State Representative Jason Petrie of Elkton took the unusual step of filing a budget bill in the House Friday—six days before the governor gives his budget address—and it’s possible the measure could head to the Senate by the end of this week.
Petrie says the Republican budget includes “Record funding for education, a continued commitment to the state’s budget reserve trust fund, and pay increases for the Kentucky State Police, state employees, social workers, and educators.”
Eighth District Representative Walker Thomas of Hopkinsville says he was glad to see a House version before the governor’s and don’t be surprised to see the initial version pass the House this week.
Senator Whitney Westerfield of Hopkinsville also approved of Petrie’s unusual step and says he hopes it means the budget will move faster than it normally does.
Representative Petrie says the budget will almost certainly find the same ending point as previous spending plans before getting to the governor’s desk—consideration by a conference committee of leaders from the House and Senate.
Lawmakers will be back in Frankfort Monday to begin the second week of the session.