Kentucky GOP Chair Questions Politics Behind Revised Revenue Forecast
Kentucky Senate Appropriations chair Chris McDaniel publicly questioned whether Gov. Andy Beshear's administration influenced a revised state revenue forecast showing an extra $1.7 billion, despite economists citing a gloomier economic outlook tied to AI investment uncertainty and geopolitical conflict. Beshear is urging lawmakers to spend the new funds on Medicaid, universal preschool, and senior meals, while McDaniel suggested the nonpartisan Consensus Forecasting Group may have been "co-opted for political purposes." The dispute previews a likely fight when the GOP-controlled legislature meets next year and considers reopening the already-passed two-year state budget, which Democrats argue underfunded Medicaid and education. Beshear's office called the accusations "baseless and politically motivated," noting the group has been convened before during his administration.