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Capitol Annex Cafeteria Future Up for Debate

Stu Johnson, WEKU

 

There are lots of items on the negotiating table as legislative leaders from the House and Senate try to reach agreement on a state budget. That includes a matter near and dear to lawmakers and visitors' stomachs. 

Along with discussions about education funding, Medicaid, and pensions, lawmakers are debating the future of the Capital Annex Cafeteria.

The Governor suggested eliminating funding. The House budget put the money back in and the Senate version of the two-year budget removed the full $170,000 in cafeteria funding.

“I hope that something is able to be worked out, but certainly I don’t see having a cafeteria in the basement as a fundamental function of government when we’ve got the issues we have,” said Senate Budget Committee Chair Chris McDaniel

Senate President Robert Stivers said he understands the need for the cafeteria, saying it would be difficult for lawmakers and visitors to go off-site for lunch.

But he said operating the cafeteria at a loss when the legislature isn't in session is a concern. Former House Speaker Jody Richards believes a new public-private arrangement might deserve a look.

“During the interim, it’s problematic because we’re not up here all the time, but during the sessions, it certainly needs to be open,” said Richards.

Richards said he’s been eating in the cafeteria since he came to Frankfort in the mid-1970’s. It will be one more item to iron out during budget negotiations which resume today.

Stu Johnson is a reporter/producer at WEKU in Lexington, Kentucky.
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