The leader of the Kentucky Senate would like to see the legislature finish it’s consideration of bills next week. This call by Senate President Robert Stivers comes after he tested negative for the coronavirus Monday.
Robert Stivers said he was meeting with the governor, other lawmakers, and budget staff when he began feeling poorly. He said he had a low grade fever and digestive ailment but the test revealed he did not have the coronavirus.
During a floor speech, Stivers told his colleagues now is the time to act on remaining priority measures including the state budget. “There are no guarantees if we were to sine die today that the circumstances between now and July first would be any better. There is a possibility they could be worse,” Stivers said.
Grayson Senator Robin Webb said she thinks it’s somewhat irresponsible to risk exposure to the virus when there are directives coming from the White House down to lower levels of government. She favors meeting in special session later. And Webb noted future modifications of a state budget are likely. “Whatever budget that we pass is not going to be applicable to where we are next quarter, let along the next biennium with the present state of affairs,” explained Webb.
Webb said the state will have to adapt at some point. She adds why put lawmakers and staff in a position of risk at this time.
Stivers, meanwhile, said preventive measures are being taken at the capitol with fewer people inside, social distancing, and an increased emphasis on hygiene. The senate leader added citizens can still watch proceedings on line and get messages to lawmakers through emails and texts.?
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