The Republican leaders in the state Senate laid out their priorities for the upcoming 2021 General Assembly in a press conference. Chief among those priorities is limiting Governor Beshear’s executive powers. And with super-majorities in both chambers, they will certainly be able to pass whatever they can internally agree on.
Republican priorities for KYGA21
- Pass a one-year budget. Normally, two-year budgets are passed in the “long” (60 working days) sessions that occur in even years. However, due to the uncertainty caused by the pandemic, the lege only passed a one-year budget in 2020, so they have to pass another one in the upcoming “short” (30 working days) session.
- Amend the statutes that give the governor power to issue executive orders to deal with an emergency. They want the orders to expire in a month unless approved by the legislature.
- Amend the state constitution to allow the legislature to call themselves back into special session, which currently only the governor can do.
- Pass a liability bill to protect companies from “frivolous” COVID-19 lawsuits.
- Pass more anti-abortion bills.
- Pass some sort of ban on no-knock warrants.
Beshear spokesperson responds
After the Republicans had laid out their priorities in their press conference, Crystal Staley, the spokesperson for Governor Beshear, issued this statement:
“It’s unfortunate the Senate majority is focused on attacking Gov. Beshear while the Governor is focused on defeating COVID-19 and saving lives. The next session should be about providing relief to individuals and businesses, and investing in ways that create jobs and additional opportunities for Kentuckians. This session can set Kentucky up to be a leader as we emerge from this pandemic. The Senate majority will have to choose whether it wants to partner with the Governor to make Kentucky a leader or simply fight him.”
Senate Dems respond
After the Republican’s press conference ended, the Democratic leadership in the Senate issued this statement:
“This afternoon, the Senate Republicans laid out their legislative priorities and proved two things: (1) they are obsessed with the Governor, and (2) they have no plan to help Kentucky recover in the post-COVID economy. Absent from the Republicans’ rollout was any plan to help Kentucky families and businesses during this unprecedented time of need. We are still in a crisis and should be looking through the windshield at what’s coming next, not focusing on the rearview mirror. That’s why the Senate Democrats are fighting for better wages, quality childcare, investment in education at every level, affordable housing, ending systemic racism, and creating jobs and an economy that will keep Kentucky moving forward.”
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