Derrick Graham

House Representative for Kentucky House District 57

[Derrick Graham @repgrahamky]

I will miss seeing you at work, Shellee, but I cannot wait to see what you will achieve in the years ahead. I wish you only the best.

[Derrick Graham @repgrahamky]

I first met Shellee many years ago, when — as the first photo shows — she was a guest on the House floor and I was early in my tenure as a state legislator. We re-created that moment yesterday, her last working for me and other members of the Kentucky House Democratic Caucus.

[KY House Democrats @kyhousedems]

The Kentucky House Democratic Caucus will greatly miss Shellee, but we wish her all the best as she takes on new challenges. Good luck, Shellee!

[Derrick Graham @repgrahamky]

It was a bittersweet moment, but I am proud of what she has accomplished & I have no doubt she will excel in her new role. I say that because she was a model student in my social studies class at Frankfort High & she was equally professional during her time in our caucus office.

[Derrick Graham @repgrahamky]

Here is a copy of the press release I have sent to the media that further explains my decision. 4/4

[Derrick Graham @repgrahamky]

Serving the people of Frankfort and Franklin County for the last 30 or so years has been the honor of a lifetime, but after a lot of thought and prayer, I have decided not to pursue another term as state representative. 1/4

[Derrick Graham @repgrahamky]

For those I have worked for and with over the years, I just want to say "Thank You" for everything. I could not do my job without your advice, support, and encouragement, and I will never forget it. I pledge to provide the same for our next state representative. 3/4

[Derrick Graham @repgrahamky]

It is past time for the General Assembly to end efforts that are designed to do nothing more than weaken my local judges, Jefferson Co. & our governor. We need to focus instead on the very real issues at hand facing KY & find solutions that benefit all of us, not harm some of us.

[Derrick Graham @repgrahamky]

As Franklin Co’s state representative, & as someone who knows how hard-working & professional our local judges are, I applaud the KY Supreme Court’s decision to strike down this wholly unnecessary law, which sought to move many state govt-related cases from here to other counties

[Ryland Barton @RylandKY]

Ky. Supreme Court strikes down GOP-backed “change of venue” law https://t.co/r8b19SSPPr via @sylviaruthg

[Derrick Graham @repgrahamky]

I think the proposal to issue what is being called a 13th monthly check would be a great start. It would have an immediate and significant impact, and the state has the revenue to make it happen in the next budget.

[Derrick Graham @repgrahamky]

Earlier this week, I was proud once again to voice my support for a cost-of-living-allowance for our state retirees, who have not had an increase in their pensions for more than a decade.

[Derrick Graham @repgrahamky]

As I said in my remarks during the General Assembly’s Public Pension Oversight Board meeting, “I hope we would find a way to provide for our retirees, people who have served this community and this commonwealth” admirably and deserve a boost to counter inflation.

[Derrick Graham @repgrahamky]

More information about the next month's timeline can be found here, in Governor Andy Beshear's recent press release on the matter: https://t.co/ifIQ35NERr

[Derrick Graham @repgrahamky]

Today marks the first public step toward legal sports wagering in Kentucky, something I am confident will be a major success.

We're a little over a week away from the opening of in-person betting at approved sites and a month away from it taking place via an app.

[Derrick Graham @repgrahamky]

I’m really pleased to see us benefit from this funding, and it was also great to see so many from our nonprofits be able to attend. Those attending also included a former Frankfort High School student of mine, Leesa Unger.

[Derrick Graham @repgrahamky]

Today was truly a banner day for our community, with Gov. Andy Beshear holding a Capitol Rotunda press conference to announce $2.7 million in funding for numerous projects and programs.

[Derrick Graham @repgrahamky]

This money will really help these organizations do more for those who may be struggling with abuse, hunger or homelessness, or who need other forms of care. This will also assist Special Olympics, our parks, the Franklin Co. Council on Aging & places like the Capital City Museum.

[Derrick Graham @repgrahamky]

Our local and state leadership programs have done outstanding work over the years when it comes to bringing together current and future leaders. This opportunity gives them a chance to build lifelong friendships while learning more about their communities and commonwealth.

[Derrick Graham @repgrahamky]

I enjoyed having the chance today to speak to the Leadership Frankfort Class of 2023 in the House chambers. That included handing out legislative citations – including to a former student of mine, Anthony Cox – and I shared the floor with a good friend, House Speaker @reposborne.