A prominent Kentucky House Democrat is questioning whether Republican Gov. Matt Bevin has enough votes to legally pass his pension-relief proposal in a special legislative session.
Rep. Joni Jenkins said Monday she's hearing the governor has lined up 51 votes for his proposal in the 100-member House. But she says the measure could require support from at least 60 House members as an appropriation bill in a nonbudget year.
Jenkins says it may be "something the courts will decide."
Bevin's deputy chief of staff, Bryan Sunderland, says Bevin's team has enough support to pass the proposal "in a constitutional manner."
Jenkins and Sunderland spoke to reporters after a pension oversight board met Monday.
Bevin's proposal aims to provide relief for regional universities as well quasi-governmental agencies facing surging pension costs.