Gov. Steve Beshear and his family will travel to New Orleans for the NCAA Final Four, which begins with an historic matchup between the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville. This is the first time since 1991 that a single state has sent two schools to the Final Four.“It’s a thrilling time to be a basketball fan in the state of Kentucky, because no matter who prevails Saturday night, the championship game will feature a team from Kentucky,” Beshear said in a press release issued by his office.Beshear will travel via state aircraft to New Orleans and the state will be reimbursed for use of the plane.
State law allows the governor and his family to utilize state aircraft for personal use. However, early in his administration, the Beshear instituted a strict policy regarding use of state aircraft. That policy mandates that the cost of any non-government travel on state aircraft must be repaid to the state. The governor considers the trip to be non-governmental travel, and the state will be reimbursed accordingly.
Lt. Gov. Jerry Abramson will join the governor at the Final Four. He will fly separately on a University of Louisville charter plane, and his travel expenses will not be charged to the state.