Mitch Whitaker, 94th District State Representative

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Mitch Whitaker, 94th District State Representative

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Official page of Mitch Whitaker, State Representative for Kentucky's 94th District. Representing Harlan (part), Letcher, and Pike (part) Counties.

10/30/2026

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Representative Mitchum Whitaker

Honoring the defenders of freedom
Every year, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we take time to thank the men and women who have worn the uniform of our nation’s armed forces. We honor their service, remember their sacrifices and recognize the families who have stood beside them. Most of all, on Veterans Day we remember that the freedoms we enjoy today have been protected by generations of Americans who were willing to serve something bigger than themselves.

This year, that message carries special meaning. In 2026, our nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. When our Founding Fathers signed that document in 1776, they took a stand for freedom and accepted the risks that came with it. They believed every American was born with certain rights and that those rights were worth defending.

For 250 years, Americans have answered that call. From the Revolutionary War to the battlefields of today, our service members have helped protect the promise of freedom.

This year is also the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Many of us remember exactly where we were when we learned that terrorists had attacked our country. We remember the lives lost, the first responders who rushed into danger and the Americans who came together in the days that followed.

Since those attacks, our armed forces have fought in places thousands of miles from home to keep it from coming to our shores. They have served in deserts, mountains, through deadly conditions, and surrounded by our enemies, often facing challenges most Americans will never see and cannot imagine.

They make those sacrifices so the rest of us can live our lives here at home. We can go to work, raise our children, worship as we choose and enjoy the freedoms that make America special. We should remember that the men and women who serve in uniform understand the true cost of war better than most of us ever will. A soldier who has watched friends fall in battle knows that war is not something to celebrate or enter into lightly. These men and women have seen the injuries, the loss and the pain that can follow them home long after the fighting ends.

In many ways, the soldier is the last person who wants war because the soldier knows what war costs. That does not mean our country should shy away from defending itself. It means we should understand the seriousness of sending Americans into harm's way. We should work for peace whenever possible while making sure our military has what it needs to protect our nation when duty calls.

Kentucky has a proud history of answering that call. Our Commonwealth has played an important role in preparing America's service members for generations. Across our Commonwealth, National Guard members, veterans, and military families continue a tradition of service that reaches back to our nation's earliest days.

We have a responsibility to do right by these men and women. That means helping veterans get the health care and benefits they have earned. It means helping them find good jobs and supporting the families who share in their sacrifices. It also means teaching our children about the people who have defended our freedom and why their service matters.

This Veterans Day, I encourage every Kentuckian to thank a veteran. Take a moment to listen to their story and honor it. Remember those who never made it home. Keep the families of those serving today in your thoughts and prayers.

To every veteran who has worn our nation's uniform: Thank you. Your Commonwealth is proud of you, and America is stronger because of you.

As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via email at [email protected] and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.

10/09/2026

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Representative Mitch Whitaker

Voters will decide on constitutional amendment
When Kentucky voters cast their ballots in this year’s General Election, they will have the opportunity to decide on a proposed constitutional amendment concerning the governor’s authority to issue pardons and commute sentences.

The current Kentucky Constitution is our state’s fourth and 135-years old. It is far more detailed than those of other states, with over 260 sections and detailed provisions that other states address through legislation. The document is significant not only for how old and long it is, but also for the way it reflects the social and political priorities and culture of the late 19th century. For example, the original version limited voting rights to white males age 21 and over. And, while it has been amended more than 40 times since 1891, much of its language is still outdated. Voters have considered amendments 12 times (16 proposed amendments) over the past 30 years.

If approved by voters, the proposed amendment on this year’s ballot would prohibit any Kentucky governor from granting a pardon or commuting a sentence during the 60 days immediately preceding a general election and during the transition period between an election and the beginning of the next administration. The proposal would not eliminate the governor’s existing constitutional authority to grant pardons or reduce sentences outside of that restricted period.

The exact language of the amendment reads as follows:

Are you in favor of limiting a Governor's ability to grant pardons or commute sentences by prohibiting him or her from granting pardons or commuting sentences during the time period beginning 60 days prior to the general election at which the Governor is elected, and ending when the Governor is sworn in for that term by amending the Constitution of Kentucky as stated below?

It is proposed that Section 77 of the Constitution of Kentucky be amended to read as follows:
(1) The Governor shall have power to:
(a) Remit fines and forfeitures; and
(b) Commute sentences and grant reprieves and pardons, except:
1. In case of impeachment; or
2. For the period beginning sixty days prior to the date of the gubernatorial election and ending the fifth Tuesday succeeding the election.
(2) The Governor shall file with each application therefor a statement of the reasons for his or her decision thereon, which application and statement shall always be open to public inspection.
(3) In cases of treason, the Governor shall have power to grant reprieves until the end of the next session of the General Assembly, in which the power of pardoning shall be vested; but he or she shall have no power to remit the fees of the Clerk, Sheriff or Commonwealth's Attorney in penal or criminal cases.

Under Kentucky’s Constitution, the governor has broad clemency powers. A pardon can forgive the legal consequences of a conviction, while a commutation can reduce a person’s sentence. These powers are separate from the judicial process and can affect decisions made by law enforcement, prosecutors, juries and judges.

The proposed amendment is intended to establish a constitutional restriction on when those powers may be exercised. It would apply to every governor going forward. The proposed amendment does not eliminate the governor’s authority to grant pardons or commute sentences. Instead, it places limits on when that authority may be exercised, raising a practical question about timing.

The issue has received increased attention because of the use of executive clemency near the end of gubernatorial administrations. In December 2019, then-Governor Matt Bevin issued more than 600 pardons and commutations shortly before leaving office. Several of those decisions – as well as the decision-making process itself - generated significant public controversy and scrutiny. In the final days of his administration in December 2015, Governor Steve Beshear issued 197 pardons and commuted six sentences, far more than he had issued earlier in his administration. And, in December 2007, Governor Ernie Fletcher issued 101 pardons and commutations as he was leaving office.

Interesting enough, when Governor Paul Patton was leaving office in 2003, he and his staff reportedly determined that almost 200 pardon applications were justified. However, he told a reporter with the Louisville Courier Journal that he chose not to grant them out of caution that it might appear like political favoritism if any were campaign donors.

The proposal has also been considered over multiple legislative sessions. The sponsor of the legislation that placed it on the ballot has pursued changes for several years. The amendment ultimately received bipartisan support in the General Assembly before being placed before voters.

As with any constitutional amendment, the decision ultimately rests with Kentucky voters. The question on the ballot gives voters the opportunity to determine whether these additional constitutional restrictions should become part of the governor’s clemency authority.

As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via email at [email protected] and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.

10/05/2026

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Representative Mitch Whitaker

10/4 reminds us to ‘be on lookout’ for child abuse and neglect
Across Kentucky, October 4 (10/4) has become a reminder to “be on the lookout” for child abuse and neglect and, most importantly, to remember that protecting children is everyone’s responsibility.

The need for that reminder is real. According to the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, more than 144,000 Child Protective Services intakes were completed statewide during the 12-month period ending April 30, 2026. Of those, more than 55,000 met the criteria for a report, and more than 8,700 resulted in a finding of substantiated child abuse or neglect. Those substantiated cases involved more than 16,000 unique children.

Those numbers are difficult to read, but behind every number is a Kentucky child who deserves to be safe, supported, and given the opportunity to grow up in a loving home.

Child abuse does not always look the way we expect. It can involve physical or sexual abuse, neglect, emotional injury, or unsafe living conditions. Sometimes the warning signs are obvious. Other times, they are not. That is why awareness matters.

Kentucky lawmakers have continued working to strengthen Kentucky’s child welfare system and better protect vulnerable children. During the 2026 Regular Session, lawmakers passed HB 778, a comprehensive child welfare measure that strengthened protections around foster care and adoption placements, expanded access to certain child abuse records for appropriate entities, addressed substance-exposed infants, strengthened child fatality and near-fatality reviews, and increased protections for children harmed by controlled substances.

The legislature also enacted SB 17, which made changes to Kentucky’s Court Appointed Special Advocate program and Kentucky CASA Network. CASA volunteers play an important role in advocating for children involved in the court system.

But government cannot do this work alone. Parents, grandparents, teachers, coaches, neighbors, church members, child-care workers, and other trusted adults all have a role to play. Sometimes protecting a child starts with simply paying attention.

Kentucky provides resources to help us do that. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services offers KY PROTECT, which provides information about child abuse and neglect, training opportunities, data, and resources for families and communities.

Kentucky also provides training to help adults recognize and report abuse and neglect. The Kentucky Department of Education maintains a list of approved training programs, including free resources designed for educators and youth-serving organizations.

Most importantly, if you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, speak up. Kentucky law requires adults to report suspected child abuse. Reports can be made by calling 1-877-KYSAFE1, or 1-877-597-2331. In an emergency, call 911.

We cannot always know what a child is experiencing behind closed doors. But we can choose to pay attention. We can learn the warning signs. We can support parents and families before they reach a crisis. We can also speak up when something does not seem right.

October 4 gives us a simple reminder: Be on the lookout. Be willing to listen. Be willing to help.

Most of all, let’s make sure Kentucky’s children know there are adults who see them, care about them, and will stand up for them.

As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via email at [email protected] and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.

09/26/2026

Happy National Hunting and Fishing Day! Today we celebrate Kentucky’s great outdoors and the hunters, anglers and conservationists who help protect our natural resources and keep these traditions alive for generations to come.

09/21/2026

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Representative Mitch Whitaker

The outdoors are calling: National Hunting and Fishing Day
For generations, Kentuckians have spent time in the woods, fields, lakes and rivers. They have taught their children how to safely handle a fishing rod or fi***rm, where to find a good fishing hole, how to read the woods and, just as importantly, how to respect the land and wildlife around them. Hunting and fishing are more than hobbies in Kentucky, they are part of our heritage, contribute to our economy, and impact our quality of life.

National Hunting and Fishing Day is Saturday, September 26, 2026, a day set aside to celebrate traditions that are deeply woven into Kentucky’s way of life.

Our state is blessed with an incredible abundance of outdoor resources. From the mountains of Eastern Kentucky to the lakes and rivers of Western Kentucky, people come from across the Commonwealth and beyond to enjoy what our outdoors have to offer. Kentucky’s hunters and anglers play an important role in making that possible.

When someone buys a hunting or fishing license, those dollars do more than support a day in the woods or on the water. They help support conservation efforts that protect Kentucky’s fish, wildlife and natural resources. Wildlife-related outdoor activities contribute an estimated $8.7 billion to Kentucky’s economy each year.

That economic impact reaches far beyond sporting goods stores. Hunters and anglers buy fuel, food, lodging, boats, equipment, and clothing. They visit restaurants, gas stations, outfitters, and other local businesses. In many of our smaller communities, those visitors provide an important boost to local businesses and help support jobs.

Hunting and fishing also play an important role in tourism. People travel to Kentucky to pursue deer, elk, turkey, and other game, or to fish our lakes and rivers. Our elk program, in particular, has become a draw for hunters from Kentucky and other states. When those visitors come to Kentucky, they bring their families, spend money in our communities and get a chance to see firsthand what makes our state special.

But the value of hunting and fishing cannot be measured only in dollars. There is something special about being outside, away from a screen and the noise of everyday life. It is time spent with family and friends. It is a grandfather taking a grandchild fishing for the first time. It is a parent teaching a child to appreciate wildlife. It is sitting quietly in the woods before sunrise or watching the water on a summer afternoon.

Those experiences are part of what makes Kentucky a great place to live. They also teach responsibility. Hunters and anglers understand that enjoying our natural resources comes with an obligation to protect them. In Kentucky, license fees and other contributions from people who participate in outdoor activities help fund conservation and habitat work across the state.

National Hunting and Fishing Day is a good opportunity to recognize the Kentuckians who have carried these traditions forward and the people working to make sure future generations can enjoy them, too.

Whether you are an experienced hunter or angler, someone who enjoys spending time outdoors or a parent looking for a new way to introduce your child to Kentucky’s natural beauty, there is something here for you.

Our outdoors are one of Kentucky’s greatest assets. They support our economy, attract visitors, improve our quality of life, and connect generations of Kentuckians.

As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via email at [email protected] and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.

09/14/2026

ICYMI, I have a short radio message that broadcasts on WXKQ called "The Representative Report". Tune in on Tuesdays at 8:45 am or listen to the re-run on Thursdays at 5:15 pm. You can listen on your radio at 103.9 FM or online at https://1039thebulldog.com

09/11/2026

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Representative Mitchum Whitaker

Honoring the Constitution and the principles that guide our nation
Each year on September 17, Americans observe Constitution Day, a time to reflect on the document that established the framework of our government and remains the foundation of our system of self-government. The Constitution is more than an historic document. It is the governing charter of the United States. It establishes the structure of our government, defines the powers of its different branches and, most importantly, places limits on government power while protecting the rights and liberties of the people.

For those of us who have the privilege of serving in the Kentucky General Assembly, those principles carry a special responsibility. Our government does not exist above the people, it exists because for the people and derives its authority from every Kentuckian across the Commonwealth. Every elected official, regardless of political party or position, takes an oath to support the Constitution. That oath is more than a ceremonial promise. It is a commitment to uphold the rule of law and to remember that the powers entrusted to government ultimately belong to the people.

As legislators, we have the authority to pass laws, establish policies and make decisions that affect the lives of the people in our districts and across Kentucky. But that authority comes with boundaries. We must respect the Constitution, the rule of law, and the rights of the people we represent. That means remembering that government is not the source of our rights, but that the Constitution recognizes rights that belong to the people.
The First Amendment protects fundamental freedoms including speech, religion, the press, peaceful assembly, and the right to petition the government. The Second Amendment protects the right of the people to keep and bear arms. The Fourth Amendment protects Americans from unreasonable searches and seizures. The Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments provide important protections for due process and equal protection under the law.

These rights and protections are not merely words on a page. They are safeguards that have allowed generations of Americans to live as free citizens.

The true test of a constitutional government is not whether we defend the Constitution when it is convenient. It is whether we are willing to uphold its principles when doing so requires discipline, restraint, and respect for people with whom we disagree.

Our nation has changed dramatically since 1787. Kentucky has grown from a young frontier state into a thriving commonwealth. Technology has transformed nearly every part of our lives, and the challenges facing government today could not have been imagined by the delegates who gathered in Philadelphia. But the principles of constitutional government remain remarkably relevant.

The Constitution gives us a framework capable of adapting to changing circumstances while preserving the fundamental principles upon which our republic was founded. It reminds us that elections matter, that citizens have a voice and that government officials are accountable to the people. It reminds us that disagreement is not a weakness of our system. It is an expected part of a free society. And it reminds us that our rights are worth defending even when doing so requires patience, courage, and humility

For Kentucky, that responsibility is especially meaningful. Our state has its own Constitution, its own elected government, and its own proud tradition of self-government. The Kentucky General Assembly has a responsibility to make laws that serve the people while respecting the constitutional boundaries placed upon our authority.

As elected representatives, we should never lose sight of the fact that the people of Kentucky have entrusted us with a temporary responsibility. We are not the owners of public office. We are its stewards. Constitution Day gives all of us an opportunity to step back from the political debates of the moment and remember the principles that unite us beyond party, geography, or ideology.

The Constitution has endured for nearly 240 years because generations of Americans have recognized that freedom cannot be taken for granted. Each generation inherits the responsibility to protect the institutions and principles that made our republic possible.

We have inherited that responsibility, and we must take it seriously.

As we observe Constitution Day, let us remember the men and women who helped establish our constitutional system, the generations who have defended it, and the citizens who continue to exercise the freedoms it protects. Most importantly, let us remember that the Constitution belongs to the American people. It is a promise that government will remain accountable, that individual liberty will be protected, and that no person is above the law.

As a state representative, I am honored to serve the people of Kentucky, and I remain committed to upholding the Constitution and the principles of limited government, individual liberty, and representative democracy that have allowed our nation to endure.

As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via email at [email protected] and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.

09/07/2026

Labor Day is a great opportunity to honor all Kentucky workers and show them how appreciated their efforts are. Thank you for your continued outstanding work. Happy Labor Day!

08/21/2026

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Representative Mitch Whitaker

‘We the people,’ legislators learn about unique civics opportunity
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

There are 52 words in the preamble to the U.S. Constitution, 4,543 in the original version ratified in 1788. In the centuries since, it has been amended 27 times. And, still today every single word serves as an important reminder that America began as a political experiment

Nearly 250 years ago, our founders forged a government of, by and for the people. The Constitution became the framework for that experiment, and it has endured because each generation has been entrusted with understanding, protecting and improving the system it inherited.

Today, as we celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary, there are few better ways to celebrate our nation’s history and prepare the next generation of Americans than by putting the United States Constitution directly into the hands of our students.

According to a presentation during the August meeting of the Interim Joint Committee on State Government, that is the mission behind The 917 Society, a nonprofit organization working to provide students with their own pocket copy of the Constitution. The organization has distributed more than one million copies across the country, reaching students in all 50 states and thousands of school districts. Now, the group is looking to expand that effort in Kentucky.

The timing could not be more appropriate. As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, giving young Americans a better understanding of the document that established our system of government is more important than ever.

The 917 Society’s approach is simple: Give students the Constitution.

The organization provides the pocket-sized copies at no cost to teachers, schools, and students. According to testimony, the group does not dictate how the Constitution should be incorporated into a classroom. Instead, it provides educators with a primary source and allows them to determine how best to use it with their students.

Lawmakers often talk about how we can better prepare Kentucky students for careers and life after graduation. These are important goals, but we cannot forget that it is equally important to prepare students to be informed and active citizens.

Kentuckians need to know how government works. They should understand that our government has three branches—legislative, judicial, and executive—and that each branch has its own set of responsibilities as well as the duty to hold the remaining two accountable. They should also know about the U.S. and Kentucky constitutions and understand the rights protected by the Bill of Rights. They should know the documents that serve as the foundation for our way of life.

The 917 Society provides a resource. It puts the Constitution in students’ hands, let’s them read it, ask questions, and learn directly from the source.

If you are a teacher or school administrator, or you are just interested in learning more about The 917 Society, please visit 917society.org.

As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via email at [email protected] and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.

08/11/2026

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Representative Mitch Whitaker

Week in Review: Education, budget, natural resources
The first week of August provided an opportunity for several committees to meet, including a statutory committee, interim joint committees (IJC), and the legislature’s budget review (BR) committees. These panels heard testimony on a variety of issues, but more importantly asked questions and gathered information that will be used to shape legislation for next session.

Committee topics included:

Education Assessment and Accountability Review Subcommittee: Members discussed updates from the Education Professional Standards Board and reviewed district data profiles for the 2025 school year. The discussion included educator preparation and certification, legal and policy updates affecting the education profession, and an overview of district-level data compiled by the Office of Education Accountability. Members also examined school financial information and performance metrics to better understand trends across Kentucky's school districts and support future policy decisions.

IJC on Education: Members heard from a variety of stakeholders in primary and secondary education. The committee heard from Kentucky First Robotics, a program designed to help prepare students with career-ready technical, team-work, and problem-solving skills. Next, Warren County Public Schools presented on the benefits of kindergarten transition and allowing students additional time to develop socially, grow emotionally, and prepare academically. The district also testified about their efforts to increase postsecondary readiness through the Impact Center for Leadership and Innovation. Finally, the committee heard from the Kentucky Department of Education on Kentucky’s reading and math improvements and overall test scores.

IJC on Transportation: Members discussed the growing use of personal delivery devices, such as small autonomous robots that transport goods over short distances, and received a closeout report on the state's Road Fund for fiscal year 2026. They also reviewed implementation of House Bill 571, including new restrictions on highway lighting near agricultural land, received an update on progress of the Interstate 65 improvement project, and considered an administrative regulation related to peer-to-peer vehicle-sharing services.

BR on Justice and Judiciary: Legislators heard from the Department of Corrections regarding its inmate food service contract and offender work programs. Officials said they have contracted for food services since 2005, with Aramark serving as the awarded vendor. The contract provides meals at a cost of $4.39 a day per inmate for approximately 12,000 inmates in state correctional institutions. Offenders also participate in 13 prison industries and farm operations at three correctional institutions, employing up to 40 inmates and generating approximately $550,000 in annual profits, although the department does not currently operate any food production facilities.

BR on General Government, Finance, Personnel, and Public Retirement: Members heard an update on veterans nursing homes operated by the state. Committee staff presented data on capacity, the cost of care and facility management, the process for veterans accessing care, and recommendations for improvements made to the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs. Facility capacity was a key issue discussed. Transitioning rooms at the centers from double occupancy to single occupancy is one reason for the decrease in capacity, but improves the quality of life for residents. Statewide capacity will increase with the opening of the Bowling Green Veterans Center and the completion of the new HVAC installation at the Radcliff Veterans Center.

BR on Transportation: Members received updates on planned highway construction projects scheduled to be awarded during fiscal year 2027, along with expected construction spending over the current two-year budget cycle. They also reviewed the status of federal transportation grants, including funding opportunities and ongoing projects, and received the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's annual year-end report on the Road Fund and the state's transportation finances.

IJC on Appropriations and Revenue: Legislators heard from Kentucky State University on its continued progress toward becoming Kentucky's polytechnic institution following the passage of SB 185 during the 2026 Regular Session. University officials highlighted the comprehensive academic program review now underway. Members also discussed the fiscal year 2026 budget closeout with the Office of the State Budget Director. General Fund revenues exceeded the enacted estimate by $476.6 million, representing a 1.7% increase, driven by strong growth in income tax, sales and use tax, major business taxes, lottery receipts, and coal severance revenues.

IJC on Judiciary: Members received an update on the Child Fatality and Near Fatality External Review Panel, including its efforts to examine child fatalities and near fatalities to identify trends, improve coordination among agencies, and strengthen child safety. They also heard a presentation on a law enforcement tool designed to help officers safely control and de-escalate dangerous situations without using deadly force. Finally, members discussed the use of a real-time crime index to provide more timely crime data, improve public safety analysis, and support informed policymaking.

IJC on Natural Resources and Energy: Lawmakers reviewed the recent purchase of land by The Nature Conservancy in Bell and Whitley counties. The recent purchase of land is part of continued conservation efforts in the Appalachian region. The land known as the Thacker Tract connects other protected areas, Mountain River Farms and Cumberland Forest, to expand conservation work between them. Members also heard a quarterly report from the Public Service Commission on fulfilment of requests for utility pole attachments for broadband access across the state.

As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via email at [email protected] and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.

Address

702 Capital Avenue
Frankfort, KY
40601

Website

https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators/Pages/Legislator-Profile.aspx?DistrictNumber=94

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