Stivers one of 11 legislator MVPs

Following the 2025 session of the Kentucky General Assembly, the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce has announced 11 legislators as MVPs. The Kentucky Chamber MVP award recognizes a select group of legislators each year who “went to bat” for the Kentucky business community by passing pro-business legislation to make the Commonwealth a better place to live, work, and do business. 

“We applaud the 2025 Kentucky Chamber MVPs for their dedication to passing bills that will help grow Kentucky’s workforce, keep us competitive with surrounding states, and create a better business climate to benefit all Kentuckians moving forward,” said Ashli Watts, president and CEO of the Kentucky Chamber. “Through their efforts, we can confidently say our Commonwealth is heading in the right direction in terms of economic growth.” 

The list of MVPs, along with a summary of their contributions, is listed below: 

Senate President Robert Stivers played a leadership role in supporting pro-business bills and defeating harmful legislation for employers. The result of his leadership included the reduction in the personal income tax (House Bill 1) and increased flexibility in the formula for future reductions (House Bill 775). President Stivers was also a sponsor of Senate Bill 1, a measure creating the Kentucky Film Office within the Cabinet for Economic Development and establishing the Kentucky Film Leadership Council.  

House Speaker David Osborne continued to lead his 80-member caucus in passing business-friendly legislation and defeating harmful legislation. His leadership was critical to the passage of legislation to reduce the personal income tax (House Bill 1) and increase flexibility in the formula for future reductions (House Bill 775).

Senate Majority Floor Leader Max Wise served in his first year as Senate Majority Floor Leader. He presided over the flow of important legislation through the committee process and during floor proceedings.   

House Majority Floor Leader Steven Rudy provided leadership by bringing pro-business legislation by presiding over the flow of important legislation through the committee process and during floor proceedings. He was also the primary sponsor of House Bill 15, which allows 15-year-olds to apply for a driver’s permit to receive their intermediate license earlier at 16, an important workforce development reform. As a member of House leadership, he also played an important role in key tax reform legislation.

House Majority Whip Jason Nemes was a co-sponsor of House Bill 398, legislation to align Kentucky’s occupational safety and health standards with federal rules. He played a significant role in moving the bill through the House and working with stakeholders during its Senate passage. As a member of House leadership, he also played an important role in key tax reform legislation.

Senator Julie Raque Adams was the primary sponsor of Senate Bill 202, which established a regulatory framework for hemp-derived beverages. Senate Bill 202 places the same strong and time-tested safeguards for public safety, responsibility, manufacturing, wholesale, and retail sales on THC-infused intoxicating beverages as the other intoxicated beverage industries have long been required to uphold. As the chair of the Senate Licensing & Occupations Committee, she ensured that several pieces of pro-business legislation passed through it.

Representative Matthew Koch carried Senate Bill 202 in the House, which established a regulatory framework for hemp-derived beverages. Senate Bill 202 places the same strong and time-tested safeguards for public safety, responsibility, manufacturing, wholesale, and retail sales on THC-infused intoxicating beverages as the other intoxicating beverage industries have long been required to uphold. 

Senator Chris McDaniel, chair of the Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee, played an influential role in passing House Bill 1, reducing the state individual income tax from 4% to 3.5%. He carried the measure on the Senate floor, gaining bipartisan support for the reduction. The measure goes into effect January 1, 2026, and will cut $718 million in taxes for hard-working Kentuckians. 

Representative Jason Petrie, chair of the House Appropriations and Revenue Committee, played an influential role in passing House Bill 1, reducing the state individual income tax from 4% to 3.5%. He carried the measure on the House floor, gaining bipartisan support for the reduction. The measure goes into effect January 1, 2026, and will cut $718 million in taxes for hard-working Kentuckians 

Senator Craig Richardson carried House Bill 398, legislation to align Kentucky’s occupational safety and health standards with federal rules, on the Senate floor and led the discussion of the bill during the Senate debate. This bill ensures worker safety while removing burdensome regulatory tape.

Representative Walker Thomas sponsored House Bill 398, which aligns the state’s occupational safety and health regulations with federal rules. This bill ensures worker safety while removing burdensome regulatory tape and aligns Kentucky with 30 other states. Rep. Walker led the discussion of the bill in House and Senate committees, built support among members, and worked with stakeholders to build agreement to ensure passage.