By Stu Johnson
Frankfort, KY – Lawmakers are preparing themselves for a long day tomorrow. The house is expected to vote on a state budget, changes to unemployment insurance, and a liquor sampling bill. Senate Majority Floor Leader Robert Stivers says the senate also has bills drawn up on all of those issues. He says the senate could be in a stop and go mode Wednesday.
"It depends on what the house does, we may meet on their bills we may meet on our bills it's just a very fluid situation that we'll just have to react to the circumstances of the house," said Stivers.
The house is scheduled to vote on the budget bill Wednesday.
Senate President David Williams promised the state Senate will try to keep things on an even keel.' The leader of the senate is confident lawmakers will leave Frankfort before the weekend.
"Up to this juncture I am confident of the fact that we will get out of here by Friday if everyone acts rationally," said Williams.
In addition to the executive budget, House and Senate leaders are considering a financing package for state road projects.
Since lawmakers failed to pass a budget during their regular session, critics say legislators should not be paid for this week's special session. Williams argues the senate position on the budget actually saved tax dollars.
"The pay that the people in the senate are receiving for the time that we're here is one of the biggest bargains that the state has ever received because we stopped a 300 million dollar tax increase and a billion and a half of additional debt being willing to stand firm," said Williams.
Still, Williams says he's willing to sign-off on a bill that withholds pay for legislators during this special session.