Report names 2021 Most Valuable Policymakers, outlines key victories and missed opportunities

Louisville, Ky (April 27, 2021) – Today, Greater Louisville Inc. (GLI) released its annual State Legislative Outcomes Report which recaps the major wins and missed opportunities from the Kentucky General Assembly, names its Most Valued Policymakers and shares the voting records of Greater Louisville legislators on key priorities.

Among key priorities that have since become law are COVID-19 liability protections, tax relief for Paycheck Protection Program loan recipients, unemployment insurance tax relief, the West End Opportunity Partnership, raising the felony theft threshold and many more.

“We are thrilled that the legislature prioritized policies that will help our region recover from this devastating pandemic and allow us to build back stronger as a state than we were before. We commend them for also passing forward-thinking legislation that will allow Greater Louisville to continue our work to advance racial equity and foster innovation,” said Sarah Davasher-Wisdom, President and CEO of GLI.

To celebrate those legislators in the region who voted with GLI priorities 100 percent of the time, the report also names 2021’s Most Valuable Policymakers (MVPs):

• Senator Julie Raque Adams
• Representative Jennifer Decker
• Representative Ken Fleming
• Representative Thomas Huff
• Representative Chad McCoy
• Representative Jerry Miller
• Representative Jason Nemes
• Speaker David Osborne
• Representative James Tipton
• Representative Russell Webber

In addition, the report identifies the General Assembly’s major missed opportunities. Key missed opportunities include failure to pass legislation to grant subpoena power to Louisville’s Civilian Review Board and Office of the Inspector General, and not passing legislation to invest in the state’s infrastructure. GLI will continue to pursue these priorities during the upcoming 2022 legislative session.

To lead future public policy work, GLI recently hired Shelby Williams to serve as Vice President of Government Affairs and Communications. Williams joins the GLI team with a wide array of experience in public policy, most recently leading government affairs for the Kentucky Society of CPAs. Prior to that she worked for U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06), where she served as Director of Economic Development and oversaw the constituent casework team.

“I am excited to join the GLI team and bring my diverse experience in economic and financial policy to support Greater Louisville,” said Williams. “I am looking forward to working with the Public Policy Council, GLI investors, and the business community to shape and advocate for policies to make our region stronger into the future.”

Shelby Williams, Vice President of Government Affairs and Communications

To view a full list of wins, missed opportunities and a scorecard that shares how Greater Louisville legislators voted on key GLI priorities, view the full report here.

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