KWN Fayette Branch January Meeting
Agenda Overview: State Budget, Candidates & More
Friends, please join us for the first meeting of 2026, a meeting that will launch us into a very important year. We have a lot of work ahead of us – elections, the legislative session and state budget, and the ongoing needs of vulnerable populations and groups – but by supporting each other, we will persevere.
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When: Tuesday, January 20, 6:30 pm
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Where: Lexington Unitarian Universalist Church, 3564 Clays Mill Road
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Weather Alert: Hopefully we will have an in-person meeting, but please watch your email in case the weather doesn’t cooperate and we have to shift to Zoom.
State Budget: This is a budget year, and the Kentucky State Legislature is charged with passing a budget that funds education, health, social services, and other critical needs. However, thanks to a loss of federal funds, a weakening economy, and falling revenue because of state income tax cuts, they face a serious budget crunch. Pam Thomas, senior policy director at the Kentucky Economic Policy Center, will provide us with an overview of the state budget and policy choices we can advocate for that will address the real needs of our state. Prior to joining KyPolicy, Pam was the committee staff administrator for the Appropriations and Revenue Committee. She has extensive experience in a variety of areas including tax policy, budgeting, education finance, and workforce policy.
In lieu of a PowerPoint presentation, we are going to try something different. Pam will provide a QR code to the PowerPoint enabling you to follow along on your phone. She will also bring a few paper copies; please let me know asap if you feel you will need the paper copy.
Meet the Candidates: Invitations have been extended to Democratic candidates who will be on the Primary ballot this May as well as to the candidates for the 5th District Court of Appeals. Many will be joining us over the next three months. On January 20th you will have an opportunity to hear briefly from and meet informally with Logan Forsythe, candidate for US Senate; Zach Dembo, US House 6th; Anne Gay Donworth, KY House 76th; and Judge Will Moynahan, Court of Appeals.
2026 Fayette Branch News
Please mark your calendars now for our 2026 meetings: February 17, March 17, April 11 – Special Event (regular meeting possibly cancelled), May 19 (also day of the Primary), June 16, July 21, August 18, September 15, October 20, and November 17 (Social); no meeting in December. Feel free to bring friends to our meetings. Click here for more information about the Fayette Branch.
2026 Dues: The Kentucky Women’s Network strives to activate Kentuckians – particularly women – to take part in the political process, strengthening our influence and inclusion in policy-making decisions. Our work is more important than ever. You can help by renewing your membership. You have two options:
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Mail (or bring with you) a $30 check payable to Kentucky Women’s Network to P.O. Box 910246, Lexington KY 40591-0246. Please provide your mailing address, email address, and phone number.
Calendar
- Martin Luther King March, Monday, Jan. 19, Freedom March at 1 pm (line-up beginning at noon) followed by commemorative program at 2 pm, Central Bank Center. More info.
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KY Arts Day 2026, Thursday, Jan. 22, statewide gathering of advocates working together to remind legislators why the arts matter. Learn more.
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2026 KyPolicy Conference, Friday, Jan. 30, 8:15-3:30 pm, The Campbell House, 1375 South Broadway. Find more info here.
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Fayette County Dems Action Team Kickoff, Saturday, Jan. 31, 10-12 pm,
701 Allenridge Point. Details here.
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Protect Our Schools Lobby Days, various days in February, including Wednesday, Feb. 18. Find dates and info here.
Hope to see you on January 20th,
Nancy Carpenter
Chair, Fayette Branch of the Kentucky Women’s Network