How Matrix Integration Helped Shape Kentucky’s 2026 Legislative Agenda , And Why That Matters for the Communities We Serve

As members of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce’s Infrastructure & Technology Council, Matrix Integration had the opportunity to actively contribute to the Chamber’s 2026 Legislative Agenda, especially in the areas of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and data center policy. Having our perspective included in this work wasn’t just an honor; it was a meaningful way to advocate for the businesses, schools, and public organizations we support every day.

For Matrix, this wasn’t simply a policy discussion. It was a chance to ensure that Kentucky’s technology landscape continues to evolve in a way that’s secure, practical, and centered on the people who depend on it. Our mission - To Humanize IT - guided every recommendation we helped craft.

Why Matrix Cares About Public Policy

A lot of IT providers focus on tools and technology.
At Matrix Integration, we focus on people.

Our clients aren’t global corporations. They’re the community banks, manufacturers, healthcare organizations, K–12 districts, municipalities, and small businesses that keep Kentucky and the Midwest running. When technology policy changes, they feel it first.

Policy decisions directly influence:

• Cybersecurity readiness and regulatory expectations

• How small organizations can responsibly leverage AI

• Investment and growth around data centers and digital infrastructure

• Broadband access and IT equity for rural communities

That’s why, when the Chamber sought leaders to help shape the technology priorities for the next two years, we stepped in. As an MSP rooted deeply in this region, we believe we have a responsibility to help shape the environment our clients operate in.

What We Contributed — And Why It Matters

Our perspective helped shape three critical sections of the Chamber’s agenda:

1. Cybersecurity Policy That Supports All Organizations — Especially SMBs

Small and mid-sized organizations are facing the same threats as large enterprises but without the same level of resources. We pushed for:

• Incentives that help SMBs strengthen cybersecurity

• Public/private partnerships to share threat intelligence

• Investments in cybersecurity workforce development

• Protections and resources for critical infrastructure and K–12

2. Practical, Responsible Adoption of AI

AI is here. Not as a buzzword, but as a business tool. We focused on building a framework that helps organizations innovate responsibly:

• Statewide AI education and training opportunities

• Guidelines that protect people while encouraging innovation

• Support for small organizations exploring AI use cases

• Incentives for modernizing operations with AI

3. Positioning Kentucky as a Digital Infrastructure Leader

With its energy profile and geographic advantages, Kentucky is well-positioned to grow as a data center hub. We advocated for:

• Strategic investment incentives

• Clear, consistent regulatory pathways

• Cyber and physical protections for infrastructure

• Workforce pipelines for next-generation IT jobs

These recommendations were incorporated into the Chamber’s final agenda — influencing how Kentucky will approach technology, security, and innovation throughout 2026 and beyond.

The Bigger Picture: Stronger Policy Means Stronger Communities

This work impacts far more than the technology industry.

Better policy leads to:

• More secure local businesses

• Stronger, more competitive schools and universities

• Improved conditions for new and expanding employers

• More resilient, modern public infrastructure

Technology has always been about people - about strengthening the systems that touch everyday life: education, healthcare, public safety, economic development, and opportunity. That belief is at the heart of Matrix Integration’s work and our broader Humanizing IT mission.

Why Being Featured in This Agenda Matters

Matrix Integration’s involvement isn’t a headline - it's a reflection of who we are as a partner.

By contributing to the Commonwealth’s legislative direction, we’re:

• Showing up for the communities that trust us

• Using our expertise to advocate for practical, people-focused technology policy

• Helping create an environment where our clients can thrive

• Reinforcing our role as a leader - not just in IT, but in community and economic development

We don’t just deliver IT services.
We help shape the future in which our clients live, work, and grow.
And being part of the Kentucky Chamber’s 2026 Legislative Agenda is one more example of that commitment.