In his press conference this afternoon, Governor Beshear was asked why he had not called a special session so the legislature could go home for now. He responded by noting that GOP leadership in the legislature wanted him to call a “general” special session for later where they could take up whatever they wanted. He went on to say that as far as he was concerned, the legislature had two options:
- Pass a budget right now, along with whatever legislation was needed to deal with the coronavirus;
- Or, adjourn now, and let him call a special session for later with the budget and the coronavirus being the only items in the call.
Tonight, the Democrats in the Kentucky House have issued a statement basically agreeing with the governor, while calling out their colleagues across the aisle for hearing other bills not related to the budget:
The House Democratic Caucus agrees wholeheartedly with Governor Beshear that, if the General Assembly continues to meet, it should only focus on passing a budget or ways to help the state respond to COVID-19.
Instead, at a time when substantial sections of the economy are having to close their doors, six House committees will meet tomorrow to consider 20 bills.
We should not be conducting public policy when the public is not even allowed in the Capitol – and we should not put people at risk of contracting this virus when experts say groups should be limited to 10 or less. We need to pass a budget and adjourn, or adjourn and return later in special session to pass the state budget.
— House Democratic Leaders Joni Jenkins, Derrick Graham and Angie Hatton
–30–