FRANKFORT — Time’s running out, but House Democrats and Gov. Steve Beshear aren’t giving up on casino gambling or raising more revenue to avoid cuts in education and health and human services.
Beshear met for about an hour with House Democratic leaders Wednesday, and when they emerged, all sounded as if they were on more or less on the same page for the first time in a fractious legislative session.
“It’s the best meeting we’ve had with the governor,” said Speaker Pro Tem Larry Clark, D-Okolona. “He showed some leadership. I thought he was focused on trying to get things off the table.”
One of the things they want to get “off the table” is an amendment to allow casino gambling in Kentucky. Both Beshear and Speaker Jody Richards, D-Bowling Green, said they are “doing a hard head count” to see how many votes they can secure for a version pushed by Richards which would allow nine casinos with up to five at race tracks. None of the five would be guaranteed, however.
Clark, the horse industry, and Beshear earlier preferred a version which would have restricted five licenses for racing associations. But Beshear said Wednesday his “guess is that the Speaker’s amendment will be the one we’ll coalesce around and try to move it forward.”
They believe there are 50-some votes now in the House for the amendment. A constitutional amendment requires 60 votes in the House to pass and Richards said he’d like to have at least 62 or 63 before calling it for a vote.
House Minority Leader Jeff Hoover, R-Jamestown, this week said that won’t happen. And Rep. Danny Ford, R-Mt. Vernon, said he’s not sure there are 50.
“I don’t see it,” Ford said. “From what I hear (Democratic) members say, I don’t think any of them want to sacrifice their political careers for the governor.”
Local News
Gov., House leaders talk gambling, state budget
- Local News
-
-
UPDATE 3:05 p.m.: Fatal wreck on Burkesville Road
A Summer Shade man was identified as the driver in a fatal crash on Burkesville Road early Saturday morning.
-
Jail staff challenges Ober’s report
A long list of allegations made by a private investigator against the Barren County Detention Center is being challenged by a majority of the jail employees, who say they have not witnessed anything illicit.
-
BBBS honors volunteers Bell, Click
There’s no doubt about it. Tamara Click and Price Bell love spending time with their “little sister and little brother.”
-
Magistrates defend decision
Almost a month after a private investigator presented his summary report about the Barren County Detention Center and nearly five months since the initial vote for an investigation, the members of the Barren County Fiscal Court are standing by their decisions.
-
Park, students form partnership
Barren County Middle School and officials from Mammoth Cave National Park (MCNP) began a partnership in 2009 through a 21st Century Community Learning Center grant, according to a district news release.
-
Cemetery dedication planned Sunday
On Sunday, a dedication ceremony culminating efforts of several concerned citizens who restored the cemetery will take place at 2 p.m. at the D.F. West Cemetery on Ky. 70 near Hiseville.
-
No swimming allowed at lake for Memorial Day
Don’t visit Barren River Lake this Memorial Day weekend and expect to go swimming.
- 2:10 AFTERNOON UPDATE: Hart Co. man arrested for trafficking
- 9:03 a.m. Morning Update: Glasgow firefighters and Barren-Metcalfe EMS respond to wreck with injuries
-
Late Night Update: Investigation continues regarding injured teen
Very little is known about the circumstances surrounding a 15-year-old Barren County boy who was found seriously injured and lying in a ditch alongside his bicycle on Dripping Springs Road late Monday night.
- More Local News Headlines
-
UPDATE 3:05 p.m.: Fatal wreck on Burkesville Road
Raw Video: Gay Protest Blocked in Moscow
Vatican in Chaos After Butler Arrested for Leaks
Jimmy Carter Endorses Egypt's Election Results
Biden Addresses West Point Graduating Class
Dozens of Children Killed in New Syria Attack
Raw Video: Activists Allege Massacre in Syria
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes
