Kentucky Supreme Court officials say Republican Gov. Matt Bevin did not ask the court to reconsider its decision banning him from cutting the budgets of public colleges and universities without the legislature's approval.
The ruling will become final later Thursday. The case will be remanded back to the circuit court, instructing it to act "consistent with this opinion."
Bevin ordered spending cuts of 2 percent for most public colleges and universities, amounting to nearly $18 million. Bevin said the cuts were needed to deal with the state's mounting pension debt. Democratic Attorney General Andy Beshear sued him, calling Bevin's cuts illegal.
Bevin has not yet released the money. A spokeswoman for his office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear released the following statement:
“Today is a victory for the rule of law in the Commonwealth. As the supreme court noted, everyone, even the governor, is bound by the law. This money is needed to offset the damage to our students, faculty and their families caused by Gov. Bevin’s massive education cuts. The governor should immediately release these funds.”
