By Tony McVeigh
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wuky/local-wuky-904248.mp3
FRANKFORT, Ky. -- – A new biennial state budget is on its way to the Kentucky Senate. The House voted 94-4 for a compromise spending plan that cuts most state agency spending by 1.5 percent the first year, and one percent the second.
Former House budget chairman Harry Moberly voted yes, but lashed out Gov. Beshear for not taking a stronger stand on the version of the budget approved by the House during the regular session.
"I expected somebody, particularly of the Democratic Party, to recognize that we can't just sit around and whine. We have to do something when we're in trouble. And we have to build schools and we have to create jobs."
The $17-billion biennial spending plan also includes language allowing furloughs of state workers if necessary.