state’s executive, judicial, and legislative branches. The committee also levies state taxes and sets state tax policy. Members also deal with audits performed for state purposes.
The House Judiciary Committee works primarily on matters pertaining to Kentucky courts and the state’s criminal and civil justice systems. Committee members consider proposed new laws to address issues ranging from the administration of trusts and estates to the prosecution of criminal acts. The committee also oversees state laws as they relate to the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, circuit courts and district courts.
“Committee assignments are always a difficult task, but more so this year because we have an exceptional class of first-term legislators as well as the veteran lawmakers who have proven experience shaping good long-term public policy,” Osborne added. “The House Majority Caucus remains committed to making this state the best place to live and work. While the pandemic may have forced us to shift focus for now, we are still committed to our long-term mission.”
With these appointments, Rep. Petrie is in a position to positively impact not only his district, but our entire commonwealth. 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 aimed at strengthening the economy and addressing the COVID-19 pandemic and the state’s response to it.
Rep. Petrie serves the state’s 16th House District, which includes Logan and Todd counties and a portion of Warren County.