McConnell Pauses Relief Efforts, While Kentucky Faces "Bleak' Economic Outlook

Press Release

As the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic intensifies, Sen. Mitch McConnell has hit pause on providing urgently-needed aid to Kentucky.

McConnell has rejected calls from governors and fellow legislators to provide federal aid to the states, suggesting that they should be permitted to go bankrupt instead.

Kentucky could face a budget shortfall up to $500 million this year due to the coronavirus' devastating effect on tax revenues, according to the quarterly revenue report released this week.

"It will cripple our efforts to rebuild if we don't see a relief package, not just for states, but for cities and counties," Gov. Andy Beshear said at a news conference last week.

In a letter to the governor, State Budget Director John Hicks called Kentucky's economic outlook "bleak."

"Mitch's refusal to help our state, counties and cities means many more of Kentucky's public servants like our teachers, health care providers, and police officers could lose their jobs, and our economic recovery will grind to a halt," said Retired Lt. Col. Amy McGrath, who is running for U.S. Senate. "Mitch has prioritized corporate bailouts over basic public services for Kentuckians."

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