Most Ky. children who die or nearly die from abuse or neglect are under 3. They’re disproportionately Black. And more than 70% were part of a family that had been assessed or investigated by the state.
First Amendment advocates point out that such information is already blocked by privacy laws — and the new legislation could create a chilling effect for those making and responding to open records requests because of the penalties.
The governor had already unveiled many of his proposals over the last week after House Republicans broke tradition and released their spending plan early.
Lawmakers are considering bills that would ban teachers from talking about race in ways that make students feel “discomfort, guilt, anguish, or any other form of psychological distress on account of his or her race or sex.”
Beshear's budget plan includes money for nursing homes, the recruitment and retention of nurses, meals for seniors, mental health programs, and the state's Medicaid program.
The bill directs the state’s Cabinet for Economic Development to recoup the funds from Braidy Industries — now known as Unity Aluminum — by the end of the year unless the company gives back the money on its own.
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.
Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams said the major election changes made during the pandemic need to have time to work before substantive changes are made.
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.
