Kentucky lawmakers reconvened on Tuesday for a 60-day legislative session that is expected to be heavily focused on negotiations over the state budget. Despite Democratic Governor Andy Beshear's reelection, Republican supermajorities in both chambers will continue to shape policies in the Bluegrass State. The session began with both the House and Senate convening at midday to tackle the extensive list of legislation on their agenda.

One of the key issues that will dominate the session is the crafting of the next two-year budget, which is considered the state's overarching policy document. Governor Beshear had already outlined his budget proposal in a televised speech last month, calling for significant funding increases for public education. His plan includes an 11% pay raise for teachers and all public school employees, as well as a push for state-funded preschool for every 4-year-old in Kentucky.

However, Republican lawmakers have their own ideas when it comes to education policies. This sets the stage for potential clashes between the GOP-dominated legislature and Governor Beshear on how to allocate funds and shape the future of education in the state.

Aside from education, there are several other contentious issues that could grab headlines during the session. Abortion and school choice are among the familiar topics that are expected to resurface. Efforts to relax Kentucky's near-total abortion ban may be reintroduced, with a potential focus on adding exceptions for pregnancies caused by rape or incest. Governor Beshear, a supporter of abortion rights, made his support for these exceptions a prominent part of his reelection campaign.

On the school choice front, there may be efforts to put a constitutional amendment on the fall ballot in Kentucky. The aim would be to remove constitutional hurdles for school choice initiatives, following setbacks in the courts. A recent state judge's ruling struck down a law that aimed to establish a funding method for charter schools, while in 2022, the state's Supreme Court invalidated a law that would have awarded tax credits for donations supporting private school tuition.

Another issue that will be closely watched is the relationship between Governor Beshear and GOP lawmakers. During his first term, Beshear frequently clashed with Republican legislators, who overrode many of his vetoes. However, the governor also highlighted his ability to work across party lines, signing over 600 bipartisan bills into law, including measures to legalize sports betting, medical marijuana, and expand early voting.

As the legislative session progresses, the dynamics between Governor Beshear and the Republican-dominated legislature will undoubtedly shape the direction of Kentucky's policies. With education spending and abortion at the forefront of the agenda, it remains to be seen how these issues will be resolved in a state that continues to experience divided government.