FRANKFORT, Ky. — State Budget Director John Hicks, who presented remotely before a Senate committee Wednesday, called the governor’s proposed budget “responsible" and “disciplined." 

What You Need To Know

  • State Budget Director John Hicks gave a presentation to a Senate committee Wednesday

  • He outlined Gov. Andy Beshear's recommendations for a two-year budget

  • The proposal includes an additional $2 billion for Pre-K through 12th grade

  • Lawmakers will discuss House Republicans' proposed executive branch budget Thursday

But as Republicans hold a supermajority in both chambers, they will have more say in what actually goes into the final version.

Under Gov. Andy Beshear's plan, nearly $2 billion would be added for Pre-K through high school over the next two years, including an additional $172 million a year to pay for universal Pre-K for all 4-year-olds. 

"This is also a pocketbook issue," said Hicks. "Other jurisdictions who have implemented universal preschool have shown significant improvement in the labor force participation of women with young children."

Hicks said Beshear also wants to see $23 million go to help Kentucky State University’s operating deficit, on the condition the president of the Council on Postsecondary Education is a gatekeeper for the funds. 

A financial assessment released in the fall showed the school would be out of cash by the end of March. 

Like the Republicans’ proposal, the governor’s plan would add a $15,000 pay increase for Kentucky State Police troopers.

Both plans call for a pay increase for state employees. 

"The governor proposed a 5% increase all effective May 1, rather than on their anniversary dates, but supports the House’s proposal to raise it to 6% increase, also with a May 1 date in order to give our state workers the first raise in many, many years," Hicks said. 

Beshear is also proposing funding for an additional 350 social workers, fully funding Medicaid and giving $400 million in premium pay to essential workers. 

Sen. Stephen Meredith (R, Leitchfield) and other lawmakers asked questions following the presentation. 

"I think what’s left off of this list, and I don’t mean this as a criticism, it’s just for some thought, was any thought given to reducing the tax burden for the average citizen of Kentucky?" Meredith asked. 

Hicks said taxes were cut in recent years.

"In this case, the governor chose the opportunity to make targeted investments that we think will pay off, that we think will increase the capabilities, the education levels, the economic development opportunities for Kentucky citizens and raise their net income that way," he said. 

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