Name: J.T. Payne
Party: Republican
Age: 27
Education: Henderson County High School; Murray State University: Bachelor’s in Agriculture, Master’s in Teacher Leadership, Master’s in Educational Administration.
Experience: Current Board Member: Henderson Chamber of Commerce, Henderson Education Foundation & Kentucky Association of Career and Technical Educators. Past Board Member: Henderson Farm Bureau, Henderson Fair Board & Murray State Board of Regents (student regent)
Occupation: Career and Technical Education Principal at Henderson County High School, Former Agriculture Teacher/FFA Advisor
Family: Fiancé, Maddie Clements; Parents, Jimmy Payne and Penny and Jason Cowan
Why did you decide to run for this office?
My reason for running is simple: I love Henderson and want us to have a seat at the table. Our community is facing a period of historic growth and it’s important we have someone in the House of Representatives that will work tirelessly to represent the interests of our citizens. I am someone who believes in working together because we all want what’s best for the future of Henderson County.
Why do you believe you are the best choice for this seat?
I believe I am most qualified to represent district 11 as state representative because I am a young and energetic voice that reflects what we are seeing across our community. In the past 5 years we have seen an unprecedented number of young people step up to the plate to make our community a better place, whether it be in public service, business development, or education. This new generation of leadership is just as important in our state Capitol. In my first term as a legislator, I have become a leading voice in educational policy (one of Henderson’s largest employment sectors), have a pro-business voting record, and even voted to cut the income tax.
What are your top priorities for the next term?
Kentucky has made great strides to ensure our state is business friendly and in a strong financial position. Our pension funds are finally being funded at an adequate level, our budget reserves are in a healthy position, and the road plan has seen tremendous investment. All this while being efficient with taxpayer dollars and even cutting the income tax for families to keep more of their hard earned money. However, our state will face some very tough budget decisions next session to keep that trajectory and I’m prepared to help make the tough votes to protect Kentucky’s future. I will always be pro-education, pro-agriculture, pro-reliable energy, and pro-business, which I believe reflects the needs of our community.
A final brief statement to support your candidacy.
It has been a great honor to represent my hometown in the legislature. If the voters send me back to Frankfort for a second term, I promise to work hard and do my best to represent Henderson well. I believe it’s important to have regular citizens representing us. As the son of a machinist and small business owner and as a career educator myself, I know the struggles of our working class families, schools, and small businesses. I also know the government can do its part to ease that burden or make it worse, and I will continue advocating for the former.
