Governor Steve Beshear's Statement Regarding Lawsuit by Senator David Williams

"We have just received a copy of the lawsuit and have not had time to thoroughly review it.
I am confident in our legal position and that the veto of HB 79 is effective and in the best interest of the Commonwealth.
The veto was necessary in order to preserve the needed flexibility to appropriately fund critical and unforeseen transportation projects.
It is telling that the legislature is not challenging my actions and that only Senator Williams feels compelled to do so. The Commonwealth would be better served if Senator Williams worked with us to enact pension reform and adequate funding for education instead of constantly creating unnecessary controversy.

The 1980 Attorney General's opinion is not applicable in this case because the opinion addressed legislation enrolled while the General Assembly is in session and delivered to the governor before adjournment. That is clearly not what occurred with HB 79."