FRANKFORT — State Senator Phillip Wheeler, a Republican from Pikeville, has been appointed to the Economic Development, Transportation and Cultural Affairs Committee of The Council of State Governments Southern Office (CSG South), Senate President Robert Stivers announced.
The appointment places Wheeler among a group of policymakers from 15 Southern states tasked with advancing regional legislative initiatives. The committee, chaired by Senator Becky Massey of Tennessee, provides lawmakers with access to research, policy briefings, and expert resources.
“I am honored to be appointed to this committee and look forward to collaborating with legislators from across the South to advance policies that strengthen economic development, improve transportation infrastructure, and promote cultural initiatives,” Wheeler said in a press release. “I recognize the importance of fostering regional partnerships that drive growth and create opportunities for our communities. I appreciate CSG South’s commitment to providing policymakers with the resources and collaborative platform needed to develop effective, forward-thinking solutions.”
Founded in 1947, CSG South is the largest of four regional offices under The Council of State Governments. It facilitates intergovernmental cooperation among Southern states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.
As a committee member, Wheeler will represent Kentucky in policy discussions on economic and transportation initiatives, participate in legislative roundtables, and vote on key committee positions. His term runs through Dec. 31, 2026.
The 2025 Southern Legislative Conference, CSG South’s flagship event, is scheduled for July 19-23 in Birmingham, Alabama, and will serve as a forum for policymakers to explore regional economic strategies.
Wheeler represents Kentucky’s 31st Senate District, which includes Elliott, Johnson, Lawrence, Martin, and Pike counties. He chairs the Senate Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor Committee and serves as vice chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. He is also co-chair of the Capital Planning Advisory Board and a member of several other legislative committees.