Kentucky legislature approves budget bill | News | Kentucky Roofing Contractors Association

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Kentucky legislature approves budget bill

The Kentucky General Assembly passed a state budget May 28 during it special session, according to The Courier-Journal. The $17.1 billion two-year budget, which passed 35-0 in the Senate and 86-7 in the House, begins July 1.

Sen. Bob Leeper (I-Paducah), chairman of the Senate budget committee, says the lean budget was a difficult vote for some members but prevents the possible shutdown of state government.

"In the final analysis, we have a budget that will force us to be efficient and effective with the revenue we have," he says. "And it allows us to move forward without the potential to close a large portion of state government July 1."

The Senate budget committee made changes to the bill Thursday and Friday before passing a version Senate and House leaders found acceptable.

The budget cuts spending for many state agencies by 3.5 percent in 2010-11 and another 1 percent in 2011-12; makes smaller cuts in priority areas; includes no tax increases; and requires Gov. Steve Beshear (D-Ky.) to find $300 million in savings during the budget's lifetime by cutting state contracts, the number of political appointees and other expenses.

The Senate and House were unable to agree on a budget during the regular legislative session, which ended April 15. Beshear then proposed a compromise of the House and Senate versions of the bill and called the special session to address the budget, among other issues.

6/1/2010