Impelled by Joy Jensen SL, vital Kentucky housing bill is signed into law
Posted on July 10, 2026, by Joy Jensen SL
I’m grateful for the support of my colleagues in the Senate and for the faith leaders who inspired this effort, especially Joy Jensen and the Sisters of Loretto.
Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Ky.
Photo: Loretto Archives
Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) is the grandfather of the “Yes in God’s Backyard” bill. I came across his bill, which was voted down in the U.S. Senate. It allows churches and college institutions to build affordable housing on their property, bypassing zoning regulations. Although Brown’s bill did not pass the U.S. Senate, it was passed in New York, California and San Antonio, Texas.
I met with Sen. Jimmy Higdon (R-Ky.), our state senator. I wanted his sponsorship of the bill. He arrived at Loretto Motherhouse with Michael Pollack (R-Ky.), our state representative. I explained the bill, provided statistics for the shortage of affordable housing in Kentucky and encouraged them to sponsor a bill.
The bill failed in the House in 2025 but passed in 2026. It allows churches to build affordable housing, warming shelters and homeless shelters. With more prayers, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear signed it into law on April 7.
Read all of the articles in the summer 2026 issue of Loretto Magazine.
Posted in
Topics:
