08/15/2026
Promoting Opportunity in Every Corner of Kentucky by State Rep. Aaron Thompson
One of the Kentucky General Assembly’s most important responsibilities is making sure state policies foster a strong business climate that encourages investment, supports job creation, and expands economic opportunity in every corner of the Commonwealth.
Since Republicans gained control of the General Assembly in 2016, Kentucky has seen record job growth fueled by common-sense policies: lowering the individual income tax to 3.5 percent, cutting red tape, investing in infrastructure, and responsible management of the state’s $15-plus billion budget. High-growth areas, particularly between Interstates 65 and 75, have attracted substantial new investment from both existing industries and companies locating here for the first time. We have made real progress, but we must keep our foot on the gas.
Much of rural and eastern Kentucky still needs additional tools so every Kentuckian has a realistic shot at earning a good living, no matter where they call home.
The district I represent has undergone profound change over the past 30 years. We lost a Fortune 500 headquarters when Ashland Oil relocated, watched the former CSX Russell rail yard shrink as the coal industry collapsed, saw a community hospital close, and witnessed the end of nearly a century of steel production at Ashland Works. These losses reshaped our economy, just as they did across Eastern Kentucky and other regions. Many families have left in search of the very opportunity their grandparents and great-grandparents once traveled here to find.
Despite these challenges, we continue to move forward. Eastern Kentucky remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family—yet we still need more good-paying jobs in the region, as do other parts of rural Kentucky.
That is why I was proud to support House Bill 869 this session, legislation led by Rep. Adam Bowling and Sen. Phillip Wheeler. The bill modernizes Kentucky’s flagship Kentucky Business Investment (KBI) program. KBI was formed to provide incentives for new and expanding companies in areas such as manufacturing, agribusiness, and headquarters operations. As our income tax rate dropped, the old KBI incentive structure lost competitiveness. HB 869 restores that edge by making every county eligible for enhanced credits—with extra resources targeted to communities that have suffered population loss and high unemployment. This is a win for urban, suburban, and rural Kentucky alike.
There is an old saying that “it starts at home.” For economic development, state government cannot do this work alone.
Local county and city leaders must ensure their communities have the right tools in place to be seriously considered. This includes aggressive recruitment efforts, proactive economic development authorities, shovel-ready sites, and pro-growth local policies that make it straightforward for private-sector investment.
We have a great opportunity ahead of us: when any company looks at Kentucky for its next economic development project, every community should get a serious look.
Rep. Aaron Thompson represents Kentucky’s 98th House district, which includes Greenup County as well as part of Boyd County.
https://www.kentucky.com/opinion/article316865676.html Aaron Thompson
