Several hundred people braved cold temperatures to gather on the front steps of Kentucky’s capitol this afternoon for the ceremonial swearing-in of Governor Andy Beshear. The new governor’s speech included comments on policy decisions.
The prepared remarks carried a strong emphasis on coming together and working together. But, the loudest response from those attending came when Beshear announced he would sign an executive order Thursday restoring voting rights to more than a hundred thousand men and women with felony convictions who have served their time.
“By taking this step, by restoring these voting rights, we declare that everyone counts in Kentucky. We all matter,” said Beshear.
Beshear also said he had already signed an order, reorganizing the state board of education and appointed new members who, quote, “support public education.”
Kentucky’s 63rd governor said the move was an effort to ensure the board is made up of people chosen not for political affiliation, but for their commitment to Kentucky’s public schools.
But almost immediately, the members of the previous board of education responded with a motion challenging the executive order. They say it’s against Kentucky law, because they were removed without cause.
Former board member Gary Houchens says there’s an important principle at stake, too. “And that principle is there should be a buffer between the governance of the K-12 education system and
the more brutal elements of partisan politics,” noted Houchens.
Following the ceremony, GOP Senate President Robert Stivers characterized the democratic governor’s speech as a ‘nice pleasant tone, one reaching out.” When asked if there can be a political honeymoon period, Stivers replied, “We’re on it right now, don’t know how long it will last.”
