FRANKFURT, Kentucky, U.S. (AP) – Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear announced Saturday that he has called the Republican-controlled Kentucky legislature to a special session to formulate policies related to the pandemic, given the state’s difficulties in the face of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.
The return of lawmakers to the state Capitol begins Tuesday and marks a dramatic handover of powers in coronavirus-related policymaking in the state after a historic court ruling. Since the start of the Kentucky pandemic, the governor had acted primarily unilaterally in setting state policies against the virus, but the local Supreme Court turned those decisions over to the local congress.
“Now that burden will largely fall on the General Assembly,” Beshear said Saturday. “You will have to carry much of that weight to confront unpopular decisions and make decisions that balance many aspects, including the lives and possible deaths of our citizens.”
Beshear had the sole authority to call a special session and set the agenda. At a news conference on Saturday, he outlined the pandemic issues he wants lawmakers to consider, such as policies on wearing face masks and school hours amid increasing school closings due to outbreaks of the virus. However, Republican supermajorities in the House and Senate will decide which measures are ultimately approved.
Beshear told reporters on Saturday that he had had good conversations with top Republican lawmakers and that bills had been exchanged.
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