FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky’s Republican-led House has passed its version of a new two-year state budget.
The measure includes increased education spending and a pay raise for state employees. The budget measure cleared committee and the full House on Thursday — the 12th day of the 60-day session.
"To my knowledge, this could be the fastest the House has passed a budget bill in a regular session in the history of the Commonwealth," Auditor Mike Harmon said in a statement.
The spending bill goes to the Senate, which will put its imprint on the measure.
Chair of the House Appropriations and Revenue Rep. Jason Petrie said this budget is a responsible spending plan that funds state priorities for the next two years.
"HB 1 invests more than a $100 billion - including general fund, restricted, and federal dollars - over the next two fiscal years. By voting for this measure, members have endorsed a plan that budgets to our state’s needs rather than politically-driven wants, and delivers public funds directly to where they will have the biggest impact," said Petrie.
The final version will be hashed out by conferees from both chambers.
The House plan would increase per-pupil funding for the state’s main funding formula for K-12 schools. It would award a 6% pay raise for public employees.
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