Frankfort – The Kentucky House of Representatives ended today what has widely been called one of the most successful legislative sessions in recent memory.
“This has been a highly productive time for all of Kentucky, from resolving the current budget crisis to enacting a multi-billion dollar road plan and greatly improving school testing,” House Speaker Greg Stumbo (D-Prestonsburg) said. “We have done our work efficiently, and transparently.”
The House voted today in accordance with its rules to consider only vetoes issued by Governor Steve Beshear and potentially enroll any bills that the Senate may send. Since only one veto was issued and not overturned, and just a handful of bills were enrolled, the House ended the session a day early.
House Majority Caucus Chair Bob Damron (D-Nicholasville) addressed questions about why the House chose not to take last-minute votes on bills that were still outstanding. “Our caucus wanted to avoid the last-minute confusion that has taken place in recent sessions,” said Damron. “After noting how much had been accomplished, we decided that keeping veto days just for vetoes was the right course of action and it follows precedent set generations ago.”
“Our rules are designed to ensure thoughtful, deliberate decision-making in the public eye,” Stumbo added. “Last-minute decisions prohibit full debate and public comment. By drawing the line here, we can be sure that both houses will always conduct the people’s business in an open, timely and responsible manner.”
