FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — House Democrats say Republican Gov. Matt Bevin’s mid-year budget cuts to colleges and universities are illegal.
Bevin ordered cuts of 4.5 percent for all public colleges and universities on Thursday. His move came as House and Senate leaders failed to reach an agreement on a two-year spending plan. The House and Senate did not include the 4.5 percent cuts in their respective versions of the budget.
Democratic House Speaker Greg Stumbo said it is unlikely the legislature would sue the governor. But he said a university could or even Democratic Attorney General Andy Beshear.
Bevin said the cuts are necessary because the state’s public pension system is on the brink of insolvency. He said once Kentucky’s finances are in order, Kentucky will be able to spend more on higher education.