Kentucky's Capitol
Kentucky's Capitol
Slots Bill Dies, Budget Bill Still Pending
by Tony McVeigh, KPR Capitol Bureau (2009-06-22)
With defeat of the slots bill, the special session, which began June 15, is expected to rapidly move toward adjournment. But some major issues still remain to be resolved. File photo (Click image to enlarge)
FRANKFORT, KY (WEKU) - The slots bill is dead, but there are still matters to be resolved before the current special session can end. For one thing, the House budget reduction plan still contains slots revenue.

(CLICK ARROW ON BAR ABOVE TO HEAR TONY'S REPORT)

The House Appropriations and Revenue committee approved a revised budget plan designed to close a $1 billion deficit in the state budget. The measure includes $1.4 billion in bonded school projects, backed by revenue from slots. But Rep. Jim Wayne, D-Louisville, who voted no, says the way the money would be distributed is inequitable, and that's unconstitutional.

"This is blatantly unconstitutional," said Wayne. "It's blatantly unfair to children who live in districts where their legislator may not have voted a certain way on a certain bill. That's discrimination."

Later, the bill won House approval, setting the stage for House/Senate negotiations on the budget, since the Senate bill does not include slots revenue. The chambers also need to resolve their differences on bills covering mega-bridge projects and economic incentives.

UPDATE: House Speaker Greg Stumbo and Senate President David Williams are now predicting the special session could end Tuesday or Wednesday. © Copyright 2012, WEKU