BY JOE RAGUSA
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear (D) says he’s concerned about parts of the $500 billion coronavirus relief package Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R) unveiled Tuesday.
What You Need To Know
- Beshear reacts to McConnell’s coronavirus relief proposal
- He hopes unemployment dollars will increase
- Also wants to see more funding for state and local governments
- McConnell proposed package yesterday
“I hope that the unemployment dollars will come up. If they don’t want to do the $600, I hope they’ll at least do the $400,” Beshear said. “What we see from that isn’t just about individuals, though we like Kentuckians having that help and care; We have seen it flow through our economy in a very positive way. It’s got us in a better place for recovery.”
Beshear said he also wants to see more funding for state and local governments. His office has told some state agencies to prepare for up to 8 percent budget cuts.
McConnell proposed the measure as a counter to what House Democrats passed in August, saying the bill accomplishes many goals while leaving things to argue about later.
“We want to agree, where bipartisan agreement is possible, to get more help out the door and then keep arguing about the rest later,” McConnell said on the Senate floor Tuesday.
McConnell’s bill includes money for the Paycheck Protection Program, funding for schools, additional testing, and legal protections for businesses trying to reopen amid the pandemic.