JCPS uses thousands taxpayer dollars each year to lobby state lawmakers

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Since 2015, Jefferson County Public Schools has spent more than $660,000 in taxpayer money to influence decisions in Frankfort. One Kentucky lawmaker wants to put an end to taxpayer funded lobbying.

State records show JCPS spent nearly $90,000 last year to sway state politics. That figure doesn’t include the salary of the district staff member who’s paid to do it.

“Every dollar that’s wasted on lobbyists is a dollar that could be used in the classroom where it belongs,” said Rep. Vanessa Grossl.

JCPS’s executive administrator of government and community relations, Chuck Truesdell, earns about $155,000 a year. Records show he’s lobbied lawmakers on issues including school safety, school choice, juvenile justice, funding formulas and whether JCPS should be split up.

Grossl said she started digging into the issue after Fayette County’s superintendent brought a lobbyist to a meeting with her about a new tax — while that district faces a multimillion-dollar deficit and accusations of wasteful spending.

“I was like, wow, you brought a lobbyist? I’m approachable. Here’s my cell phone number,” Grossl said.

Now, Grossl is drafting a bill that would ban school districts from using tax dollars to hire lobbyists — primarily third-party lobbyists like those used in Fayette and Bullitt counties.

“I haven’t ruled out including Jefferson County’s internal person,” Grossl said.

When asked for a response, a JCPS spokesperson said the proposed bill targets third-party lobbyists, which the district does not use. When WDRB followed up that Grossl may also include in-house lobbyists, JCPS did not respond.

Grossl argues that school districts already have representation in Frankfort through organizations like the Kentucky Education Association.

So far this year, records show JCPS has spent more than $43,000 on lobbying — again, not including Truesdell’s salary.

“A few thousand dollars make a difference in hiring those tutors,” Grossl said.

Grossl plans to file the bill during the next legislative session.

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