FRANKFORT, Ky. (WYMT/WKYT) – Time for a special session to hash out the state’s pension crisis is winding down for Kentucky lawmakers.
Republican representatives across the commonwealth are trying to regroup as a turbulent week of scandal comes to an end.
One week ago, State Representative Jeff Hoover stepped down from the role as Speaker of the House due to a sexual harassment lawsuit he admitted to settling.
“The first thing we have to do is move forward, and we have to do that in a very responsible way,” said Republican State Representative David Meade.
Lawmakers are sandwiched between the chaos of sexual harassment allegations and the looming pension crisis.
“The governor is correct. Something has to be done. We are in a crisis situation with our pension systems in this state,” said Meade.
The major distraction all started on Nov. 1 when reports surfaced that an employee of former House Speaker Jeff Hoover had accused him of sexual harassment.
Hoover admitted to engaging in inappropriate text messages but denied they were harassing and said they were consensual.
Majority leaders called for an independent investigation on Monday, Nov. 6.
Hoover’s name stayed in headlines all week, and on Friday we learned he was hospitalized for heart-related issues.
Majority leaders have since pushed to refocus on passing a pension bill before the regular 2018 session starts in January. Whether or not that is possible is still up for debate.
Many lawmakers agree the current proposal needs attention.
“We’ve it pretty clear here recently that we’re going to have to make some changes in order for it to pass,” said Meade.