House Republicans say they will not attend a special meeting called by Democratic Speaker Greg Stumbo. The Kentucky House of Representatives adjourned for the year in May. They are not scheduled to convene again until January. But last week, Stumbo announced a special meeting of all House members on Tuesday to discuss the state's public pension crisis.
Monday, House Republican leader Jeff Hoover sent Stumbo a letter blaming him for the pension problem. Hoover accused Stumbo of scheduling the meeting on the same day as a nearby Democratic fundraiser, ensuring members would have their expenses covered.
Legislators get $188.22 for each day they work. Stumbo said lawmakers who attend the meeting will be paid.
Speaker Stumbo released this statement in response to Hoover's letter:
"The statement by Republican Floor Leader Jeff Hoover only adds suspicion in that many of these agents and brokers who ripped off the retirement systems during this Bevin administration are Republican donors, and he may not want anyone to know that. However, paying more than $170 million for advice that led to these negative returns need to be investigated."
