FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) — "To put it bluntly, recent actions by Governor Bevin have shown long standing practices are no longer enough," said Rep. Derrick Graham.
On Monday, Rep. Graham, Rep. Joni Jenkins, and Rep. Angie Hatton, all Democrats, announced three new bills to "strengthen Executive branch ethics and election laws."
The first bill would require candidates for constitutional positions like Governor to release their last three tax returns. The second bill would limit the amount of time a Governor has to recoup any personal loans to his or her campaign. The third bill would require more information when it comes to the use of state resources, like the state plane.
In recent weeks, Governor Matt Bevin's use of the state plane for personal and political reasons has been questioned. Last month, he told LEX 18 that the law currently requires him to pay the state back for any personal use of the plane, which he says he does. So he believes no further information is necessary.
"There's a very simple protocol for how these things work. I have personally written checks for tens of thousands of dollars of use, but then also, at times it's used for other things where the reimbursements paid," said Gov. Bevin. "There's a very specific protocol for how these things work. It has always been followed."
He also criticized former Governor Steve Beshear's use of the plane.
"I wish you had asked these same questions of the previous governor because you would have found it was a very, very different situation," said Gov. Bevin.
However, House Democrats say their bills are needed because of actions taken by Governor Bevin.
"Those two previous Governors did provide information that the public should know where their travels were taking place," said Rep. Graham. "This is the first Governor to say to the press, as you all well aware, 'it's none of anybody's business where I go.'"
