Bill meant to improve math skills passes as Kentucky lawmakers approach end of legislative session

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Legislation aimed at improving the math skills of Kentucky students won final passage Monday as lawmakers considered the final stacks of bills before concluding this year’s legislative session.

House and Senate members were serenaded with renditions of “My Old Kentucky Home” at the start of Day 60 of the session, which began in early January. They wrapped up tributes to retiring lawmakers and staff before plunging into the final round of votes to send bills to Gov. Andy Beshear.

The Republican supermajority legislature will have no opportunity to consider veto overrides if the Democratic governor rejects any of the measures passed Monday. Republican lawmakers spent last Friday overriding a series of gubernatorial vetoes.

Bills gaining final passage Monday included legislation intended to provide a strong foundational education in math for Kentucky’s elementary school students. House Bill 162 aims to improve math scores by expanding training and support for teachers and hands-on intervention for students.

Republican state Rep. James Tipton, the bill’s sponsor, has called it a “significant step forward.”

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