Kentucky's attorney general has filed a lawsuit against Governor Matt Bevin, saying he overstepped his authority when he ordered budget cuts for state colleges and universities without legislative approval.
The suit stemmed from the $650 million proposed budget cuts in the state budget, including $41 million in cuts to state college and university funding.
Lawmakers have not approved a budget plan, but AG Andy Beshear said the governor has already implemented the higher education budget cuts.
Beshear said that move was both "unconstitutional and illegal."
State lawmakers rejected the cuts Bevin planned, but Bevin cut their budgets anyway. Attorney General Andy Beshear gave Bevin seven days to rescind his order. Bevin ignored him.
Monday, Beshear announced he had filed a lawsuit.
Democratic Kentucky House Speaker Greg Stumbo said he believes a judge will order Republican Governor Matt Bevin to rescind his order cutting state appropriations for colleges and universities.
Stumbo, who once served as Kentucky attorney general, has sued Republican governors before. As attorney general, he challenged former Republican Governor Ernie Fletcher's decision to enact a budget after the state legislature failed to do so. The state Supreme Court sided with Stumbo in that case.
Stumbo said Bevin has the power to reduce budget allocations only if there is a revenue shortfall.
Bevin has been asking state lawmakers to pass a budget before the legislature adjourns for the year.
He said he hopes the budget will pass without an expensive special session.
Lawmakers in the commonwealth have been scheduled to meet for the last time this session on Tuesday.
Lawmakers could move their final day to as late as Friday to give them more time to reach a deal.
