A Kentucky judge has ruled the state's Republican governor can cut the budgets of public colleges and universities without the state legislature's approval.
The decision is the latest development in a monthslong feud between Gov. Matt Bevin and Democratic Attorney General Andy Beshear, son of Bevin's Democratic predecessor, Gov. Steve Beshear.
Franklin County Circuit Judge Thomas Wingate says two state laws allow Bevin to reduce allotments for public colleges and universities. Wingate said Bevin was not adjusting the colleges' appropriation; he was just ordering them not to spend all of it.
Bevin proposed the mid-year cuts in January. The state legislature didn't approve them. Bevin ordered the cuts anyway. Attorney General Beshear sued him.
Beshear said he'll appeal the ruling. He says it gives the governor dangerous levels of power.
