Georgetown, Kentucky, October 7, 2025
News Summary
State Representative Vanessa Grossl proposes a bill banning K-12 school districts in Kentucky from using taxpayer funds for private lobbying. This follows concerns over transparency linked to Fayette County Public Schools’ $60,000 contract with Piper-Smith LLC for lobbying services and a failed tax initiative. The legislation aims to ensure accountability and equity in school funding across districts, particularly those with budget shortfalls. The bill will be introduced in the 2026 General Assembly.
Georgetown, Kentucky — A new bill aimed at prohibiting K-12 school districts in Kentucky from using taxpayer funds for private lobbying services is set to be introduced by State Representative Vanessa Grossl, a Republican from Georgetown. This decision comes in light of the Fayette County Public Schools’ contract with the Lexington firm Piper-Smith LLC, which has raised concerns about transparency and equity in school district funding.
The Fayette County district currently allocates $60,000 annually to Piper-Smith for lobbying services. This financial commitment had reportedly included an additional $38,000 contract awarded by Superintendent Demetrus Liggins to promote a tax increase that was ultimately deemed illegal due to insufficient public notice. The failed initiative aimed for a 50% increase in the district’s occupational license tax, raising questions about the efficacy of the lobbying efforts.
In the wake of the tax initiative’s failure, Piper-Smith redirected its focus towards assisting Liggins in managing public perception amidst a significant budget shortfall in the district. Critics, including Grossl, argue that the hiring of private lobbyists creates an uneven playing field, disproportionately benefiting wealthier districts like Fayette, Jefferson, and Bullitt, which can afford these additional expenditures.
Grossl’s proposed legislation aims to promote accountability within school funding and address disparities in the influence of lobbying across districts. She emphasized that local legislators should be the ones advocating for their schools rather than relying on paid lobbyists. The bill is expected to be launched during the upcoming 2026 General Assembly, commencing in January.
The Fayette County Public Schools’ contract with Piper-Smith is controversial, especially given ongoing financial scrutiny directed at the district. Among the financial concerns are operational expenses exceeding $2.5 million on school-issued credit cards, as well as worries over a projected $16 million budget shortfall. The district has also faced backlash for exorbitant administrative travel expenses, including a $7,000 airfare for a trip to Australia for Superintendent Liggins.
A statement from Fayette County Schools clarified that the contract with Piper-Smith was intended for community outreach and stakeholder engagement related to the budgeting process, not exclusively for the unsuccessful tax campaign. However, this reasoning does little to quell the criticism regarding oversight and financial management within the district.
Reports have indicated that the Fayette County Public Schools board might not have been fully aware of the specific contracts awarded to Piper-Smith, raising further concerns regarding board oversight of financial dealings. The existing contract with Piper-Smith is set to continue on a month-to-month basis through June 2026.
While the primary focus of Grossl’s legislation is on K-12 public schools, she has expressed a willingness to engage in discussions about imposing similar restrictions on private lobbying within state universities and local governments.
FAQ Section
What is the purpose of the bill proposed by State Rep. Vanessa Grossl?
The bill aims to prevent K-12 school districts in Kentucky from using public funds to hire private lobbyists, promoting accountability and equity across districts.
Which school district is currently under scrutiny for its lobbying contracts?
The Fayette County Public Schools are currently under scrutiny for their contract with Piper-Smith LLC for lobbying services.
What were the financial implications of the tax increase initiative promoted by Piper-Smith?
The tax increase initiative aimed for a 50% increase in the occupational license tax but failed due to being ruled illegal, costing the district $38,000 for lobbying services related to that campaign.
What other financial issues are the Fayette County Public Schools facing?
The district is experiencing a projected budget shortfall of $16 million and has significant operational expenses, including over $2.5 million on school-issued credit cards.
When is the proposed bill expected to be introduced?
The bill is scheduled to be introduced during the 2026 General Assembly, which begins in January.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Bill Purpose | Ban public schools from hiring private lobbyists with taxpayer money |
| Current Contract | Piper-Smith LLC, $60,000 annually |
| Failed Initiative | 50% increase in occupational license tax |
| Budget Shortfall | $16 million projected |
| Contract Duration | Continues through June 2026 |
| Legislation Timeline | Introduced in January 2026 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Fayette County Public Schools Faces $16 Million Budget Shortfall
Fayette County Schools Face Backlash Over Lobbying Contracts
Kentucky Lawmaker Proposes Bill Against School Lobbying
Fayette County Public Schools Faces Backlash Over Tax Hike
Lexington Council Explores Relocation for Wastewater Treatment Pump Station
Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: Proposed Bill to Ban Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying
- Kentucky.com: Fayette County Schools Financial Issues
- WKYT: Lawmaker Proposes Ban on Lobbying
- Google Search: Kentucky School District Lobbying
- Kentucky.com: Education Budget Concerns in Fayette County
- Wikipedia: Lobbying in the United States
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