State Lawmakers Defy Governors in a Covid-Era Battle for Power
Legislators across the country, mostly Republicans, are moving to strip the powers of governors, many of them Democrats, who have taken on extraordinary authority to fight the pandemic.
Republicans in the G.O.P.-controlled Idaho State Senate have moved to limit emergency powers wielded by Gov. Brad Little, a member of their own party.Credit.Keith Ridler/Associated Press
Feb. 22, 2021
Partisan warfare over pandemic lockdowns and mask-wearing is on the wane in Washington: A bitter presidential election has been decided, coronavirus cases are plummeting nationally and vaccines are rolling out slowly but steadily.
Despite the cold, the news cycle of the week in the bluegrass rode a hot streak.
In Frankfort, the state’s capital, the House of Representatives approved legislation protecting Historical Horse Racing just a few days after it had passed the Senate. Gov. Andy Beshear is expected to sign the bill that redefines the state’s definition of pari-mutuel wagering to include HHR games. A good portion of HHR revenue fuels purses in Kentucky, which obviously benefits horsemen and should green light construction and renovation projects at Churchill Downs, Ellis Park, and Turfway Park.
The swift work of horse-friendly senator Damon Thayer and representatives David Osborne and Matt Koch is to be commended. Prior to that vote late on Feb. 11 came news from Keeneland that was equally commendable.