Nick Wilson is about to enter his fourth year as the representative of Kentucky’s 82nd District, which includes all of Whitley County and part of Laurel. After an eventful 2025, he is now looking forward to returning to Frankfort for the 2026 legislative session. The primary task for the General Assembly this year will be to set the state’s budget. Wilson recently addressed this, as well as several other topics, when he took the time to answer some questions from the News Journal.
NJ: Looking back on the 2025 session, what were some of your biggest takeaways, both good and bad?
NW: “My biggest takeaway from the 2025 session is that it is very hard for a bill to make it across the finish line. In 2025, I had five bills pass the House, all unanimously. Only one of those bills, HB 132, was signed into law by Governor Beshear. Another bill, HB 805, became law as a part of a Senate bill. HB 290 passed Senate committee unanimously, but was never taken up on the Senate floor. HB 291 and HJR 49 were not heard in a Senate committee. I would not classify this as a good or a bad takeaway. On the one hand, sometimes in government, less is more. On the other hand, it can be very frustrating when I have a great bill that just runs out of time. Especially if it makes a needed change in law. Only ten minutes on the Senate floor and HB 290 could have become law and provided great assistance to our local bar associations and law libraries!”
(Editor’s Note: Visit www.legislature.ky.gov to read summaries of each individual bill filed during the 2025 legislative session.)
NJ: 2026 will be a budget year. What are some of the top priorities that you anticipate being discussed in that process? Do you anticipate funding cuts at the federal level to have any kind of an impact?
NW: “Since COVID-19, the costs of healthcare have risen astronomically. Healthcare costs continue to take up more and more of the budget. I anticipate it being a focal point of the budget this upcoming session.”
NJ: Speaking personally, what are a few items that you plan on addressing specifically in the 2026 session?
NW: “Another big takeaway from the 2025 session for me is to never give up. I plan on tackling the same issues that I addressed in 2025. I have three great bills that need another shot at getting across the finish line. I also intend on filing another bill relating to child welfare. I passed a bill in 2024 and 2025 to benefit the welfare of our children. I hope to continue to make tweaks and changes until our children are totally protected. They deserve it! I also have a few other issues that I have been working on. Sometimes, a big part of the job is figuring out if a bill is needed, or if a change in regulation will be enough. I anticipate that I may have to file a couple of bills to address the way a law is being executed.”
NJ: This will be the first session to take place in locations other than the Capitol building. How will things look and feel?
NW: “We are blessed with one of the most beautiful Capitols in the country. There is no way to simulate the aura of a legislative session in that building. However, the work remains the same. I hope that everyone will keep the same respect for decorum as we would in those sacred halls. It is truly an honor to be there, even if we are in a temporary structure. A difference that I would like to note is that the beloved page program will not exist as it does in the Capitol. I want to apologize in advance for missing the opportunity to have students visit us in Frankfort. It is truly one of the greatest parts of the job.”
NJ: Are there any issues that you feel need to be addressed that have a particular impact on Whitley Countians? Are there any special projects that you plan on trying to obtain funding for?
NW: “It’s hard to overstate how important the Whitley County Jail construction is for the county. I definitely plan on revisiting that project to ensure adequate funding. I also hope to make sure Whitley County has the greatest access to healthcare in the state. There are several road projects in this county that are desperately needed. I was proud to have secured the funding to repave Log Cabin Road. I want to thank the magistrates and County Judge Executive [Pat White, Jr.] for putting their faith in me on that project. We have many more road projects that I hope to get funded in the upcoming road plan.”
NJ: Are there any other thoughts that you’d like to share?
NW: “When I took this job, I was told it is ‘like drinking from a fire hose.’ That has certainly proven to be true. There is a lot to learn all at once. In my first term and a half, I have learned a lot about the job, and how to do it effectively. I intend to work hard to continue to grow. I love this district. I am truly blessed to be the one chosen to represent us in the Kentucky House of Representatives.”
Rep. Nick Wilson currently serves as the vice chair of the Kentucky House Families and Children Committee. He is also a member of the Licensing, Occupations, and Administrative Regulations Committee and the Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Committee, among other appointments.
