Government

From the Governor's Office...

Gov. Steve Beshear today announced the award of an emergency contract to repair and reopen the damaged Eggners Ferry Bridge over Kentucky Lake by Memorial Day weekend – saving the crucial summer tourism season for the region around Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.

From the Associated Press:

Illinois lawmakers have agreed on how much money will be available for next year's budget. The state Senate joined the House today in approving a revenue estimate of $33.7 billion. The figure amounts to an upper limit for the fiscal year starting July 1. But much of the money will go to paying pensions and old bills, leaving less for day-to-day government services. Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno says creating a budget will be the most difficult challenge for legislators.

Republican leaders are proposing legislation that would tie changes to lottery scholarship requirements to lottery revenue growth.  A GOP-backed measure that would cut some students' scholarships in half has drawn heavy criticism from Democrats who say it's unnecessary because the lottery's education proceeds have increased 4 percent since 2005, with about $10 million more coming in a year.  Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey and Senate Education Committee Chairwoman Dolores Gresham announced Tuesday in a statement that if the $10 million is sustained through 2015, then the provisions in the proposa

The Kentucky House has approved a proposal to create a registry of people ineligible for employment at long-term care facilities based on criminal record checks.  The bill passed 62-36 Tuesday.  The bill, which would fingerprint prospective employees as part of the background check process, would be initially funded by a $3 million federal grant and a $1 million state grant.

The Paducah-McCracken County Convention Center Corporation discussed a healthy budget during the Executive Committee meeting Tuesday. The committee mulled over the center’s current cash flow and expenses in preparation for future budget workshops with city and county representatives. The corporation will submit budget requests to both governments for funds to help cover upcoming costs.

Kentucky House lawmakers have donated $5,500 from their own wallets to help communities in the eastern part of the Commonwealth recover from tornado damage.  House Speaker Greg Stumbo says that total still is growing as legislators continue to give.  Both the House and Senate have observed moments of silence in honor of storm victims.  Democratic state Representative John Will Stacy of West Liberty thanked rescue teams and other first responders from across the state who reported for duty in his hard-hit district.