R. Travis Brenda says he is the fourth generation to live and work on his family farm in Garrard county, with his kids working on the farm as the fifth generation to carry on the family name there. These close ties to the area, including his devotion to Church on the Rock in Berea, are part of the reason why he originally ran to represent the area in Frankfort back in 2018, gaining his seat.
The Republican-aligned teacher at Rockcastle County High School said he had prayed about the decision to run for State Representative for Madison, Garrard, and Rockcastle counties.
Brenda explained that he has multiple degrees, and has been teaching in Rockcastle county for 21 years now. He elaborates that it is this career path that he believes makes him a good fit to continue to represent District 71 at the Capitol, as he knows all too well the problems with the pension system. Brenda listed off other issues such as paid time off and benefits for teachers and state workers that some might not be aware of that are also in jeopardy. For this reason, he has worked on the Education Committee in Frankfort since taking office.
One of the wins in his first term, Brenda explains, is working with the Transportation Cabinet to move road projects along in the District. He adds that there are more projects in all three counties that are still in progress that need to continue which will help economic development, as well as help bring jobs to Garrard County. He has also developed and drafted a bill working with the Department of Agriculture on the landscape tax for contract mowing, which is now taxed for the Department of Revenue.
Brenda says a strong educated workforce is crucial, as well as job opportunities in order to grow the three counties in his District. Lastly, Brenda explains his pro-life, pro-second amendment platform and says there have been a handful of bills that they are hoping to get through at the Capitol.
