RUSSELLVILLE, Ky. –A pair of Kentucky lawmakers met face-to-face with residents Thursday night. Sen. Mike Wilson (R) of the 32nd District and Rep. Jason Petrie (R) of the 16th District answered questions and discussed with area residents during a public town hall at the Historic Courthouse in Russellville.
The forum gave residents a chance to voice concerns on everything from tax reform and education to state budget priorities and local infrastructure needs.
“Constitutionally, we are required to pass a budget every two years,” Sen. Wilson said. “That’s probably the most important policy document we create, and it takes an incredible amount of work to get it right.”
Education oversight was also a central topic, with lawmakers stressing the importance of keeping school boards accountable to the public, not just to appointed officials.
“You’re not accountable to the governor, you’re accountable to the people of Kentucky through their elected officials here in the General Assembly,” said Wilson.
The lawmakers also addressed how community input influences what makes it into the state budget.
“We’re always talking to everybody and listening for feedback,” Rep. Petrie said. “Just because something’s in the budget doesn’t mean it stays, it’s a matter of value and understanding what local needs really are.”
Tax policy was another key issue, with a continued push to lower income taxes in favor of other revenue sources.
“We’re lowering income taxes to make Kentucky more competitive with Tennessee,” Wilson explained. “But that also means we need to rethink how and where we generate revenue.”
The event drew local leaders and concerned citizens alike. Both lawmakers say they plan to run for reelection when their time comes and continue listening to citizens across the district in the lead-up to the next legislative session.
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