Lawmaker Still Wants To Consider Charter Schools

By Tony McVeigh

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- – Richmond Rep. Harry Moberly wants Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear to add charter schools to the agenda of the special session on the budget. On the session's first day, Moberly introduced a bill to that effect.

"I introduced it at the request of [Education Commissioner Terry Holliday], because he thinks that if passed it would put us over the top in the Race to the Top, which would get us about $175 million, not to mention the three or four hundred million that's available through private foundations for charter schools."

Senate President David Williams wouldn't mind taking a look at the issue, but House Speaker Greg Stumbo doubts there's enough time in a five day session to give the bill adequate debate.

Gov. Beshear - who also wants the special session to be as brief as possible - doesn't appear inclined to add the issue to the call. The special session is costing taxpayers around $64,000 a day.