>> Casey: THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY WORKS TO OVERRIDE GOVERNOR ANDY BESHEAR'S VETOES TO A VARIETY O BILLS ON SCHOOL CHOICE AND CHANGES TO THE TEACHER'S RETIREMENT SYSTEM RECEIVE FINAL AND LINE-ITEM VETOES ON THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH BUDGET DON'T MAKE IT PAST EITHER CHAMBER ON DAY 29 OF THE 2021 KENTUCKY GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN REGULAR SES GOOD EVENING AND THANK YOU FOR JOINING US FOR LEGISLATIVE UPDA I'M CASEY PARKER-BELL.

THE 10 DAY VETO PERIOD IS OVER, AND THE KENTUCKY GENERAL ASSEMBLY DIDN'T WASTE ANY TIME OVERTURNING GOVERNOR ANDY BESHEAR'S VETOES.

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY MADE THE SCHOOL CHOICE MEASURE REALITY, AFTER COMPLETING THE OVERRIDE O BESHEAR'S VETO.

HOUSE BILL 563 "EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY ACCOUNTS," WHICH WOULD HELP PAY FOR PRIVATE SCHOOL TUITION IN COUNTIES GREATER THAN 90,000 PE STUDENTS WOULD BE ALLOWED TO GO TO PUBLIC SCHOOLS OUTSIDE OF THEIR DISTRICT AND THE STATE SEEK FUNDING WOULD FOLLOW STUDENTS TO THOSE DIFFERENT DIS AS WITH NEARLY ALL OF THE VETO OVERRIDE VOTES TODAY, HOUSE DEMOCRATS ROSE TO DEFEND GOVERNOR BESHEAR'S VETOES AND REPUBLICANS VOTED TO OVERRIDE T. >> WHAT WE ARE DOING TODAY IS OPENING A CAN OF WORMS, ALLOWING TAX DOLLARS TO BE USED FOR PRIVATE SCHOOL FUNDING THAT THERE ARE NO MEASURES ON.

YOU THINK OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS ARE BAD?

WE HAVE NO OUTCOME STUDIES.

THERE IS THERE'S SO MUCH WE DON'T KNOW.

>> HOUSE BILL 563 DOES NOT IDENTIFY STUDENTS WHO ARE NOT THRIVING IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, WHICH IS A GROUP THAT EXISTS, AND IT DOES NOT PROVIDE TARGETED RESOURCES TO ENSURE THAT THEY START THRIVING.

IT'S NOT DESIGNED FOR FAMILIES.

IT'S NOT DESIGNED FOR KIDS.

IT IS, HOWEVER, A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR GRIFTERS AS WE'VE SEEN IN FLORIDA.

WHEN IT COMES TO REGULATIONS FOR FAMILIES, HOUSE BILL 563 SAYS, AH, WE'LL FIGURE IT OUT LATER.

DISCRIMINATION, FINE.

NO BACKGROUND CHECKS?

FINE.

IT IS VERY SPECIFIC ABOUT THE HOW OF GRANTING TAX CREDITS FOR THE SUPER WEALTHY AND CORPORATIONS.

>> Casey: BARDSTOWN REPRESENTATIVE CHAD MCCOY IS TH ORIGINAL SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL HE SAYS IT WILL GIVE ALL KENTUCKIANS AN OPPORTUNITY TO PURSUE A BETTER EDUCATION.

>> BUT WE DON'T HAVE SCHOOL CHOICE WHERE I LIVE, AND WE DON'T HAVE SCHOOL CHOICE WHERE MOST KENTUCKIANS LIVE, AND SO THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY, AND LET'S NOT LOSE SIGHT OF THE FACT THAT EVERY SINGLE STUDENT IN THE STATE, EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM WHOSE FAMILY HAPPENS TO BE BELOW 175% OF THE REDUCED LUNCH LEVEL NOW HAS A PLACE TO GO FOR AN OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE SOME SCHOOL CHOICE.

>> WE OWE THE LOW INCOME PEOPLE A CHOICE TO MAKE THAT THEY DON'T HAVE TODAY.

THOSE THAT CANNOT AFFORD IT DESERVE A CHOICE.

563 WILL GIVE THEM THAT CHOICE.

>> Casey: HOUSE BILL 563 RECEIVED EXACTLY THE VOTES NECESSARY TO OVERRIDE THE GOVERNOR'S VETO, 51 TO 42.

THE SENATE TOOK UP SCHOOL THE CHOICE VETO LATER IN THE NIGHT.

LEXINGTON SENATOR REGGIE THOMAS SAYS THE BILL CREATES A "VOUCHE PROGRAM," CALLING BACK TO THE SCHOOL VOUCHER PROGRAMS PROPOSE IN PREVIOUS SESSIONS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

HE VOTED IN FAVOR OF SUSTAINING THE VETO.

>> THIS BILL SAYS THAT ONCE ALL FUNDS THAT HAVE BEEN SOUGHT AFTER BY LOW INCOME STUDENTS, THE REST OF IT GOES TO A POOL FOR ANY STUDENT, PAGE 17, FOR ANY STUDENT.

AND THERE'S NO DOLLAR LIMIT ON HOW MUCH THAT STUDENT CAN APPLY FOR.

SO IF 5%, 10%, 15% OF THE MONEY GOES TO LOW-INCOME STUDENTS AND WE HAVE A POOL OF, SAY, 80% OF THE MONEY LEFTOVER, THAT'S $20 MILLION, 80% OF $25 MILLION IS $20 MILLION, THAT CAN GO TO CHILDREN WHO COME FROM FAMILIES OF $1 MILLION OR MORE.

THERE'S NO LIMIT ON THAT IN THIS BILL.

WE COULD PUT A LIMIT ON IT, BUT WE DON'T >> Casey: THOMAS CONTINUED TO SAY THAT THE BILL DENIGRATES PUBLIC EDUCATION IN THE STATE OF KENTUCKY.

WINCHESTER SENATOR RALPH ALVARADO SAYS THAT THE MONEY ISN'T JUST FOR PRIVATE SCHOOLS, AND IT CAN BE USED TO ATTEND PUBLIC SCHOOLS, TOO.

HE STOOD UP FOR HOW THE REPUBLICAN CAUCUS HAS BEEN WORKING TO BETTER education BUT LOUISVILLE SENATOR KAREN BERG SAYS THE MEASURE WILL INCREASE .

>> SO TO SAY THAT WE DON'T CARE ABOUT PUBLIC EDUCATION THAT WE'RE NOT FUNDING PUBLIC EDUCATION SIMPLY UNTRUE AND IT'S A FALSE NARRATIVE, AND I'M TIRED OF HATER BECAUSE WE ALL VOTE TO SUPPORT PUBLIC EDUCATION IN THIS CASE STATE.

MR. PRESIDENT, I WOULD SUPPORT ALL MEMBERS TO SUPPORT IN.

THIS BOG WOULD GO A LONG WAY TO LEVING THE PLAYING FIELD FOR THOSE KIDS THAT DON'T HAVE A CHOICE.

THERE ARE CHILDREN THAT DON'T HAVE SAME CHOICES THAT MY KID DID, THAT THE GOVERNOR -- THAT THE GOVERNOR'S KIDS HAD.

THEY COULD CHOOSE PUBLIC OR PRIVATE SCHOOL WHENEVER THEY WANTED BUT MOST OF THE KIDS IN THIS STATE, WHETHER BLACK, BROWN, WYATT OR POOR DON'T HAVE THOSE OPPORTUNITIES, AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE THOSE SAME KIDS HAVE THE SAME OPPORTUNITIES.

>> AND TO SAY THAT THE PUBLIC OR PRIVATE CAN GET TOGETHER AND FUND ANY PUBLIC OR PRIVATE SCHOOL ONLY INCREASES THE INEQUITIABILITY OF OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM BECAUSE COMMUNITIES THAT CAN AFFORD TO GET TOGETHER AND DO IT FOR A ONEC AND CAN AFFORD TO PAY FOR PRE-K AND AFFORD TO PAY FOR BOOKS WILL DO SUCH, AND THOSE THAT CAN'T WILL NOT.

SO TO SAY THIS IS A SOLUTION THAT IS OFFERING OPTIONS TO UNDERPRIVILEGED CHILDREN IS SIMPLY A FALSEHOOD.

IT IS NOT THE TRUTH.

>> Casey: WILDER SENATOR WIL SCHRODER VOTED TO OVERRIDE THE VETO OF HOUSE BILL 563.

HE SAYS THE POLITICS AT PLAY WHEN DISCUSSING THE SCHOOL CHOICE MEASURE GET IN THE WAY OF MAKIN.

>> NOW, LET'S START WITH THE REVENUE DEBATE, AND IT'S REALLY BROKEN DOWN INTO TWO SECTIONS.

THERE'S THE STATE PORTION OF THE SEEK DOLLARS, WHICH I WANT TO TALK ABOUT FIRST.

NOW, CURRENTLY IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY IF YOU TAKE YOUR CHILD OUT OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT THEY ARE IN AND SEND THEM TO A PRIVATE SCHOOL OR YOU DO HOMESCHOOLING, THE STATE PORTION OF THE SEEK DOLLARS DOES NOT CONTINUE TO GO TO THAT DISTRICT, HOWEVER, THE LOCAL DOLLARS WILL.

THAT BILL DOESN'T CHANGE THIS.

THIS BILL SAYS THAT IF YOU ARE GOING TO ANOTHER PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT, THE SEEK DOLLARS FOLLOW THE STUDENT.

AND THAT IS THE WAY THIS WAS ALWAYS MEANT TO BE.

STATE SEEK DOLLARS ARE MEANT TO SUPPORT STUDENTS, NOT INSTITUTIONS.

NOW, I'VE HEARD SOME PEOPLE SAY THERE'S GOING TO BE A MASS EXODUS OF STUDENTS FROM CERTAIN SCHOOLS.

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, IF THAT IS THE CASE, WE HAVE MUCH BIGGER PROBLEMS THAN THE BILL IN FRONT OF US.

BUT THAT'S SIMPLY NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.

>> Casey: THE SENATE GAVE FINA PASSAGE TO HOUSE BILL 563 23 TO SEVEN REPUBLICANS JOINED THE DEMOCRATS IN VOTING IN FAVOR OF THE VETO.

THE HOUSE ALSO VOTED IN FAVOR OF OVERRIDING THE GOVERNOR'S VETO ON ANOTHER MAJO HOUSE BILL 258 MAKES CHANGES TO KENTUCKY'S TEACHER RETIREMENT SYSTEM FOR NEWLY HIRED EDUCATOR THE MEASURE PLACES NEW TEACHERS INTO A HYBRID PENSION PLAN AND UPS THE RETIREMENT AGE TO 57.

AN ANALYSIS OF THE MEASURE SAYS THE BILL WOULD SAVE THE STATE OVER $3.5 BILLION OVER A 30-YEAR PERIOD.

GOVERNOR BESHEAR SAID I VETO MESSAGE THE BILL WOULD HUR KENTUCKY'S ABILITY TO ATTRACT NEW TEACHERS.

DEMOCRAT MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE ECHOED THE GOVERN' STATEMENTS, BUT WERE LIMITED IN THE AMOUNT OF TIME THEY COULD DEBATE THE BILL.

AFTER SPENDING OVER AN HOUR ON THE FIRST TWO VETO OVERRIDES OF THE DAY, HOUSE LEADERSHIP BEGAN TO RESTRICT DISCUSSION OF BILLS THIS IS WHAT DEMOCRATS WHO HAVE WORKED IN THE EDUCATION SECTOR HAD TO SAY ON THE OPTION TO OVE.

>> THIS BILL WILL MAKE TEAMS HAVE WORK LONGER, PAY MORE EXPEND UP RECEIVING FEWER BENEFITS IN THE LONG TERM, AND THAT IS DEFINITELY NOT SOMETHING THAT WE WANT TO BE DOING IN A TIME WHERE WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A LOT OF CONCERNS ABOUT HOW MANY TEACHERS WE'RE GOING TO HAVE, SO THERE'S DEFINITELY A SHORTAGE.

>> BUT WHAT IT ALSO DOES IS PUTS THE BURDEN OF INVESTMENT DECISIONS AND PLANNING ON THE INDIVIDUAL, AND IF YOU TALK TO A TEACHER, IF YOU ARE MARRIED TO A TEACHER, TEACHERS ARE SO BUSY TRYING TO CARRY OUT THEIR JOBS, THEY DON'T THINK ABOUT ANYTHING ELSE BUT THEIR JOB AND THE MOST IMPORTANT THING ABOUT THEIR FAMILY.

>> I'M SORRY, FUTURE TEACHERS, THAT YOU'RE HAVING TO WATCH YOUR FUTURE BENEFITS GET CUT.

I'M SORRY YOUR RETIREMENT WILL BE 10% LESS THAN THE CURRENT GENERATION OF RETIREES.

I'M SORRY THAT PEOPLE WHO WANT TO STAY IN KENTUCKY WILL FEEL THAT THEY NEED TO GET A TENNESSEE OR INDIANA OR OHIO TO HAVE BETTER PAGES.

>> Casey: THE MEASURE'S SPONSO REPUBLICAN REPRESENTATIVE C. ED MASSEY, ROSE TO SPEAK IN FAVOR OF HIS MEASURE.

HE SAYS THAT NO ONE HAS BEEN EXCLUDED FROM THE PROCESS OF PUTTING HOUSE BILL 258 TOGETHER, AND MADE NOTE OF GROUPS THAT WERE IN FAVOR OF TH.

>> FIRST AND FOREMOST, I HAVE STOOD IN THOSE SHOES.

I'VE TAUGHT IN THE PUBLIC CLASSROOM.

I'VE BEEN IN EDUCATION FOR 30 YEARS.

SON OF TWO PARENTS THAT ARE EDUCATORS, THE FATHER OF THREE DAUGHTERS WHO ARE IN EDUCATION, AND SOMEBODY WHO HAS TIRELESSLY ADVOCATED FOR TEACHERS DURING MY CAREER.

SO TO SAY THAT THIS IS AGAINST TEACHERS IS JUST A FALSE NARRATIVE.

WHAT THIS BODY NEEDS TO KNOW IS THAT THE JCTA, THE KASS, AND THE KENTUCKY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ASKED THE GOVERNOR NOT TO VETO THIS BILL.

>> Casey: THE HOUSE VOTED TO OVERRIDE GOVERNOR ANDY BESHEAR' VETO OF HOUSE BILL 258, 63 TO 3 THE SENATE ALSO REJECTED THE GOVERNOR'S VETO OF THE MEASURE TO CHANGE THE RETIREMENT PACKAG FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS HIRE AFTER JANUARY 1, 2022.

THE BILL DOES NOT CHANGE THE PENSION PLANS FOR CURRENT TEACHERS OR R SENATOR JIMMY HIGDON OF LEBANON ECHOED MASSEY'S CLAIM THAT THE PROPOSAL WAS CRAFTED WITH INPUT FROM NUMEROUS STAKEHOLDERS.

>> WE MET THIS SUMMER OF.

IT WAS A -- IT WAS GOOD MEETINGS ALL SUMMER LONG.

WE MET WITH THE SUPERINTENDENTS 1KEA, JCTA, SCHOOL BOARD'S ASSOCIATION, AND OTHERS, AND CRAFTED THIS BILL, MR. PRESIDENT, TO BE A FAIR SOLUTION TO NEW TEACHERS.

IT OFFERS A -- TWO DIFFERENT PLANS.

IT HAS A TYPICAL DEFINED BENEFIT PLAN, AND IT ALSO HAS A SUPPLEMENTAL PLAN SOMEWHAT LIKE WHAT SOCIAL SECURITY WOULD BE.

SO IT'S A GOOD PLAN.

I ENCOURAGE MY COLLEAGUES TO VOTE FOR IT.

LIKE I SAID, A LOT OF WORK WENT INTO IT, AND IT'S SOMETHING THAT WE REALLY MUST DO.

IN OUR CURRENT PLAN, OUR CURRENT LEGACY TRS PLAN, WE KNOW THAT WE'RE $14 BILLION PLUS UNDERFUNDED.

IT'S GOING TO TAKE A LONG TIME AND A WHOLE LOT OF MONEY TO DIG OUT OF THAT HOLE.

WHAT THIS NEW PLAN DOES, IT'S DESIGNED TO BE A SELF-SUSTAINING AND NOT CREATE AN UNFUNDED LIABILITY FOR STATE OF KENTUCKY GOING FORWARD.

>> Casey: SENATOR MORGAN McGARVEY SAYS ALL LAWMAKERS WANT THE KENTUCKY TEACHERS' RETIREMENT SYSTEM TO BE SUSTAINABLE, BUT THE LOUISVILLE DEMOCRAT SAYS THIS PROPOSAL WILL MAKE IT MORE DIFFICULT TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN PEOPLE TO TEACHING UNLESS LAWMAKERS ALSO INCREASE EDUCATOR SALARIES.

>> THE REALTY IS WE'VE ALWAYS HAD A WINK WINK, NOD NOD AGREEMENT, WHICH IS WE WENT WON'T PAY YOU AS MUCH ON THE FRONT END BUT WE'LL AT THE TIME UP A SUSPENSION SYSTEM THAT REWARDS YOU ON THE BACK END IN NUMERAL WAYS.

NOW WE'RE SAYING THAT SYSTEM'S NOT GOING TO BE THERESOME, BUT THERE ISN'T AN EXTRA -- BUT THERE ISN'T AN EXTRA CARROT.

THE SENATOR FROM ANDERSON SAID THAT PEOPLE WANT TO GET PAID MORE, AND THAT'S WHAT THEY CARE MORE ABOUT.

WELL, WHEN WE'RE SWITCHING THEM INTO THIS HYBRID CASH WE'LL BALANCE PLAN, WHERE IS THE TALK OF PAYING TEACHERS MORE?

IT'S ABSENT.

I DON'T THINK IT WILL BE THERE.

>> Casey: MCGARVEY SAYS STATE EMPLOYEES WERE PROMISED A PAY INCREASE WHEN THEY WERE MOVED INTO A HYBRID CASH BALANCE PLAN EIGHT YEARS AGO, BUT HE SAYS THEY'VE YET TO RECEIVE A MEANINGFUL RAISE.

FELLOW DEMOCRAT REGGIE THOMAS OF LEXINGTON SAYS THE PENSION PROPOSAL IS ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF HOW LAWMAKERS DEVALUE AND THE STATE'S PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS.

>> THE CHAMBER HAS DECIDED TWEET DON'T WANT TO INCREASE FUNDING TO EDUCATION, DECIDED THAT WE WON'T WANT TO GIVE THE STUDENTS THAT THE TEACHERS TEACH TEXTBOOKS, WE HAVE DECIDED WE DON'T EVEN WANT TO GIVE THEY TEACHERS RAISES, AND WITH HOUSE BILL 258 BEFORE US WE DON'T EVEN WANT TO GIVE OUR TEACHERS A PENSION.

I THINK THAT'S A SAD STATEMENT OF AFFAIRS WITH REGARD TO INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE MADE THEIR LIVES DEDICATED TO TRYING TO IMPROVE THE NEXT GENERATION OF AMERICANS, OF OUR CITIZENS >> Casey: SENATE PRESIDENT ROBERT STIVERS SAYS THE STATE CAN'T AFFORD PAY RAISES FOR TEACHERS BECAUSE THE KTRS MANAGERS APPROVED ENHANCED BENEFITS THE SYSTEM COULDN'T AFFORD.

HE SAYS THE MONEY THE STATE NOW OWES IN UNFUNDED LIABILITIES COULD HAVE GIVEN TEACHERS A 17 PERCENT PAY SENATOR STEPHEN MEREDITH OF LEITCHFIELD SAYS PEOPLE ARE MOR LIKELY TO AVOID THE TEACHING PROFESSION BECAUSE OF CHALLENGING CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENTS, NOT BECAUSE OF PA OR RETIREMENT BENEFITS.

HE SAYS WITHOUT REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP IN FRANKFORT, KTRS THE KENTUCKY TEACHERS' RETIREMENT SYSTEM, WOULD BE IN FAR WORSE SHAPE THAN IT ALREADY IS.

>> BEFORE 2016 WEEK THE TEACHERS PENSION HADN'T BEEN FUND FOR OVER A DECADE.

OUR SEEK FORMULA HADN'T BEEN INCREASED IN OVER A FADING IT'S ONLY WHEN WE GOT A REPUBLICAN GOVERNOR AND WE GOT A REPUBLICAN MAJORITY IN THE HOUSE AND SENATE THAT WE FINALLY COULD MOVE THIS THING FORWARD AND STAVE TEACHERS PENSION, AND THIS WILL BRING ADDITIONAL SUPPORT TO IT.

ALSO, WE'VE GOT A LOT OF DISCUSSION WITH THE TEAMS HAVE PROGRAM.

REMIND ME BACK IN 2010 IT WAS AT 3% FUNDING.

TODAY IT'S AT 61%.

SO AGAIN, I TAKE GREAT ISSUES THAT WE DON'T LIKE TEACHERS.

WE LOVE TEACHERS.

WE LOVE OUR STUDENTS.

BUT WE HAVE TO LIVE WITHIN THE FISCAL CONSTRAINTS THAT WE'RE DEALING with >> Casey: FIVE REP JOINED WITH DEMOCRATS IN THE ATTEMPT TO SUSTAIN GOVERNOR BESHEAR'S VETO OF HOUSE BILL 258 BUT THEY EVER EFFORT FELL SHORT BY A VOTE OF 25 TO 13.

IN OTHER NEWS THE HOUSE ALSO APPROVED THE SENATE'S CHASING T 258, BUT THEIR EFFORT FELL SHOR BY A VOTE OF 25 TO 13.

FRUSTRATIONS BEGAN TO BUBBLE OVER ON THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH BUDGET.

HOUSE BILL 192.

LEADERSHIP FOR THE HOUSE MINORITY CAUCUS RELEASED THIS STATEMENT DURING A RECESS TODAY.

WHAT REPUBLICAN HOUSE LEADERS DID TODAY TO SEVERELY LIMIT DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR'S VETOES IS BOTH APPALLING AND AT LEAST IN OUR COLLECTIVE MEMORY UNPRECEDENTED.

This THESE BILLS WILL HAVE A PR IMPACT ON ALL KENTUCKIANS, AND GIVING US JUST FIVE MINUTES TO DEBATE EACH VETOED BILL, ININCLUDING THE STATE BUDGET, INCREDIBLY, IS NOT GOOD GOVERNMENT WEBSITES NOT TRANSPARENT GOVERNMENT, AND IT'S NOT THE TYPE OF GOVERNMENT KENTUCKIANS NEED AND deserve HOUSE MINORITY CAUCUS CHAIR DERRICK GRAHAM SPOKE IN FAVOR O SUSTAINING THE GOVERNOR'S VETO TO THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH BUDGET, DURING THOSE ALLOWED FIVE MINUT.

>> ONCE AGAIN, THIS IS -- THIS BILL HERE BASICALLY SAYS IT ALL ABOUT THE GOVERNOR AND THE LEGISLATURE TRYING TO TAKE THE POWERS OF THE GOVERNOR AWAY OF WHICH THE PEOPLE OF THE COMMONWEALTH HAVE PUT HIM IN THAT POSITION TO MAKE THE DECISIONS THAT WILL IMPACT ALL OF KENTUCKY.

HE IS THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THIS COMMONWEALTH, AND WE ARE TYING HIS HANDS TO CARRY OUT THE RESPONSIBILITIES THAT THE PEOPLE OF THE COMMONWEALTH HAVE PROVIDED TO HIM.

>> Casey: THE HOUSE OVERRODE T GOVERNOR'S VETO 71 TO 24.

THE SENATE FOLLOWED THE HOUSE'S LEAD AND OVERRODE THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH BUDGET'S LINE ITEM VETOE SENATE MINORITY CAUCUS CHAIR REGGIE THOMAS SAYS THAT HE LIKE SOME PARTS OF THE BUDGET, BUT HAS CONCERNS ABOUT THE VETOED LANGUAGE RESTRICTING THE GOVERNOR'S EXECUTIVE POWERS.

>> THIS BILL SAYS THAT THE GOVERNOR CANNOT APPROPRIATE ANY OF THOSE FUNDS UNLESS GETTING APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY.

WE ARE, AS I HAVE POINTED OUT NUMEROUS TIMES, BY VIRTUE OF THE CONSTITUTION JASE PART-TIME LEGISLATURE.

AS OF MIDNIGHT TOMORROW OUR DUTY ENDS UNLESS WE'RE CALLED BACK INTO SPECIAL SESSION UNTIL WE RECONVENE IN THE FIRST TUESDAY AFTER THE FIRST MONDAY IN JANUARY.

SOMEONE HAS TO EXPEND THESE FUNDS.

THE GOVERNOR IS A DULY ELECTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE.

HE IS THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER.

THESE FUNDS MUSTING SPENT.

OTHERWISE, WE WILL HAVE TO RETURN THEM.

THE THE GOVERNOR SHOULD HAVE THE ABILITY TO SPEND THIS MONEY.

>> Casey: THOMAS VOTED TO SUSTAIN THE GOVERNOR'S VETO.

SENATE PRESIDENT ROBERT STIVERS, DID N HE EXPLAINED HIS VOTE TO OVERRIDE THE VETO, BY COUNTERIN THOMAS'S POINT ABOUT THE GOVERNOR NEEDING TO HAVE FLEXIBILITY TO SPEND FEDERAL RELIEF MONEY.

AND AS TO THE EXPENDITURE OF THE MONEY AND BEING A PURIST TO THE CONSTITUTION, LET ME READ SECTION 230.

"NO MONEY -- I REPEAT -- "NO MONEY SHALL BE DRAWN FROM THE RAITT TAUGHT TREASURY EXCEPT IN PURSUANT OF APPROPRIATIONS MADE BY LAW."

WE ARE THE ONLY ENTITY THAT CAN MAKE THE LAW.

WE ARE THE ONLY ENTITY THAT CAN APPROPRIATE.

SO UNLESS THERE'S SOME OTHER TYPE OF OFFSHORE ACCOUNT THAT THIS MONEY IS GOING TO FLOW THROUGH, IT IS ULTIMATELY THE LEGISLATURE'S PREROGATIVE TO APPROPRIATE SAID MONEYS.

>> Casey: THE SENATE GAVE FINA PASSAGE TO HOUSE BILL 192, KENTUCKY'S EXECUTIVE BRANCH BUDGET, BY OVERRIDING THE GOVERNOR'S VETOES, 31 TO 7.

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ALSO OVERRODE VETOES TO THE JUDICIAL BRANCH BUDGET, AND THE HOUSE GAVE FINAL PASSAGE TO HOUSE BILL 193, THE TRANSPORTATION BRANCH BUDGET, 83 TO 8.

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO OVERRID ANY VETOES BY THE GOVERNOR ON THAT MEASURE.

THE SENATE PUSHED CHANGES TO HOW KENTUCKY FILLS VACATED U.S. SENATE SEATS CLOSER TO THE FINISH LINE AFTER THEY OVERRODE ANOTHER VETO THIS AFTERNOON SENATE BILL 228 WOULD THE GOVERNOR TO FILL A VACATED U.S. STAT SEAT FROM A LIST OF THREE NAMES PROVIDED BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE SAME PARTY AS THE DEPARTING senator AND, IT REQUIRES A RUNOFF ELECTION TO BE HELD TO FILL THE SEAT IF IT IS MORE THAN THREE MONTHS BEFORE THE NEXT GENERAL ELECTION IS HELD.

LEXINGTON SENATOR REGGIE THOMAS AND LOUISVILLE SENATOR MORGAN MCGARVEY EXPLAINED WHY THE VETO SHOULD STICK.

>> FOR WELL OVER A CENTURY NOW, WE HAVE IN THIS STATE SAID THAT IF ONE OF OUR U.S.

SENATORS NO LONGER CAN SERVE IN A AND A VACANCY ARISES, WE GIVE THAT AUTHORITY TO FILL THAT VACANCY WITH THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE STATE.

WHERE IT SHOULD RESIDE BECAUSE THAT PERSON HAS BEEN VOTED ON AND APPROVED BY A MAJORITY OF MEMBERS OF THIS STATE.

AND SO THEREFORE THAT PERSON HAS THE ENDORSEMENT OF THAT STATE REGARDLESS OF WHERE THE PERSON CAME FROM OR WHERE THAT PERSON'S LAST NAME OR WHAT'S IN THAT PERSON'S BANK ACCOUNT OR WHAT THAT PERSON'S POLITICAL PARTY.

>> ONE OF THE MAJOR THINGS THAT CONCERNS ME ABOUT THIS IS HAVING IS THE STATE CENTRAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CHOOSE THE THREE PEOPLE.

THAT DOES PUT POWER BACK IN THE HANDS OF THE TRADITIONAL PARTY BOSSES, WHICH TAKES IT OUT OF THE PEOPLE.

AT LEAST THE GOVERNOR IS DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR WHOMEVER THE GOVERNOR APPOINTS TO THE UNITED STATES SENATE.

THE GOVERNOR'S ACCOUNTABLE TO THE PEOPLE FOR THAT.

I ALSO DON'T LOVE THIS WILDCAT SYSTEM OF HAVING A PRIMARY LATER WHERE ANYBODY COULD GET IN LIKE THEY DO IN CALIFORNIA AND OTHER STATES.

>> Casey: LETICHFIELD SENATOR STEPHEN MEREDITH SAYS BY ALLOWING APPOINTMENTS FROM THE SAME PARTY IT WILL FULFILL, SAME PARTY IT WILL FULFILL,, >> I DON'T THINK IT SHOULD BE LOST UPON THIS BODY THAT OUR CURRENT SENATOR, McCONNELL, WON OVERWHELMINGLY THIS LAST ELECTION, SO I THINK THAT GIVES HIM A MANDATE.

I THINK IT GIVES THE REPUBLICAN PARTY A MANDATE.

IT'S WELL REFLECTED IN THE NUMBER OF SEATS WE HAVE CURRENTLY IN THE HOUSE AND THE SENATE.

SO SHOULDN'T POLICY ALWAYS REFLECT THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE?

AND I THINK THIS POLICY DOES THAT.

TO ME IT'S INCONCEIVABLE TO THINK SHOULD SENATOR McCONNELL OR PAUL LEAVE OFFICE BEFORE THE END OF THEIR TERM THAT THEY WOULD BE REPLACED BY SOMEONE OF OPPOSITE PARTY WHEN, IN FACT, THE CURRENT ATTITUDE OF THE PEOPLE IS SUPPORT THE REPUBLICA >> Casey: THE SENATE OVERRODE THE GOVERNOR'S VETO ON A PARTY LINE VOTE, 27 TO 7.

KEEPING WITH TODAY'S THEME, THE CHAMBER ON THE OPPOSITE END OF THE CAPITOL TOOK UP SENATE BILL 228, AND OVERRODE GOVERNOR ANDY BESHEAR'S VETO, MAKING IT LAW.

THE HOUSE'S MINORITY PARTY DEFENDED THE GOVERNOR'S VETO BY SAYING REPUBLICANS WERE ATTACKING THE POWERS OF THE DEMOCRAT GOVERNOR, AND THAT HISTORY SHOWS WHY THE POWER TO APPOINT U.S.

SENATORS DURING VACANCIES SHOULD REMAIN SOLELY WITH THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE.

>> WHY ARE WE NOW CHANGE THE WAY IN WHICH, IF A SITTING UNITED STATES SENATOR HAPPENS TO EITHER RESIGN OR DIES OR IS INCAPACITATE AT A TIME AND NOT ABLE TO SERVE WE HAVE ALLOWED OR JUST EVERY OR JUST ABOUT THE 17th AMENDMENT THAT I KNOW OF TO MAKE THAT APPOINTMENT, AND NOW, BECAUSE WE HAVE A SUPER MAJORITY IN BOTH HOUSES, BECAUSE YOU CAN DO IT, YOU'RE DOING IT.

BUT IT SETS A BAD precedent >> Casey: HOUSE MAJORITY LEADER STEVEN RUDY OF PADUCAH SAYS THA THE POWER STILL RESIDES WITH TH GOVERNOR, EVEN IF THEY ARE REQUIRED TO FILL THE SEAT WITH MEMBER OF A DIFFERENT PARTY.

THE GOVERNOR UNDER THIS BILL STILL APPOINTS A VACANCY IN THE U.S. SENATE, MUCH TO MY CHAGRIN.

I THOUGHT I HAD A BETTER PLAN.

BUT THE GOVERNOR STILL APPOINTS, AND UNDER THIS BILL WE GET TO AN ELECTION, A SPECIAL ELECTION EVEN QUICKER THAN WE WOULD UNDER CURRENT LAW.

SO THE GOVERNOR GETS TO PINT, AND THE PEOPLE GET TO DECIDE QUICKER.

GETS TO APPOINT YOU.

GUYS HAVE MADE OUR ARGUMENT FOR OVERRIGHTING THIS VETO.

>> Casey: THE HOUSE GAVE FINAL APPROVAL TO THE SENATE BILL, 70 TO 24.

THE HOUSE ALSO GAVE FINA APPROVAL TO ANOTHER ELECTION ME HOUSE BILL 574 MAKES CHANGES TO KENTUCKY'S ELECTION PROCESS.

IT ALLOWS EARLY VOTING, REGIONAL VOTING CENTERS AND THE ONLINE PORTAL FOR ABSENTEE BALLOTS CREATED DURING THE PANDEMIC.

THE HOUSE APPROVED THE SENATE CHANGES 91 TO 3.

IT NOW HEADS TO THE GOVERNOR.

GOVERNOR ANDY BESHEAR ISSUED LINE ITEM VETOES ON A MEASURE THAT SEEKS TO BRING HIGH SPEED INTERNET TO UNDERSERVED PARTS OF THE STATE.

HOUSE BILL 320 ROW.

YEAS $250 MILLION FROM FEDERAL RELIEF MONEY TO EXPAND LAST-MILE BROADBAND access BESHEAR LINE ITEM VETOED SECTIONS OF THE BILL THAT WOULD LIMIT SPENDING JUST $50MILLION OF THAT MONEY OVER THE NEXT YEAR.

ME SAYS THAT WOULD PUT KENTUCKY AT A COMPETITIVE DISADVANTAGE TO OTHER STATES BIDDING TO COMPLETE BROADBAND SERVICES AT THE SAME HOUSE MAJORITY FLOOR LEADER STEVEN RUDY SAYS THE MEASURE SHOULDN'T BE SUBJECT TO LINE ITEM VETOES, BUT VOTED TO OVERRIDE THE VETO ANYWAY.

HOUSE MINORITY LEADER JONI JENKINS SAYS SHE'S AFRAID THE AMOUNT OF MONEY IN THE BILL WON'T BE ENOU.

>> EVERY STATE IS GETTING LOADS OF FEDERAL MONEY, SO WE WILL SUDDENLY BE IN COMPETITION WITH 49 OTHER STATES AND SOME TERRITORIES IN PROVIDING BROADBAND TO EVERY SINGLE CITIZEN IN ITS COMMONWEALTH, LIBRARIES AND INDUSTRIAL PARKS.

THE GOVERNOR SUPPORTED THIS LEGISLATION BUT VETOED THESE PARTS BECAUSE THEY PUT A LIMITATION ON HOW MUCH MONEY WE CAN SPEND INITIALLY.

I THINK AT $50 MILLION OF THE $250 MILLION INVESTMENT.

THAT MEANS THAT SUDDENLY SUPPLIES ARE GOING TO GET A WHOLE LOT MORE EXPENSIVE.

CONTRACTORS GOING TO GET A WHOLE LOT MORE BUSIER.

AND YOU KNOW WHAT?

WE'RE PROBABLY NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO DELIVER THIS PROMISE.

>> Casey: HOUSE MAJORITY WHIP CHAD MCCOY SAYS JUST BECAUSE THERE WILL BE $50 MILLION AVAILABLE IN THE FIRST YEAR, IT DOESN'T MEAN KENTUCKY WON'T BE ABLE TO COMPETE WITH OTHER STAT.

>> I THINK THE GOVERNOR'S ORIGINAL REQUEST IN HIS BUDGET WAS FOR $50 MILLION FOR BROADBAND, SO I'M SURPRISED IT'S NOW NOT ENOUGH.

SECONDLY, YOU KNOW, A CONTRACT DOESN'T HAVE TO HAVE PAYMENT UP FRONT.

WE CAN ENTER INTO A CONTRACT RIGHT NOW KNOWING THERE'S MONEY TO COME, FEDERAL MONEY TO SPEND THAT WILL KEEP US COMPETITIVE, GET BROADBAND GOING EVERYWHERE IT NEEDS TO BE, INCLUDING TO THE DISTRICTS WHERE FOLKS DIDN'T EVEN KNOW THEY HAVE A PROBLEM BECAUSE LOUISVILLE HAS DEAD SPOTS, SO THIS IS NOT JUST A URBAN VERSUS RURAL ISSUE.

AND FINALLY, THE LAST TIME THAT I THINK THE GENTLEMAN FROM MCCRACKEN ALLUDE TO THIS, THE LAST TIME WE JUST BLINDLY DUMPED A BUNCH MONEY INTO BROADBAND WE GOT KENTUCKY WIRED AND WE KNOW HOW THAT'S TURNED OUT.

>> Casey: HOUSE BILL 320, WHIC WOULD APPROPRIATE MONEY TO BRIN BROADBAND TO UNDERSERVED AREAS OF THE STATE PASSED THE HOUSE, NOTWITHSTANDING THE GOVERNOR'S VETO, 75 TO 12.

THE SENATE GAVE THE MEASURE FINAL PASSAGE, 28 T. SOME OF THE NUMEROUS BILLS TO TAKE POWER GREAT GOVERNOR'S OFFICE RECEIVED OVERRIDING VOTES FROM THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

HOUSE BILL 394 ALLOWS THE FISH AND WILDLIFE COMMISSION TO PINT THEIR OWN COMMISSIONER, AND HOUSE BILL 405 THAT KEEPS THE GOVERNOR FROM BEING ABLE TO SPEND STIMULUS MONEY FROM THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN WITHOUT THE LEGISLATURE'S APPROVAL RECEIVED THE VOTES TO OVERRIDE.

THAT'S ALL FOR OUR DAY 29 COVERAGE OF THE 2021 KENTUCKY GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN REGULAR SESSION.

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT LEGISLATIVE MAE WALL 1-800- 1-800-633-9650.

YOU CAN ALSO FOLLOW OUR GAVEL-TO-GAVEL COVERAGE THROUGHOUT THE DAY BY DOWNLOADING OUR LEGISLATIVE COVERAGE APP TO YOUR SMART ATTORNEY TABLET.

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU GHEEN FORE "LEGISLATIVE UPDATE" TOMORROW