Governor Steve Beshear’s effort to get slots at Kentucky tracks approved in his legislature met with lack of enthusiasm and resistance in the state capital at Frankfort, and drew a quick response from the president of the senate and
speaker of the house, both of whom introduced their own bills.
The Lexington Herald-Leader’s Janet Patton reported that even the sponsor of the governor’s version, senate minority floor leader Ed Worley, drew his hand across his throat when asked about the bill’s chances. It has been referred to the Senate Appropriations and Revenue committee, and Worley told Patton, “any bill that goes to A&R, normally that’s the writing on the wall.”
Senate president David Williams’ version, Senate Bill 2, calling for a statewide referendum, received state and local government committee approval yesterday, but
senator Worley said it doesn’t stand a chance in the full senate, where 23 votes are needed for approval.
There are 21 Republican votes and one independent, and Worley thinks the bill will be dead on arrival on party lines alone. House speaker Greg Stumbo also introduced a bill of his own, its fate unknown.
The senate is to vote today on the Williams bill.
(Harness Tracks of America)