(The Center Square) – Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear’s COVID-19 orders once again went before the state’s Supreme Court as justices heard arguments Thursday on two cases.
By MARK MAYNARD
Kentucky Today May 9, 2021
May 9, 2021
LEXINGTON, Ky. (KT) â U.S. Sen. Rand Paul said Thursday the Kentucky Supreme Court has one of the âmost important decisions of our lifetimeâ concerning a governorâs ability to override a state legislatureâs law concerning emergency powers.
Paul said Gov. Andy Beshear is openly defying the state legislature that put into law an expiration date on his mandates that started in March 2019. Beshear has filed suit saying he is not subject to state legislature and Frankfort Judge Phillip Shepherd agreed with the governor and put in an injunction.
The case will be heard by the Kentucky Supreme Court in June.
âWhile we elect and put trust in our officials in Frankfort, the impact of decisions in the Capitol actually live and breathe with the citizens of the Commonwealth, where the people operate businesses and work and raise families,â Privett said. âWhere the courts give the citizens of the Commonwealth the ability to seek redress for harm when a law, executive order, or regulation from Frankfort disrupts their ability to live within their inalienable rights, that redress should be freely given.â
A spokesperson for Beshear told The Center Square an appeal was already filed with the state Court of Appeals.
âThis ruling ignores the statewide decision from Franklin Circuit Court as well as the Kentucky Supreme Courtâs recent ruling upholding the Governorâs emergency powers,â said Crystal Staley, communications director for Beshear.