The state of Kentucky should get $2.41 billion from the CARES Act coronavirus relief package that Congress passed last month, with the largest sum — $1.59 billion — going to state government to help it cover virus-related expenses through Dec. 30. Smaller sums will go to schools, universities, public transit, child care, housing and other areas, to help Kentuckians get through the pandemic.
Written by John Cheves of the Herald-Leader
But Washington hasn’t released the funds yet, causing some grumbling from the nation’s governors. And at present, officials in Frankfort say they are still awaiting more explanation on how the money can be spent.
“Until the U.S. Treasury issues guidance, we are unclear on what is eligible,” state budget director John Hicks said Wednesday of the $1.59 billion from the Coronavirus Relief Fund that is meant to help pay for the state’s COVID-19 pandemic response.
Among the state’s costs that likely will be covered are thousands of lab tests, the construction of field hospitals in Louisville and Lexington and activation of the Kentucky National Guard, Hicks said.
The relief money can’t be used to compensate the state’s General Fund for what are expected to be huge revenue losses this year as the pandemic shutdown closes thousands of businesses and forces many tens of thousands of Kentuckians out of work, Hicks added. It can only be used for expenses, he said.
(Cross-posted via the Kentucky Press News Service. Read the rest of the article at the Herald-Leader.)
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