Jefferson County resident and former teacher Sarah Cole McIntosh is preparing to take her seat in the Kentucky Senate on Jan. 5, 2027 after flipping District 36 from Republican to Democratic control. In a recent interview, McIntosh outlined the policy priorities she intends to pursue from day one, emphasizing education, health care and the cost of living for Kentuckians.
Listening to voters drives her agenda
McIntosh said the election results were not a surprise because her campaign spent months listening to constituents across the district. “We were talking to people, and what they told us they cared about is not what Frankfort has focused on for the last several years,” she explained. Voters repeatedly mentioned rising utility bills, health‑care costs and the impact of recent data‑center tax incentives on families.
Education reform and school district unity
As a former Jefferson County Public Schools teacher and school‑board member, McIntosh opposes any effort to split the district. “If you break up the district, you increase overhead and it becomes more expensive for local taxpayers and the state,” she warned. She pledged to work with teachers, parents and local leaders to craft legislation that supports, rather than dismantles, the district’s operations.
Repealing the data‑center tax cut
One of McIntosh’s first legislative goals is to repeal House Bill 775, the 2025 law that granted a 50‑year tax cut to data‑center developers. She argues the incentive has not delivered the promised jobs and instead reduced revenue needed for essential services. “We need to ensure that tax policy works for Kentuckians, not just for out‑of‑state corporations,” she said.
Restoring Medicaid funding for vulnerable families
McIntosh highlighted a recent $700 million Medicaid cut that has strained nursing‑home capacity and left families with disabled children and seniors struggling to access care. “Losing almost $700 million is really impacting families, especially those who have disabled children or are elderly,” she noted. She plans to introduce measures to restore funding and protect access to long‑term care.
Commitment to bipartisan cooperation
Joining eight other newly elected Democratic legislators, McIntosh said she is ready to work across the aisle. “I have broad shoulders, and so I’m willing to carry the load for others,” she said, underscoring a willingness to collaborate with Republican colleagues on issues that affect all Kentuckians.
Looking ahead
McIntosh’s priorities reflect a broader shift in Kentucky’s political landscape, where several traditionally Republican seats have turned blue in recent elections. While critics may argue that her proposals could increase state spending, she counters that targeted investments in education and health care are essential for long‑term economic stability and family well‑being.
As the new legislative session approaches, constituents will be watching closely to see how McIntosh translates her campaign promises into concrete bills and whether her bipartisan overtures can bridge the partisan divide in Frankfort.
Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.
