Here’s this week’s big Friday at 4:30 story — Gov. Steve Beshear has called for a special session to deal with the predicted $996 million shortfall in the next fiscal year budget. The session will begin June 15.
That anticipated report from the state’s economic forecasters is just as bad as politicians were predicting – nearly twice last year’s deficit. Gov. Beshear is expected to begin calling lawmakers this weekend.
Will he finally embrace the need for slots?
First out of the gate with a statement is House Speaker Greg Stumbo:
Today’s forecast should not be a surprise, given the extended downturn in the nation’s economy. The main hope is that economic conditions are beginning to improve and we can now begin the long, slow climb back to prosperity. Fortunately, the federal stimulus money will help cushion the impact of this deficit, though no one should expect the next two years to be easy. Our goal in the House is to continue doing all we can to maintain essential health services and education spending, and we will try to do just that during the special session. As I have said before, now is not the time to raise taxes on Kentucky’s working families; just as they have had to tighten their belts, so will we as a state.
4 responses so far ↓
1 Steve Magruder (I, not D or R) // May 29, 2009 at 5:40 pm
I wasn’t aware there was a need for slots. The state needs revenue, yes, but how to do it should be kept open.
2 Jeff // May 29, 2009 at 11:29 pm
Steve: slots=revenue no matter how you spin it
3 Ed Springston // May 30, 2009 at 3:10 am
Regardless of whether you are pro or con on expanded gambling, haven’t we had enough of these excuses for “special sessions” each and every year driving our budget down further?
We should hold these guys accountable to do their job during the allotted time we pay them for not coming back for more. Just saying.
4 Just me // May 30, 2009 at 10:08 am
Why can’t the timing of the regular legislative session coincide with the forecaster’s report? Or, vice versa?
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