FRANKFORT — Gov. Andy Beshear says the Kentucky GOP’s budget proposal would lead to massive cuts in state jobs. Republicans say that’s not what they have in mind.
The GOP proposal – put forward in January as House Bill 1 and House Bill 6 – would cut up to 95% of currently vacant positions, Beshear said at a recent press conference. That would result in staff reductions just as the state is trying to incentivize people to work in critical criminal justice and social service positions by offering higher pay.
GOP leaders hit back at Beshear’s assertion last week, saying the budget process had just started and it is not their intention to cut state jobs.
The GOP budget proposal could result in up to 2,759 full-time vacant executive branch positions being eliminated, totaling $259 million per year in cuts, said Crystal Staley, communications director for Beshear. That would include up to 257 positions in the Department of Corrections, 271 positions in the Department of Behavioral Health, and 238 positions in the Department of Veterans Affairs.