Osborne, first Republican to win 4 terms as Kentucky House speaker, vows to keep cutting income tax
Republished from Kentucky Lantern
Rep. David Osborne has won a fourth term as speaker of the Kentucky House of Representatives, the first Republican to accomplish that, according to the House Majority Caucus.
He had no opposition for his new term, the caucus said in a news release, after members gathered ahead of the 2025 legislative session and chose their leaders on Tuesday.
“I am humbled by the support of this Caucus and look forward to continuing in my role as Speaker of the House,” Osborne, R-Prospect, said in a statement. “Our legislative agenda for the 2025 session reflects those priorities and continues to build on what we’ve already done to cut taxes, create jobs, invest in road, water and technology infrastructure and drive economic investment throughout the commonwealth.”
House Republicans also reelected other members of their leadership team. Speaker Pro Tem David Meade, R-Stanford, will serve a fourth term in that role. Rep. Steven Rudy, R-Paducah, was reelected House majority floor leader. Rep. Suzanne Miles, R-Owensboro, will remain as caucus chair and Rep. Jason Nemes, R-Louisville, will be majority whip for a second term.
“The leadership team is already engaged in preparing for the upcoming session,” the caucus said in a statement. “Legislators are expected to take the next step in eliminating the state individual income tax by lowering it to 3.5% in 2026. Lawmakers will also continue their efforts to provide resources to address the workforce shortage, strengthen education, and eliminate the burden of unnecessary government intrusion.”
Osborne and Meade will be affirmed by the House when the new session begins on Jan. 7.
You will see us build on what we have accomplished since being given the majority in 2016,” Osborne said. “We are going to pass good, intentional policies that strengthen our state’s position and take into consideration the basic premise that state government should put the people of Kentucky first.”
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