Rep. Kevin Sinnette’s legislation would extend economic incentives for AK Steel
Frankfort, KY– Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Reps. Kevin Sinnette, Jill York and Rocky Adkins to renew and extend economic development incentives to AK Steel received unanimous support today in the Kentucky House of Representatives.
House Bill 535 encourages investment and job creation at AK Steel and now goes to the Senate for its consideration. If enacted, the legislation would provide assistance to the 550 employees laid off by AK Steel and entice investment under the Kentucky Business Investment Program. Additionally, the legislation specifically allows the restart of the blast furnace and rehiring of these employees to qualify for incentives as a Supplemental Project under the act.
“I’m hopeful that my fellow lawmakers in the Senate will see the importance of this legislation and join us in supporting this bipartisan effort to keep these valuable jobs within our region,” Rep. Sinnette said.
Rep. Adkins said the legislation will help mitigate the unfair trade practices the American steel industry is experiencing with the importation of cheap steel from China and other countries.
“We’ve been hit hard here in Northeast Kentucky by countries who have chosen to flood our market with their substandard imports,” Rep. Adkins said. “Recent announcements from the U.S. Department of Commerce that they intend to enforce new tariffs against these countries is good news, but this legislation will put us in a position to move swiftly and directly assist AK Steel.”
Rep. Sinnette represents the state’s 100th House District in Boyd County. Rep. Adkins represents the state’s 99th House District in Elliott, Lewis and Rowan counties. Rep. Jill York represents the state’s 96th House District in Carter and Lawrence counties.
Amy Carman
Director of Communications
House Majority Floor Leader’s Office
Kentucky General Assembly
(502) 564-5565
