Government

Kentucky law requires governors to submit a budget recommendation before the 10th working day of the annual legislative session, and then legislators are tasked with modifying that proposal. But House Republicans broke with tradition and unveiled their state budget proposal last Friday instead of waiting for Gov. Andy Beshear to make his official recommendation.

The redistricting plans now head to Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear, who can sign or veto them. But GOP lawmakers can easily override the governor’s veto with a majority vote in each legislative chamber.

Beshear is still scheduled to propose a new two-year budget during a televised address on Jan. 13, but Republican leaders of the House of Representatives unveiled their plan about a week early.

Under Senate Bill 1, School-Based Decision Making councils would become advisory groups. Important decisions would be finalized by district superintendents and, by extension, local school boards.

The congressional plan dramatically changes Kentucky’s 1st Congressional district, snaking from Fulton County in the westernmost tip of the state all the way to Frankfort, 300 miles away.

House Speaker David Osborne will also have the option to limit how much time lawmakers spend explaining their votes.