There was more testimony in Frankfort Wednesday regarding the state attorney general’s lawsuit against the governor. Attorney General Andy Beshear argued Governor Matt Bevin didn’t have the authority to order funding reductions to the state’s universities earlier this spring.
The governor’s attorney Steve Pitt told Judge Thomas Wingate the chief executive does have the ability to decide how to administer funds. Afterward both men felt good about a positive ruling.
“I think if you read our last brief, it outlines with significant structure why we believe the judge will rule in our favor,” said Beshear. “We feel confident in our position, but are not presumptuous enough to prognosticate on what the judge’s ruling will be,” noted Pitt.
The governor’s directive to reduce university funding by 4.5 percent this year was modified to 2 percent along with a 4.5 percent cut over the next two years. That was included in the compromise budget agreed to by the legislature. ?
