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A RESOLUTION honoring Jonathan Grate on his retirement from public service 1
after 21 years of service with the Legislative Research Commission, General Assembly, 2
and the Judiciary Committee, four years as the Deputy Secretary of the Justice and Public 3
Safety Cabinet, and three years as the General Counsel in the office of the Auditor of 4
Public Accounts. 5
WHEREAS, Jonathan Grate graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political 6
Science in 1992 and a Juris Doctorate degree in 1995, both from the University of 7
Kentucky. He began his service to the Legislative Research Commission in 1994 as a 8
student assistant. Enamored with this storied institution, he returned as Legislative 9
Assistant with the Judiciary Committee the following year; and 10
WHEREAS, Jonathan Grate was an analyst with the Judiciary Committee until 11
becoming its Committee Staff Administrator in 2012, and served in that role until the end 12
of 2015; and 13
WHEREAS, under Jonathan Grate's tenure, the Judiciary Committee traveled from 14
the attic of the Capitol across the length and breadth of the Commonwealth, examining 15
the workings of the justice system in jails, prisons, laboratories, and courthouses, and 16
surveying the judicial landscape from land and air; and 17
WHEREAS, Jonathan Grate has dutifully served the Kentucky General Assembly, 18
working in a critical role with the leadership and members in both chambers on 19
legislation that has changed the face of the Commonwealth, protected our communities, 20
provided funding, and saved lives. Jonathan Grate's stalwart advocacy toward the 21
institution and the integrity of the legislative process earned him the respect and trust of 22
each member, regardless of party; and 23
WHEREAS, upon leaving the legislative branch, Jonathan Grate served as Deputy 24
Secretary for the Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet, providing four years of 25
sage and steadfast leadership during a time of major reforms, scarce resources, and 26
significant challenges in the state’s criminal justice system; and 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 23 RS BR 212
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WHEREAS, while serving as Deputy Secretary, Jonathan Grate was widely 1
regarded for his sharp intellect, his institutional expertise, his exhaustive knowledge of 2
state statutes, and his commitment to sound, evidence-based practices. His efforts 3
evidenced an unyielding sense of personal duty to the Commonwealth and a genuine 4
concern for those on both sides of the criminal justice system; and 5
WHEREAS, Jonathan Grate played a pivotal role in improving the operations of the 6
Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training, the Kentucky Department of 7
Corrections, and the Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice, all of which were subject 8
to sweeping overhauls during his tenure to ensure effective and ethical operations. 9
Jonathan Grate served as interim commissioner at all three departments at separate times; 10
and 11
WHEREAS, Jonathan Grate was deeply invested in the welfare and success of the 12
Kentucky State Police, and his knowledge and leadership were instrumental in 13
developing a progressive pay scale for troopers and in securing funds for desperately 14
needed equipment; and 15
WHEREAS, Jonathan Grate went on to the Office of the Auditor of Public 16
Accounts, where he continued to work to make the Commonwealth's institutions better 17
serve the public, making sure taxpayer funds are being used efficiently and ethically; and 18
WHEREAS, Jonathan Grate has always taken great interest in the well-being of 19
those under his guidance, shepherding the professional and personal growth of younger 20
leaders and dedicating significant time and energy toward the success of others; and 21
WHEREAS, Jonathan Grate's passion for serving the public good is exemplary, and 22
he earned the trust of everyone who worked with him; 23
NOW, THEREFORE, 24
Be it resolved by the Senate of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of 25
Kentucky: 26
Section 1. The Senate congratulates Jonathan Grate on his retirement from a 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 23 RS BR 212
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distinguished career in public service. His years of service to the Legislative Research 1
Commission and the General Assembly are well remembered by those fortunate enough 2
to have worked with him, and the Senate wishes him a long and happy retirement. 3
Section 2. When the Senate adjourns this day, it does so in honor of Jonathan 4
Grate. 5
Section 3. The Clerk of the Senate is directed to transmit a copy of this 6
Resolution to Senator Whitney Westerfield for delivery to Jonathan Grate. 7