Congressional Update from U.S. Congressman Andy Barr

Update on Skyrocketing Inflation on Spectrum News

I spoke with Mario Anderson of Spectrum News about the historic wave of inflation crushing Kentucky middle-class families and small businesses.  From the gas pump to the grocery store, everywhere Kentuckians open their wallets they are being impacted by inflation.  According to a recent study from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, inflation amounted to a $3,500 tax on average families in 2021.

As I told Mario, I am working to end the Socialist spending spree in Washington.  I am also pushing for pro-growth tax and regulatory policies, as well as a complete reversal of Biden’s disastrous energy policies that sent prices soaring at the pump. 

Highlighting Broadband Expansion in Scott County

Expanding broadband in rural communities has been one of my top priorities in Congress.  I participated in several events to highlight the recent $3.1M federal grant to deliver high speed broadband to over 5,000 unserved households in Scott County. This included a roundtable with local leaders such as Judge Executive Joe Pat Covington, State Senate Majority Leader Damon Thayer and State Rep. Phillip Pratt.

These leaders worked tirelessly to advocate for this project in Scott County, and I was happy to vote for the federal appropriations that has attracted an additional $18M in private investment to support this public private partnership.

I also toured Great Crossing High School to meet with students who will greatly benefit from this project.  I voted for the supplemental appropriations to the U.S. Department of Commerce used to fund this grant.  I’ll continue to fight for more resources to enhance internet access in the Sixth District.

Reopening Ceremony for Central Bank Center

On Thursday, the Central Bank Center reopened after extensive renovations that expanded ballroom space by over 40% and exhibition space by 50%.  Rupp Arena, the Lexington Convention Center, and the Lexington Opera House are hallmark buildings that define downtown Lexington and draw people from across the nation to the heart of the Commonwealth.  This expansion will not only ensure the longevity of these storied buildings but also support economic growth across the Central Kentucky region. 

In my full remarks at the reopening ceremony above, I touched on the perseverance of all those involved who brought this project across the finish line despite the challenges of the pandemic.  I also discussed my work in Congress to provide help to the hospitality industry during the COVID-19 crisis.

Congressional Art Competition Winners Announced

Congratulations to the winners of the Sixth District Congressional Art Competition.  The overall winner was Nicholas O’Banion from Anderson County High School with his painting “Appalachia."  The second-place winner was Nikayla Raglin from Lafayette High School and third place was Eldon Stephan of Sayre School.  Honorable mention went to Matthew Newberry of Franklin County High School. Nicholas and Nikayla are pictured above.

Thank you to all the wonderful artists who entered and to their teachers and parents for encouraging their talent!

Did You Miss It?

• In a major victory for Madison County, Buc’ees opened its first Kentucky location in Richmond this week. The family travel center brings 200 jobs to the area.  It was a great thrill to attend the opening ceremony.
• Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced that 42 individuals on the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) terror watch list attempted to cross the southern border last year. I am cosponsoring legislation to restart border wall construction, deploy advanced technology and hire additional CBP officers to maintain an active-duty presence at all ports of entry at the border.
• I visited the Paris-Bourbon County YMCA to check in on the almost completed Teen Center. I supported Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) federal funding to support this project. 
• My full interview with Mario Anderson on Spectrum News about inflation, Ukraine and the White Oak Caucus.

Sincerely,

Congressman Andy Barr