Beshear examining validity of Bevin vetoes, other cuts

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) – Democratic Attorney General Andy Beshear says he is looking into the validity of Republican Gov. Matt Bevin’s budget vetoes and his mid-year reductions of several state agencies.

Beshear argued before a state judge on Wednesday that Bevin’s mid-year cuts to colleges and universities without getting the approval of the state legislature violated the state’s constitution. Afterward, he told reporters the case could have implications for all of state government.

Bevin ordered budget reductions of 4.5 percent in the current year for most state agencies and 2 percent reductions for colleges and universities. He also vetoed several portions of the state’s two-year operating budget last week.

Bevin spokeswoman Jessica Ditto says the vetoes are valid. Franklin Circuit Judge Thomas Wingate said he will rule on the college funding case in the coming weeks.