FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - The Latest on Kentucky’s gubernatorial candidates trading attacks on education funding (all times local):
2:15 p.m.
Kentucky Republican Gov. Matt Bevin has defended his record of supporting public education in response to a new TV ad hitting him on the issue.
His Democratic challenger, Andy Beshear, debuted a statewide ad Monday that claims budget cuts backed by Bevin could devastate rural schools.
Bevin calls the commercial a “scare tactic.” The governor says that during his tenure, teachers’ pensions have been fully funded, per-pupil public education funding has risen significantly and 100% of lottery funds are going toward education.
Bevin also ripped into the Kentucky Education Association’s leadership. The governor has feuded with the KEA and other education groups. The governor made the comments during a press conference outside the Governor’s Mansion.
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10 a.m.
Democratic gubernatorial nominee Andy Beshear shares the spotlight with running mate Jacqueline Coleman in a new TV ad promoting their support for public education.
In the ad airing statewide starting Monday, Beshear warns budget cuts he claims Republican Gov. Matt Bevin supported could devastate rural schools. It’s a direct attack as Kentucky’s governor’s race heats up, less than two months before the election.
Beshear’s campaign says the attack is based on Bevin’s budget proposals to shift millions in transportation and health insurance costs to school districts and erase an outlay for textbooks.
Bevin’s campaign says during the governor’s tenure, teachers’ pensions have been fully funded and per-pupil public education funding has risen significantly.
The ad shows Beshear and Coleman talking to voters in Coleman’s hometown in Mercer County. Coleman is an educator.
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