Secretary of State
House unanimously passes Secretary Walker's top legislative priority

FRANKFORT, KY – Secretary of State Elaine Walker applauds the unanimous House passage of Senate Bill 8, which will lead to the creation of a One Stop Business Portal for Kentucky. A One Stop electronic portal will give businesses a direct link to all state agencies within the Commonwealth in one, simple to use online location.  Walker made this legislation a cornerstone of her legislative agenda as Secretary of State in her efforts improve the state’s business climate and promote economic development. 

“As a small business owner, I understand the benefits that a completed One Stop will provide for small and medium sized businesses.  Kentucky’s One Stop will lower the cost for businesses and government alike and make it easier for businesses to relocate, expand and create more jobs in Kentucky,” Secretary Walker stated.  Walker added, “this is what we’re able to do when we can come together to work for the commonwealth.  We crafted strong legislation and will implement a world-class One Stop Business Portal that will create jobs here in the Commonwealth.” 

The successful passage of Senate Bill 8 will require a comprehensive assessment of the processes, potential efficiencies, scope, and cost of a One Stop program.  Through a One Stop web portal, businesses will be able to log onto the State’s site, register their business or file their annual report, register with the Finance cabinet, pay their taxes, sign up for unemployment insurance and ultimately acquire their professional board’s license.  Entrepreneurs using the new portal will fill in vital information once rather than multiple times on myriad forms thereby streamlining the process allowing businesses to spend time less time filling out paperwork with the commonwealth and more time creating jobs. 

Other states that have implemented such a program have also included information to attract new businesses, encourage relocation, and business expansion through centralized and increased organization of incentives programs available.  The Secretary of State, Governor Beshear, and both houses of the General Assembly worked closely to pass this legislation.

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