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Bevin, Democratic Leaders Argue Over Education Funding
By: Associated Press
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FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) – Kentucky’s Democratic leaders have blasted Republican Gov. Matt Bevin for withholding $4.6 million from public school districts – money Bevin says he will release if the districts ask for it.
Democratic House Speaker Greg Stumbo and others pointed Wednesday to a decision Bevin made earlier this year to not fix a funding shortfall for public schools. Bevin spokeswoman Amanda Stamper said the request was made under the previous budget, which gave the governor the discretion to deny the money. Stamper said if education officials ask for the money under the new budget, Bevin will honor it.
A Department of Education spokeswoman declined to comment.
In a Wednesday news conference, held just over a month from the November elections, Democrats said Bevin should not wait to release the money.