Judge Rules Kentucky Governor Can Unilaterally Cut University Budgets

A state judge has ruled that Gov. Matthew G. Bevin of Kentucky can cut the budgets of public colleges and universities without the state legislature’s approval, the Lexington Herald-Leader reported.

Two state laws let Governor Bevin, a Republican, trim state funds for the public institutions, according to the ruling, by Judge Thomas D. Wingate of the Franklin County Circuit Court. Although Mr. Bevin’s powers are limited, Judge Wingate said, the state legislature gave him the budget-cutting power by passing the laws.

In January, Mr. Bevin proposed statewide budget cuts to public colleges and universities. When the legislature did not approve them, the governor ordered $18 million in cuts without the lawmakers’ assent.

His executive order to slash funds for colleges and universities by 4.5 percent prompted the state’s attorney general, Andy Beshear, a Democrat, to sue him, calling the order “unconstitutional and illegal.”

Judge Wingate said the $18 million should not be touched until the case is resolved. Mr. Beshear’s office said he would appeal the ruling.