Photo: Rep. Walker Thomas R-Hopkinsville/LRC File Photo
Local legislators are disappointed that the Kentucky Supreme Court unanimously upheld a lower court ruling Thursday morning that deems the process used by the General Assembly to pass pension reform this year as unconstitutional.
State Representative Walker Thomas of Hopkinsville says using a “shell bill” to carry the pension reform legislation to the governor’s desk during the session’s final days has been a common process over the years.
He isn’t sure there will be an appetite for trying to pass massive pension reform legislation again in 2019.
Senator Whitney Westerfield of Hopkinsville says the court rulings put into question other bills that have passed using the same process through history—including one he co-authored with former Representative John Tilley to combat Kentucky’s heroin crisis.
Franklin Circuit Judge Philip Shepherd called the legislation an appropriations bill in his initial decision—a sentiment Westerfield believes is wrong and that could make it more difficult to try pension reform again next year.
Representative Myron Dossett of Pembroke reacted with disappointment and many of the other same concerns as Thomas and Westerfield—saying he intends to do whatever it takes to keep the pension systems solvent.
Attorney General Andy Beshear says the, “Unanimous ruling is a landmark win for every teacher, police officer, firefighter, social worker, EMS and all our hardworking public servants.” Governor Matt Bevin calls the ruling, “An unprecedented power grab by activist judges,” and says the precedent is “dangerous.”
Official statement from Gov. Bevin regarding today's Supreme Court Ruling on SB 151.
Tune in LIVE on Facebook at 12:30 pm EST for a press conference; https://t.co/fMiLGA3xRa pic.twitter.com/9VVUksj9rp
— Governor Matt Bevin (2015-2019) (@GovMattBevin) December 13, 2018
1/4 “Today’s unanimous (7-0) ruling is a landmark win for every teacher, police officer, firefighter, social worker, EMS and all our hardworking public servants. pic.twitter.com/kAtc0Mbh31
— KY Attorney General Andy Beshear (2016-2019) (@kyoag50) December 13, 2018