Representative Larry Clark (D-Louisville) says he will return to the state treasury his legislative pay from the special session.
Unlike the Democratic majority House, the Republican majority Senate refused to forfeit its veto override day. As a result, Kentucky lawmakers are set to be paid for the 13 day veto period.
“I do not believe I should accept pay because the House had adjourned on March 24th,” said Speaker Pro Tem Larry Clark. “The Senate’s refusal to adjourn cost the taxpayers $65,000 each day and it is only right that I return my pay to the state treasury.”
Governor Steve Beshear (D) vetoed most of the provisions in the Medicaid budget fix passed in the special session, including one sponsored by Senate President David Williams (R-Burkesville) that would have prevented lawmakers from being paid for the special session.
“The House had reached a bi-partisan agreement on the Medicaid bill and could not afford to waste one penny of taxpayer dollars,” Clark said in a statement. “I know where my responsibility lies and it is to answer to the people of Kentucky.”
