Kentucky Auditor Allison Ball has filed a lawsuit requesting a court order to restore access to a database that tracks the state’s handling of abuse and neglect cases involving vulnerable citizens. The dispute arises from a legislative action that transferred an ombudsman’s office to the auditor’s office, impacting the oversight of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. The auditor accuses Governor Andy Beshear’s administration of imposing unlawful constraints on access to the information.
The administration claims to have tried to provide maximum access allowed under current law but accuses the auditor’s office of refusing to cooperate. The lawsuit emphasizes the importance of full access to information to ensure the well-being of vulnerable children and adults in Kentucky. The administration supports changing the law to provide full access but points to limitations in sharing information with external officials.
The lawsuit reveals a lack of agreement between the auditor and the administration on how to resolve the issue. Both sides blame each other for the failure to reach a compromise, with the auditor accusing the administration of obstructing access and the administration criticizing the auditor for playing politics. The judiciary is being called upon to intervene and end the obstruction to access the necessary information. The lawsuit involves appointed ombudsman Jonathan Grate and defendants include the governor and Secretary of Health and Family Services Eric Friedlander.
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