Kentucky House leaders are reportedly outraged over Governor Bevin’s refusal to disperse $4.64 million to Kentucky Public schools. The funding is mandated by law to be released by the governor when schools experience a shortfall in Support Education Excellence in Kentucky, or SEEK, funding. House Appropriations and Revenue Chair Rick Rand discovered the funding was withheld when he questioned State Budget Director John Chilton about payment to the Department of Education for the shortfall. A request had been made for the funding in late February but was not approved.

Rand said “Adequately funding education is a priority for our caucus, which is why we fought hard throughout the budget session to prevent harm to public education. The General Assembly intended for our districts to receive this funding but the administration chose not to fund it.”

House Speaker Greg Stumbo agreed and pointed out the irony of Governor Bevin’s proclamation calling for prayer for our students, saying “While I certainly support a call for us to pray for our students, I cannot support any effort that preys on our schools. This is money that rightfully belongs to them, and withholding it makes it more difficult for them to carry out their mission.”

Education Committee Chair Representative Derrick Graham said “We must invest in public education in order to give all of our students an equal opportunity in life.”

Of the top ten school systems losing money, the Pike County school system is ranked at number 9 in the state with over $76,000.