Tagged: STEVE BESHEAR

Governor Steve Beshear has put together a bipartisan group of 23 Kentuckians to serve on his tax commission.

The group is made up partially of lawmakers from each party, although they won’t be able to vote on commission issues. Other members include former University of Kentucky president Lee Todd, banker and Republican fundraiser Marion Forcht, and Louisville businessman Junior Bridgeman.

The commission's recommendations for changes to the state tax code are due by November 15, well after the current legislative session ends.

The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce has scheduled a news conference for this afternoon at the Capitol to make what they call a major announcement regarding support for a proposed constitutional legalized gambling amendment. The event is set for noon Central. Governor Steve Beshear says he's expecting a proposal to amend the state Constitution to allow casino-style gambling to be filed soon. He also says lawmakers still have plenty of time remaining in the legislative session to get it passed. The legislative session is scheduled to run into April.

Governor Steve Beshear and other state officials reiterated the importance of a legislative package focused on fighting prescription drug abuse today (Mon). House Speaker Greg Stumbo filed House Bill 4 last week calling for tougher restrictions on pain management clinics and better use of the state’s prescription monitoring system. Stumbo calls the issue a bi-partisan effort.

“It doesn’t matter whose name is on it, it matters what names it saves down the road, what lives it affects, and how it has a positive impact on this problem. And I believe that it will.”