The Kentucky CPA Journal

Advocacy

KyCPA-PAC 101: Kentucky counts on cpas

Issue 4
November 25, 2024

2024 was another eventful year for the Kentucky General Assembly during the spring Legislative Session, with the passing of various policy reforms. Policymakers made significant modifications to Kentucky’s tax code with major impacts on the state’s business community. From the onset of critical policy decisions, KyCPA’s advocacy team stays present and active in the state Capitol. Currently, there are no Kentucky CPAs serving in elected positions either in Frankfort or Washington. Therefore, the Society serves as an objective resource by using the collective expertise and professional guidance of Kentucky CPA practitioners. However, how do state policy reforms connect back to the KyCPA’s Political Action Committee (KyCPA-PAC)? It would be best to understand what the KyCPA-PAC is, what it does and how it plays a significant role in the Kentucky policy process.  

What is the KyCPA-PAC?

Political Action Committees (PACs) play an influential role in today’s modern political and policy environment. PACs can tailor to specific candidates, issues, and interests in national, state, and local elections. PACs fundraise primarily to financially express political speech via our First Amendment rights as U.S. citizens. The KyCPA-PAC serves as the primary tool for the CPA professions political voice in Kentucky and exists as a separate entity from KyCPA. The KyCPA-PAC is supported solely by voluntary contributions from KyCPA members, of which less than 2 percent take part annually.  

The KyCPA-PAC’s Board of Trustees direct the responsibilities and activities of the KyCPA-PAC and are voluntary members. Trustees originate from around the Commonwealth and have an immersive understanding of Kentucky’s political ecosystem. All Trustees must be KyCPA members committed to assessing candidate campaigns and promoting the CPA profession.     

Connections to policy wins

Due to members continued support through the KyCPA-PAC, KyCPA played a pivotal role in advancing the CPA professions interests and promoting our members ability during the 2024 Legislative Session. 

The Society's key accomplishments this Session include: 

• Successfully securing an update to Kentucky’s conformity with the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, effective January 1, 2024. The state's third consecutive annual update, demonstrating our commitment to staying aligned with federal standards. 

• Advocated against the expansion of Kentucky’s sales tax base to business-to-business services. 

• Require the Kentucky Department of Revenue to publish administrative writings within 120 days for transparency and prompt guidance to taxpayers. 

• Focus on the accounting pipeline: 
  • Extension of the CPA exam timeline from 18 to 30 months. 
  • Elimination of the cap on internship hours. 
  • Establishment of the Kentucky State Board of Accountancy scholarship fund. 

These accomplishments are critical as Kentucky legislators and policymakers count on CPAs for professional guidance and real-world expertise in finance, tax, and advisory services. Your consideration to further invest in the KyCPA-PAC is of immense value as we continue to advance our profession.  

Elections

The outcomes of elections play a pivotal role in shaping Kentucky’s policy landscape. Your contributions will be crucial in electing policymakers who recognize and champion the importance of the CPA profession. 

Contributions to candidates made at various times during a two-year election cycle, decisions are based upon the following policies set by the Trustees: 

• The KyCPA-PAC supports its KyCPA members running for office;
• The KyCPA-PAC supports incumbents running for re-election who value the CPA profession;
• The KyCPA-PAC supports political parties and candidates on a bi-partisan level.

The goal of the KyCPA-PAC is to protect the trust, confidence and reputation the CPA certificate holds in the public. Contributions to the KyCPA-PAC are to support candidates for the Kentucky legislature or constitutional offices who promote sound policies while defeating issues harmful to the CPA profession. KyCPA-PAC funds help us keep and enhance our advocacy efforts and open lines of communication with key policymakers.  

Your voice in Frankfort

As the 2025 Legislative Session approaches in January, the Kentucky General Assembly will reconvene for a 30-day Session. Like many other states, the Commonwealth has a part-time legislature that meets typically between January and April each year. This Session will focus on the fiscal years 2026 and 2027 with the biennial state budget in 2026, elevating other issues associated with appropriations and revenue measures. 

KyCPA is an objective resource to policymakers during the legislative sessions, especially concerning tax and licensing policy. Support for the KyCPA-PAC will remain critical as relationships and consistent communication will provide guidance for new tax proposals and protect the CPA profession. The policies that affect CPAs and the regulations that dictate how they operate in their profession can be unique and complex. Therefore, it is vital the Society stays present and available to policymakers as a guide to provide understanding, background and context to CPA policy initiatives.  

However, with less than a 2 percent participation rate from the KyCPA membership, the KyCPA-PAC Board of Trustees is asking members to consider getting involved. Even if you are not particularly interested in the political process, the KyCPA-PAC provides a means to express political speech to enhance your profession’s unique skills and ability with Kentucky’s policymakers. Either through a $5 or the maximum $2,100 contribution, all contributions are valued and aid in supporting the profession.  

How can I get involved? 

Financial contributions to the KyCPA-PAC are the most efficient method to express your political speech on behalf of the CPA profession. KyCPA-PAC funds are to promulgate our interests, such as the accomplishments achieved during the 2024 Session.  

Ways to contribute 

Send individual contributions via check, credit card or direct payment apps.

• Checks: Make out and mail to KyCPA-PAC, 1735 Alliant Avenue, Louisville, Kentucky 40299. 
• KyCPA website direct payments: Log into your KyCPA member account. 
• If you opt to contribute using KyCPA-PAC's Givebutter platform, deselect the suggested tip amount. Within the Givebutter platform, you can use Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, Paypal, etc. to contribute.

Questions or Comments

If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please feel free to reach out to KyCPA President & CEO, Darlene Zibart, at dzibart@kycpa.org.