Op-Ed | Progress Through Partnership: Kentucky Moves Forward on Key Priorities in 2026 Session

The following is an op-ed piece authored by Kentucky Chamber President and CEO Ashli Watts

Kentucky made meaningful progress this legislative session on issues that directly impact our workforce, economic growth, and the future of communities across the Commonwealth.

On many important priorities this session, momentum only became possible when people came together around shared goals for Kentucky’s future. The Kentucky Chamber served as a key convener in many of those conversations, helping bring together voices from across the state on issues ranging from child care to civil litigation.

Representing businesses of every size, industry, and region, the Chamber is uniquely positioned to help connect perspectives, build consensus, and keep Kentucky focused on the opportunities ahead. Combined with the strong commitment of the General Assembly, that work helped turn long-standing challenges into real results this session.

One of the clearest examples this session was child care. Access to affordable, reliable child care continues to be one of the biggest barriers to workforce participation for Kentucky families. For more than 18 months, the Kentucky Chamber led the Kentucky Collaborative on Child Care, bringing together employers, providers, and diverse perspectives from across the state to identify practical solutions. That ongoing work helped lay the foundation for landmark child care legislation this session and showed what can happen when we stay focused on finding solutions that support a stronger workforce.

Kentucky also took important steps to strengthen its position in the emerging alternative aviation fuel market — an opportunity that builds on the Commonwealth’s long-standing strengths in agriculture and transportation while helping position Kentucky for the next generation of economic growth. The Chamber helped convene leaders from both sectors to align on a long-term strategy and support legislation that moved forward this session. It was another reminder that when Kentucky’s business community works together, the state is better positioned to compete and lead.

Creating a fair and predictable legal climate also remained a key priority this session. Businesses need confidence and certainty to invest, expand, and create jobs in Kentucky communities. The Chamber worked with businesses across the Commonwealth to build alignment around the need for greater consistency in Kentucky’s legal environment. That work helped advance legislation to clarify civil liability standards for infrastructure projects, making progress on an issue that has long been important to Kentucky’s economic development efforts across the Commonwealth.

Housing also became one of the biggest economic conversations across Kentucky this year. Communities throughout the state are feeling the impact of limited housing supply, and there is growing recognition that housing plays an important role in supporting Kentucky’s workforce, economy, and quality of life. The Chamber worked alongside industry partners and community leaders to help move the conversation toward practical solutions, contributing to a major housing reform package being introduced this session. While we still have more work ahead, the momentum around housing reflected a growing understanding that Kentucky’s future growth depends on expanding housing opportunities across the Commonwealth.

That collaborative approach also delivered measurable results for Kentucky employers and working families. During the 2026 session, the Kentucky Chamber worked with the General Assembly to advance policies that are estimated to generate $1.627 billion in savings for Kentucky businesses annually — equal to about $947 per private-sector employee.

The progress made this session is a reminder that Kentucky’s greatest opportunities are ahead of us when we work together around shared goals. Together, we can create an environment where businesses grow, communities thrive, and more Kentuckians have the opportunity to succeed.