The Kentucky Chamber has announced 15 legislators as MVPs of the 2026 General Assembly, recognizing their leadership in advancing Kentucky’s business climate and prioritizing economic growth.
“Throughout the 2026 legislative session, these lawmakers demonstrated leadership in advancing policies that strengthen the Commonwealth. The Kentucky Chamber applauds their work to ensure businesses can grow, communities can thrive, and more Kentuckians have the opportunity to succeed,” said Chamber President and CEO Ashli Watts.
The Chamber’s MVPs, along with a summary of their contributions, are listed below:
Senate President Robert Stivers played a critical role in advancing pro-business legislation through the Senate while preventing harmful bills that could limit Kentucky’s competitiveness. He was instrumental in the passage of legislation to support alternative aviation fuel and championed investment in the Endowed Research Fund to strengthen research capacity and economic development.
House Speaker David Osborne led several pieces of pro-business legislation through the House while blocking harmful bills that could limit Kentucky’s competitiveness. He was a strong champion for priority child care legislation, provided leadership on economic development priorities, including alternative aviation fuel, and supported civil liability reform legislation.
Speaker Pro Tempore David Meade sponsored House Bill 545, which establishes targeted incentives to encourage the production and blending of alternative aviation fuel and to strengthen Kentucky’s agriculture and transportation industries.
Senate Majority Floor Leader Max Wise demonstrated strong leadership for Kentucky businesses by guiding key legislation through the Senate, including several priority measures for the Kentucky Chamber. He was also a vocal supporter of civil liability reform legislation.
House Majority Floor Leader Steven Rudy demonstrated strong leadership for Kentucky businesses by guiding key legislation through the House, including several priority measures for the Kentucky Chamber. He was a strong champion for priority child care legislation and provided important amendments to technology legislation.
Senate Majority Caucus Chair Robby Mills provided important leadership as co-chair of the Housing Task Force and as sponsor of Senate Bill 9, which included reforms to increase housing development. He also championed the creation of a residential infrastructure fund framework to address infrastructure costs tied to housing growth.
House Majority Caucus Chair Suzanne Miles played a critical role as a member of House leadership in advancing important pro-growth legislation. She is also recognized for her work on energy policy and in her role as a member of the Energy Planning and Inventory Commission.
Representative Samara Heavrin championed the Chamber’s priority child care legislation, House Bill 6 and House Joint Resolution 50, and provided strong leadership for the legislation throughout session. This landmark child care package reduces barriers to opening and operating child care centers, strengthens accountability, expands options for working families, and supports the child care workforce.
Senator Julie Raque Adams carried House Bill 6 and House Joint Resolution 50 on the Senate floor and provided strong leadership for the legislation throughout session. This landmark child care package reduces barriers to opening and operating child care centers, strengthens accountability, expands options for working families, and supports the child care workforce.
Representative Michael Meredith championed House Bill 306, legislation strengthening criminal trespassing statutes to help improve workplace safety. The measure was passed in House Bill 521.
Senator Craig Richardson championed Senate Bill 195, advancing legal liability reforms aimed at modernizing Kentucky’s civil litigation system and creating a fairer and more predictable legal climate. The final legislation clarified liability standards for public road and bridge projects.
Senator Steve West sponsored Senate Bill 4, which establishes a professional development program for school principals that incorporates an intensive leadership program developed in partnership with the Kentucky Chamber Foundation. He is also recognized for his role in energy policy as a member of the Energy Planning and Inventory Commission.
Representative Susan Witten provided leadership as co-chair of the Housing Task Force and by sponsoring House Bills 617 and 618, legislation aimed at encouraging additional housing development. She was also a strong advocate for addressing residential infrastructure needs to help communities expand housing options.
Senator Chris McDaniel, chair of the Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee, is recognized for his leadership in presiding over the development of the Commonwealth’s two-year budget in a way that maintains fiscal discipline, limits excessive spending and borrowing, and protects Kentucky’s long-term financial stability.
Representative Jason Petrie, chair of the House Appropriations and Revenue Committee, is recognized for his leadership in presiding over the development of the Commonwealth’s two-year budget in a way that maintains fiscal discipline, limits excessive spending and borrowing, and protects Kentucky’s long-term financial stability.