Reporters press Beshear on legality of pre-K pilot and timing of PSC appointments

In the question-and-answer portion of the Team Kentucky update reporters pressed the governor about the legality of a recently announced pre-K pilot and about upcoming appointments to the Public Service Commission (PSC).

Karen Zarr asked whether Senate President Robert Stivers' concern about the pilot's legality was well-founded. Beshear said he "anticipate[s] no legal issues" and told reporters the dollars come from flexible federal funds "called the governor's reserve." "Fully legal," he said, and defended using executive authority to help children when the legislature had not allocated the money.

When asked by Liam Nehemiah of the Kentucky Lantern about appointments to expand the PSC under Senate Bill 8, Beshear said he would announce the two new commissioners "when they agree to serve" and cited a pattern of senators refusing to confirm nominees as a deterrent that reduces interest in serving. He said he trusts the current PSC chair and suggested procurement should be managed using the model procurement code.

Why it matters: The pre-K pilot and PSC appointments have legislative and administrative implications. Questions about legal authority and confirmation processes may shape how the initiatives move forward and whether the General Assembly reacts during the next legislative session.

What’s next: Beshear said he will announce PSC nominees once candidates agree to take the posts and the administration expects to continue implementing the pre-K pilot pending any legal challenge; no lawsuit or formal legal opinion was reported during the briefing.