Governor Beshear Wednesday night offered a “good news” “bad news” report on the state’s financial outlook. During his nightly briefing, the governor said it appears the state will not have a budget shortfall for the just completed fiscal year June 30th.
Beshear said the consensus forecasting group in May projected the state coming up short by more than $400 million. But, he noted revenues coming in way better than expected along with cuts in executive branch cabinets spell short term relief. “No budget cuts to K-12 education, postsecondary education, health and public safety. There had been some dollars that we had asked for our public institutions, our colleges and universities to hold back. They’re going to get those funds,” said Beshear
But, Beshear said the prospects for the current fiscal year are dim. He says the state could be looking at a $1.1 billion shortfall without additional federal relief dollars or flexibility on money already allocated. Without federal help, the governor said the state could be looking at the biggest cuts in state history.
Governor Beshear began last night’s (Wednesday’s) coronavirus briefing by saying the escalation of cases continues. But, the governor ended it by saying he’s hopeful the tide can turn in a positive direction.
In HIS remarks, State Public Health Commissioner Steven Stack said increased testing remains important. But, he stressed more testing isn’t a substitute for preventive measures like mask wearing and social distancing. “We can’t test our way out of bad judgement. You don’t solve an infection with a test. You prevent an infection with a mask and with social distancing,” noted Stack.
Beshear, meanwhile, said decisions in Ohio and Indiana to require mask use in public also helps the entire region including Kentucky. The governor reported 518 new cases of COVID-19 and three deaths.?
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