House approves cuts to judicial system over objections of chief justice

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) – The Kentucky House of Representatives has approved 9 percent spending cuts for the judicial system over the objections of the chief justice.

Republican Gov. Matt Bevin proposed cuts of 4.5 percent this year and 9 percent over the next two years to the judicial system. The House proposal rejects the 4.5 percent cut, but keeps the 9 percent cuts.

Chief Justice John Minton said the proposal would create a $76.9 million shortfall over the next two years. He called the cuts catastrophic. But Democratic leaders noted lawmakers applied the same budget cuts to legislature.

Some Republicans argued judges should have pay raises, but Democratic budget chairman Rick Rand said raises would be inappropriate because the House did not approve them for all other state employees.

The budget now heads to the Senate.