By AP
Frankfort, KY – The state personnel board says it needs more money to investigate allegations of improper political influence in the merit system. But it won't be coming from Governor Fletcher's budget office.
Fletcher has insisted that the personnel board is the proper forum for the merit system investigation, rather that attorney general Greg Stumbo's office. So the denial of funding has left the board uncertain of its next move.
The board asked the governor for $100,000 to hire outside counsel and to cover other expenses related to an investigation.
Fletcher spokesperson Carla Blanton says the Governor's hands are tied because of a recent ruling by the state supreme court that restricts the Governor's authority to spend money without legislative approval. She says the restriction is in place unless the constitution specifically states otherwise or an emergency is declared.