By Kyeland Jackson —

Governor Matt Bevin’s higher education cuts are legal, according to a ruling Wednesday afternoon by Franklin Circuit Court Judge Thomas Wingate.

Originally reported by the Courier-Journal, Wingate said two state laws allow the $18 million in cuts to higher education which Bevin ordered in April. Attorney General Andy Beshear responded, challenging the judge’s ruling. Bevin has been ordered to leave the $18 million alone until the matter is resolved.

This is the latest development in a legal battle against Bevin’s higher education cuts, which would take $6.5 million from U of L this fiscal year. Beshear sued Bevin in April, calling his cuts illegal for skirting legislation.

University faculty have prepared via a survey asking what they will do if the budget restraints pass. Kimberly Kempf-Leonard, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, said the cuts may affect study abroad programs and scholarships offered by her department.

If finalized, the cuts will increase to nine percent in the next fiscal year – a cut of $13 million from U of L.

This story will be updated.