Tony Hampton for State Representative

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE:

-Representative Tony Hampton-

Autism Awareness Month provides opportunity to better understand life on the spectrum Autism Awareness Month offers an important opportunity to deepen our understanding of what life can be like for individuals on the autism spectrum and to reaffirm our commitment to supporting them and their families. According to Autism Speaks, “autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication.” Autism is estimated to affect approximately one in 31 children and one in 45 adults across the United States.

Individuals with autism may also experience co-occurring conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, gastrointestinal disorders, and sleep issues. While autism is a lifelong condition, symptoms and support needs can evolve over time, and many individuals on the spectrum lead meaningful, independent, and fulfilling lives.

Autism Awareness Month is about fostering understanding and dispelling longstanding misconceptions. Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference, not a deficit, and individuals on the spectrum bring unique strengths, talents, and perspectives to our communities.

This understanding must also extend into our schools and public systems. Educators and service providers are often called upon to meet diverse and individualized needs, underscoring the importance of strong support systems and informed practices. Greater awareness helps equip families, educators, healthcare professionals, and community members with the knowledge needed to better support individuals with autism at every stage of life.

Kentucky’s autism rate among children is slightly below the national average, but there is still work to do in ensuring families can access timely evaluations and early intervention. Strengthening access to qualified providers and focusing on early support can make a meaningful difference in long-term outcomes for children and their families.

At the same time, Kentucky has areas of progress, but challenges remain in workforce participation and family stability. By continuing to support families, improve access to services, and build pathways to independence, Kentucky can ensure children with autism have every opportunity to succeed while strengthening communities across the Commonwealth.

In Kentucky, families and professionals benefit from resources like the Kentucky Autism Training Center, established by the Kentucky legislature in 1996. The center provides training on evidence-based practices, workshops for families, and specialized resources for educators and service providers. It also offers critical training for first responders, helping them recognize and appropriately respond to individuals with autism in high pressure situations where communication challenges can have serious consequences.

Advocacy remains a vital component of meaningful progress. Policies that expand access to early intervention, educational support, healthcare, employment opportunities, and community resources are essential to ensuring individuals with autism can thrive.

During the most recent legislative session, the legislature approved Senate Bill 69, which will establish the Autism Spectrum Disorder Trust Fund. This legislation creates a framework to accept donations and award funding to support children, adults, families, and caregivers impacted by autism. Measures such as SB 69 reflect a growing recognition of the need for sustained, targeted investment in autism services and supports.

Autism awareness is not confined to the month of April. It is an ongoing commitment to understanding, inclusion, and action. By continuing to invest in meaningful efforts, we can build communities where individuals with autism are valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential.

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

Welcome - Legislative Research Commission

You don’t have to live in Scott County to know how blessed we are to have J.R. Brandenburg and his staff tending to our roads. This past winter, as many counties struggled to combat the daunting elements, Scott County emerged as a gold star standard as Frankfort took notice to what I’ve always known to be true; we simply have the best in the business.

It was a privilege to honor him last night among friends and colleagues.

“The House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Kentucky hereby recognizes and honors J.R. BRANDENBURG for his exemplary service to his community as the respected Road Supervisor for the Scott County Road Department. Mr. Brandenburg worked in the equipment industry for 20 years before accepting a position with the road department, where he oversees an exceptional staff of more than 20 highly-trained and capable crew members and is responsible for general road maintenance, scheduling annual road pavements, snow removal, high water issues and damage, and providing for the overall care and safety of Scott County roadways. Inasmuch as this dedicated public servant, with the hard work and commitment of his outstanding staff, has worked tirelessly and with the utmost integrity and professionalism to enhance and maintain area roadways and, as a result, has earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues and of all those who have benefited from his hard work, the members of this distinguished body are deeply honored to join Representative Tony Hampton in offering sincere commendation and gratitude to Mr. Brandenburg for his years of exemplary service and in extending to him best wishes for continued success and good fortune in the future.”

I want to thank everyone that attended the annual Chamber breakfast this past weekend. We had a good turnout that included current elected officials and candidates for office as well.

It’s always a pleasure to be with my fellow colleagues from Scott County, Representative Vanessa Grossl (who serves a portion of Scott County with me) and Senator Matt Nunn (who serves four counties,
including Scott)

I believe we make a good team in Frankfort and we all put a lot of effort into serving our constituents. Also a special thanks to John Cooper who is a great moderator and even better person.

May we all take a moment today to honor the dream

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE:

Stay Tuned: 2026 Regular Session convenes January 6

The General Assembly will convene on Tuesday, January 6 at Noon. Our convening is set by the Kentucky Constitution, which requires that we begin session on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in January. The Constitution also establishes that in odd years we have 30 legislative days to complete our work before we must adjourn by midnight on March 30.

We already know that this will be a historic session, as the legislature will convene and meet in a temporary building rather than the State Capitol Building. The entire campus is undergoing renovations aimed at maintaining the facility’s historic integrity while making it safer and more accessible for those who work and visit. The project also incorporates modern technology. Since the Kentucky Constitution also requires that all sessions be held in the state capital city (except in case of war, insurrection, or pestilence, may I add), the project includes a temporary structure that will allow us to continue meeting in Frankfort and on the Capitol grounds.

While the legislature can only pass laws and take other official action during session, lawmakers use the time between sessions to study issues and work with stakeholders to prepare. Lawmakers met throughout the summer and fall to consider issues that will be addressed with legislation during the 2026 Regular Session. While some presentations were broad and focused on an issue rather than a specific proposal, several lawmakers shared drafts of legislation they will file this session. In addition to committee work, special task forces have discussed housing shortages, artificial intelligence, disaster preparedness, health, and air mobility. Each panel has provided recommendations for potential legislation.

Because this is an even-year, we will meet for 60 legislative days and much of our attention will be on crafting and passing a state budget to provide resources for our state agencies and programs over the next two years. I expect us to continue with efforts to get the most for Kentuckians out of every tax dollar we spend, while also keeping an eye on the challenges and opportunities we may face in the next few years.

The rest of our legislative agenda is shaping up to include addressing skyrocketing Medicaid costs and a lack of progress in improving the health of recipients, getting Kentuckians working, increasing access to affordable health care, protecting Kentucky children, honoring our veterans, and helping strengthen our communities. All of these are important if we want to continue making Kentucky the best place to live, work, and build a life.

If you are interested in following along, please use the information below to visit the legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov and email me to be added to a list for regular updates. As I mentioned, the Capitol is closed for the renovation. However, access to the Capitol Annex, where our offices are located and legislative committees meet, remains the same. A viewing gallery is reserved for those who are at the Annex and want to watch the House and Senate proceedings. And, we have expanded the variety of tools we rely on to keep the legislature’s work accessible and transparent. For decades, Kentucky Educational Television (KET) has televised committee meetings and the work we do on the House Floor. In addition, the legislature now offers a YouTube channel and broadcasts live from all committees and the House and Senate floor proceedings, including those that KET is unable to cover. To access the KET and YouTube coverage, visit the website and click on the Live Coverage box.

The Legislative Research Commission (LRC) is the legislature’s administrative arm and maintains a helpful, information-packed website. It contains every bill and resolution, schedules, contact information, and information about the legislative process. I regularly refer to LRC publications, which provide research information on issues and can also be downloaded from the website.

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.
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We accomplished so much together in 2025, I look forward to seeing what this next year brings!

Wishing everyone a safe and happy new year 🎉

I find myself extra thankful this Christmas for all the well wishes and support shown to me this year. It's truly been remarkable.

Thank you to my family and friends for your unwavering support.
I wouldn't be here without you and I appreciate you all!

Merry Christmas 🎄

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE


The Heart of Christmas: Family, Community, and Giving this Christmas season, many Kentuckians are gathering with family and friends during what is often the most precious and unifying time of the year. Across the Commonwealth, homes become hubs of celebration filled with bright, festive decorations from stockings hung with care to beautiful trees. Young and old alike gather to wave at Santa, sing carols and celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

For many of us, the season also stirs cherished memories from childhood. The big day brought an unmatched sense of excitement as we eagerly waited to see what surprises were carefully wrapped beneath the tree. When morning finally arrived, we tore through the wrapping paper with joy, discovering special gifts that filled our hearts with happiness. As adults, the responsibilities of life can sometimes dull that anticipation and the wonder we once felt may fade but the spirit of the season remains, inviting us to rediscover joy, gratitude and togetherness.

The Christmas season offers a meaningful opportunity to slow down and reconnect with the people who matter most in your life. In the midst of busy schedules, deadlines and daily responsibilities, family time can easily be pushed aside. Holidays invite us to pause, gather around the table, share meals, laughter and simply be present with each other as we keep traditions like building gingerbread houses, baking cookies, driving around looking at holiday lights and watching Christmas movies together. These moments, whether big celebrations or quiet conversations, strengthen bonds and remind us of the values that ground us.

We are also reminded at this time of year that community is not just where we live, but how we come together. Across our close-knit communities, the season comes alive through shared traditions, Christmas church plays that tell a timeless story, local bazaars filled with handmade gifts and familiar faces, wreath-laying ceremonies that honor our veterans, and parades that line our downtown streets with lights, music and families bundled up braving the cold. These moments bring neighbors and friends together, strengthen local ties and create a sense of belonging that makes the season feel special year after year.

When children see parents, grandparents and mentors serving others with humility and joy, they learn what it truly means to have a servant’s heart. Acts of kindness, whether volunteering time, offering help to a neighbor or quietly giving without recognition, show young hearts that generosity is a way of life. By modeling service, we pass on the true spirit of Christmas and ensure it continues through the next generation.

Just as important is the spirit of giving that defines Christmas, many in our communities answer that call by donating to food pantries and canned food drives, serving meals at local soup kitchens, ringing bells for the Salvation Army or shopping through angel tree programs to provide gifts for children and elderly neighbors in need. Others support efforts like Shop with a Cop, ensuring families experience joy and dignity during the holidays. Together, these acts of service reflect the true heart of the season remembering those who have served, caring for those who are struggling and lifting one another up so that no one feels forgotten at Christmas.

This time of year also gives us the opportunity to pause and express heartfelt gratitude to those who serve our communities and our country, often at great personal sacrifice. First responders, healthcare workers and military families frequently spend the holidays away from their loved ones so that the rest of us can remain safe, healthy and secure.

Another important way to live out the heart of Christmas is by checking in on loved ones who reside in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. For many seniors, the holidays can be a time of loneliness, especially when they are separated from family gatherings and familiar traditions. A visit, a phone call, a handwritten card or simply spending a few moments listening can bring comfort and remind them they are remembered and valued. Taking the time to include those in long-term care reflects the compassion and kindness at the core of the Christmas season.

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.
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I find myself incredibly thankful today for many things.

Family, friends and a career that allows me to serve both while serving all in the 62nd District, are among those.

Join me in wishing a Happy Thanksgiving to not only those in our community, but across this great Commonwealth and nation as well!

Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours! 🦃

This afternoon I officially filed for re-election as your State Representative of the 62nd District!

This service to our community in this capacity has been one of the greatest honors of both my life and career and I look forward to continuing in this role in the future.

I humbly ask for your continued support as we work together to keep Scott County the treasured place it is.

I can’t thank former State Representative Phillip Pratt, Sheriff Jeremy Nettles and my friend Brady Smith enough for being there to witness my renewed dedication!