Damron was recognized during a ceremony at the state Capitol in which he was hailed as "one of the heroes of the General Assembly."

"These are the people who held the line and opposed taxes," said Rand Paul, chairman of Kentucky Taxpayers United.

"Funding the programs and services Kentuckians need without raising taxes requires prudent management, but it certainly can be done," Damron said. "The people I represent have made it very clear to me that they oppose any new taxes and I'm very proud to stand solidly with them."