A state judge has ordered Republican Gov. Matt Bevin to release $17.8 million to most public colleges and universities. Franklin Circuit Judge Thomas Wingate signed the order on Monday. It says Bevin must release the money within three days.
Bevin had ordered cuts of 2 percent at most public colleges and universities, but the state legislature did not approve them. Democratic Attorney General Andy Beshear sued, arguing Bevin's cuts were illegal.
Wingate initially ruled in Bevin's favor, but the state Supreme Court reversed that ruling last month.
The money will be divided among the universities of Kentucky and Louisville as well as Eastern Kentucky, Morehead State, Murray State, Northern Kentucky and Western Kentucky universities and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System.
Kentucky State University was not affected by the cuts.
