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Dispute Lingers Over How Many Votes Needed For Pension Bill

Alexey Stiop, 123rf Stock Photo

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.

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