FRANKFORT, Ky. – After a long day of teacher rallies across Kentucky Friday, the state's governor gave his opinion on the demonstrations, saying child abuse occurred because school was closed.
Gov. Matt Bevin voiced his frustrations for what he believes is a disregard for what is best for children.
“I guarantee you somewhere in Kentucky today a child was sexually assaulted that was left at home because there was nobody there to watch them. I guarantee you somewhere today a child was physically harmed or ingested poison because they were home alone because a single parent doesn’t have any money to take care of them,” Gov. Bevin said.
The governor making these comments moments after both the house and senate voted to override the governor's Vetoes of the tax bill and budget.
The Kentucky Democratic Party Executive Director Mary Nishimuta's released a statement regarding
Gov. Bevin's offensive comments on children:
“It’s entirely inappropriate and perverse that the man sitting in the governorship would criticize Kentuckians who stood up today for teachers, public employees and our public education by insinuating that their presence in Frankfort today caused a child to be sexually assaulted,” Kentucky Democratic Executive Director Mary Nishimuta said. “His insults of teachers over the last year have been beneath the decorum of any respectable elected official. This rhetoric has crossed a line. As a mother, suggesting children were abused as a prop for his political rhetoric is disturbing and absurdly in poor taste.”
You can listen to the full, raw interview in the video player below: