With several pounds of the gavel, the Kentucky Senate began the first day of its 60-day budget session. No committee meetings took place and the proceedings were brief Tuesday as legislators got a feel for the new temporary facilities they will be housed in while the state Capitol is upgraded.
Budget Prospects
Despite some warnings from the governor and his budget team about a $156 million revenue shortfall and rollbacks of federal programs, Senate President Robert Stivers sounded unconcerned about the general outlook.
"We feel like we're pretty comfortable dealing with the budget as it currently exists (and) in the next few years we expect to have pretty robust growth in our receipts even though we're cutting taxes," the Manchester Republican told reporters. "When people say we had a shortfall, no we didn't. We actually exceeded our projections last year by $131 million dollars."
On the tax question, Stivers continues to be hesitant about pushing forward with another half-point reduction in the income tax this session, saying the state did not quite meet a trigger the GOP majority originally set.
"We get ourselves in trouble... when you set a policy that has a process and you don't follow it," he said, noting he would like to reduce the income tax rate further but remains wary of moving the goalposts.
The minority party is less sanguine about budget expectations, however.
Democratic Party Chair Colmon Elridge wrote: "By approving President Trump’s federal budget, Republicans in Congress left an unprecedented mess for Kentucky's General Assembly to clean up. While the supermajority continues to celebrate the largest cuts to health care and food access in American history, Democrats in Frankfort are working to balance a budget that puts the American dream back within reach."
Stivers said the legislature is likely to seek new financial oversight of Fayette County Public Schools, though he stopped short of offering details about the ideas being discussed.
Chamber Controversy
With the state Capitol out of commission for renovations until at least 2029, lawmakers are conducting their business in a building constructed on a parking area adjacent to the Annex behind the Capitol.
Unlike the House and Senate chambers in the official structure, the new limited space has no gallery for the public and no rotunda space for rallies or events. The entrances are also shrouded in a black covering, blocking views of the nearby Rose Garden.
Democratic Rep. Lindsey Burke raised concerns about the decreased access for members of the public.
"We need to be very mindful, as we go forward in a space that doesn't allow the public to be present, of what steps we can take to ensure that they're fully informed about the work we're doing," the Lexington lawmaker said. "I wish that we could have collaborated more, but it seems that the opportunity escaped us."
Those entering the new facility will see ropes on either side of the main lobby blocking further entry for anyone other than legislators, staff, and credentialed media.
GOP House Majority Floor Leader Steven Rudy said the arrangement was recommended by law enforcement.
"That is in consultation with the (Kentucky) State Police for security reasons. We adhered to their recommendations," he said.
Asked if the Rose Garden would be available to protesters or other demonstrators, Rudy said he believes the area is considered outside the chamber perimeter. Republican leaders have argued including more space and facilities for the public inside the chambers would have raised costs.
The long session is scheduled to run through April 15.