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Republicans Round Out New Ky. House Leadership Team

Josh James
/
WUKY
Incoming Kentucky House Speaker Jeff Hoover (R-Jamestown) introduces reporters to the chamber's new leadership.

Kentucky House Republicans have chosen their leaders for the upcoming legislative session, but incoming Speaker Jeff Hoover says the team's priorities are still taking shape.

According to officials, January will mark the first time that the entire majority leadership in the House will be controlled by the GOP.

"So this is history making to have these four gentlemen join me in a leadership role to lead our caucus as we move forward in a new majority," Hoover announced Wednesday.

Rounding out the caucus’ leadership will be Prospect Rep. David Osborne, the new speaker pro tem, alongside majority floor leader Jonathan Shell, majority caucus chair David Meade, and majority whip Kevin Bratcher. Only two races – Hoover’s and Shell’s – were uncontested.

While Republicans in the Senate have signaled that an education overhaul bill will once again top their docket, Hoover says House leadership will begin hashing out their top policy objectives when they meet in Bowling Green next week.

"It's premature to talk about what those are, but I can tell you, from an overall broad general statement, we're focusing on policies that spur economic growth and create jobs. That's our top priority," he told reporters. 

Hoover and the rest of his team will first head to Lake Cumberland for a three-day retreat, where he says they will discuss rule and committee changes.

When the chamber gavels in in a little over a month, Republicans will enjoy a 64-36 supermajority.

Josh James fell in love with college radio at Western Kentucky University's student station, New Rock 92 (now Revolution 91.7). After working as a DJ and program director, he knew he wanted to come home to Lexington and try his hand in public radio.
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