FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky House Republicans have filed a proposed version of the two-year budget, days before the governor is expected to share his recommendations. 

What You Need To Know

  • Kentucky House Republicans filed a proposed two-year budget Friday

  • According to a news release, the plan includes a $15,000 pay increase to Kentucky State Police troopers and would cover the cost for full-day kindergarten

  • The governor is expected to share his recommendations next week

  • Democrats said filing before the governor presented his proposal "violates long-standing traditions"

 

Democrats and the governor say the move violates long-standing practice. 

According to a news release, the plan allocates more than $51 billion in state and federal funds annually and includes:

  • Covering the cost for full-day kindergarten 
  • Raising the salary for social workers and providing funding for 100 additional positions 
  • A $15,000 pay increase to Kentucky State Police troopers 
  • A 6% raise for public employees in Fiscal Year 2022-2023 

A statement from House Democratic leaders called the filing by Republicans “beyond petty” and “not good government," saying in part, “Doing this before Gov. Beshear presents his proposal next week violates long-standing traditions … and is the most glaring example yet of the contempt they have for him and the public.” 

The governor’s communications director, Crystal Staley provided a statement saying in part, “Neither the executive branch nor the Governor were alerted or consulted. Of more concern is that the House’s budget fails to make the game-changing investments that Kentuckians will see in the Governor’s recommended budget.” 

The House Speaker and other Republicans are expected to talk about the budget Saturday.

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