Beshear vetoes House Bill 1, citing concerns over diverting public school funding

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

FRANKFORT, Ky., (KBSI) — Andy Beshear has vetoed House Bill 1 from the 2026 regular session of the Kentucky General Assembly, citing concerns about diverting public education funding to private schools.

In a veto message issued from the Office of the Governor of Kentucky, Beshear said he rejected the bill under authority granted by Section 88 of the Kentucky Constitution.

Beshear said Kentucky voters have previously made clear that public education funding should remain focused on public schools. He pointed to a 2024 statewide vote in which a proposal to allow public funds to support private or charter schools was rejected in all 120 counties.

“Our public schools are anchors in our communities,” Beshear said in the message. “The message from voters was clear — do not divert public dollars and instead fund our public schools.”

Beshear said House Bill 1 would allow a federal tax credit program to divert public dollars to private schools. He also criticized the provision allowing the Kentucky secretary of state to determine how the credit is implemented, saying the office does not traditionally oversee education or taxation matters.

“It is time to listen to the voters,” Beshear said. “It is time to serve our children and not private and corporate interests.”

The governor acknowledged his veto could draw political criticism but defended the decision, saying educators and public-school advocates should be supported rather than criticized.

“I am standing up for my conviction that if we want to ensure every child gets a world-class education, the answer is not diverting students and dollars from public education,” Beshear said.

Beshear said his administration has supported initiatives including teacher pay raises, expanded pre-kindergarten access, investments in career and technical education centers, transportation funding and additional mental health resources for students.

The governor also noted previous rulings from the Kentucky Supreme Court that struck down similar efforts to redirect education funding.

Beshear said his decision reflects his support for Kentucky’s public education system.

“As a product of Kentucky’s public schools, I will not lose faith in our system,” he said.

House Bill 1 was vetoed in its entirety.