2024 Legislative Session closing remarks and thanks to all

KENTUCKY STATE AFL-CIO

140 Kings Daughter Drive

Suites 100 - 200

Frankfort, Kentucky 40601

Phone: 502-696-9002 - Fax: 502-696-9030

Dear brothers, sisters, and friends of labor,

The 2024 Kentucky legislative session has come to an end with labor seemingly unscathed. I think we had two things going for us; one, it was a budget year with lots of division and long lasting in party fighting, and two, organized labor lobbied hard from every angle. I would like to thank our affiliates, councils, etc who assisted by sending lobbyists to work together as a team this year. Our Legislative Committee was large, we met regularly, and our communications were on point. We also had a decent number of non-lobbyists who came to work on single issues and assist in other ways. We also thank our groups who held Lobby Days and Rallies in the rotunda. I'm very proud to report that we had a record year on the digital front. Over 10,000 calls, emails, and other actions were sent to LRC this session. That's more than when we fought right to work and repeal of prevailing wage and it's because our affiliates worked together quickly and with the same message. I must also give credit to some of our partners. Working Strategies was there for us through it all with expert navigation and experience. Kentucky Center For Economic Policy was an exceptional partner with their expert committee testimony, articles, and social media.

These two partners are crucial to our fight, and I hope your organization is using them as well for other needs. We must also thank our friends in the democratic caucuses and some republican members of the house and senate. Communication and strategy are critical when lobbying Bills. At the end of the day, all we are asking for is for our people to have safe working conditions, a livable wage, and the right to collectively bargain with their employer. I appreciate each legislator who knows this and took the time this year to learn this. Lastly, we appreciate governor Beshear, his team, and labor cabinet for working with us through each step from committee meetings to vetoes.

So my first session as newly elected President of Kentucky State AFL-CIO was certainly turbulent and fast paced but I learned a lot and could not have done it without the great team Bill Landrigan assembled. As promised, we did increase our communication efforts on all fronts and it's evident that communications are a very viable way of lobbying. As we enter the political season and even next year's general assembly, I hope we are able to do even more from both a budget standpoint and boots on the ground. Organized Labor is something to be very proud of and through solidarity we can accomplish so much.

Again, thank you all for your efforts!

In solidarity,

Dustin T. Reinstedler, President dreinstedler@kyaflcio.org Cell: 502-401-8555

Jeff Wiggins, Secretary/Treasurer jwiggins@kyaflcio.org Cell: 270-217-6235