Kentucky lawmakers are meeting in Frankfort this week, but the halls of the capitol and capitol annex are starkly different with far fewer people. The capitol is closed except for legislators, essential staff, and reporters. The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee met at noon Tuesday.
Senate Minority Leader Morgan McGarvey is not convinced meeting during a time of coronavirus is prudent.
“We need to pass a budget. We don’t need to pass a budget today. I don’t know that it’s the best idea to be getting more than ten, certainly more than 50 people together in the same room and exposing staff and employees and members to what is a global pandemic,” said McGarvey.
McGarvey says waiting a couple weeks might help before addressing the state budget or even in special session before July.
Committee Chair Jared Carpenter said lawmakers have a responsibility to continue doing work with limitations in place. The Berea senator said those protocols include increase space between members in committee rooms.
Carpenter said legislative leadership and the governor are communicating about future scheduling.
People like you value experienced, knowledgeable and award-winning journalism that covers meaningful stories in Central and Eastern Kentucky. To support this locally-produced content, please consider making a contribution.
