Ky. uses special session to pass transportation legislation

Kentucky’s version of Saturday Night Live was not a ratings booster, but it did receive high marks.

During a special session, lawmakers passed the state budget, the Transportation Cabinet’s budget and the state’s road construction plan over the next three years, which contained hundreds of projects that would have been in jeopardy without proper passage over the weekend.

The construction plan created the most controversy, because it was put together in the 11th hour and lawmakers did not have time to review it. Sen. Kathy Stein (D-Lexington) was outraged the plan was even considered. It contains over 200 pages of text and calls for $4.45 billion in funds.

The House passed both the road strategy and the Cabinet’s budget 85-0 and 84-0, respectively. The Senate passed each measure by a 34-2 count.

The transportation bills also authorize a $400 million bond issue even though lawmakers initially refused to go higher than $300 million.