FRANKFORT, Ky (18 LEX) – Gov. Andy Beshear was shocked by the Kentucky Supreme Court ruling, which said laws limiting his emergency powers should not have been blocked.
“I will say I was surprised by the decision,” Beshear said. “There was page by page in the previous opinion talking about potential constitutional powers. I think part of the court changed its mind. But that’s what it is. When they govern, that’s the law. I think it will have some ramifications? Yes. “But in the end, once that comes out, you have to follow it.”
Despite the surprise, Beshear said he is ready to work with lawmakers. He said he has already had several convocations with leaders of both legislative chambers.
“Our talks have been constructive. It’s been a good dialogue, “said Beshear. “I hope they make the best and sometimes the bravest decisions that are needed.”
Beshear said he will not be able to respond to the pandemic as he has done before.
“What will change is the scope of the decisions I can make or what we can do will be more limited, depending on what the legislature decides,” he explained.
He explained that now legislators expect difficult decisions.
“So far I’ve played football. I have been able to make difficult and unpopular decisions, and trust me, I have seen some of the protesters show up when I think I did the right thing. It was still the hardest part. It’s seldom easy to do the right thing, ”Beshear said. “Political decisions now, however, have said that the Supreme Court must take the legislature.”