By AP
Frankfort, KY – Kentucky Democrats are criticizing Republican U.S. Senator Jim Bunning for blocking an extension of unemployment benefits for workers who lost jobs in the economic recession. The benefits are part of a larger package of government initiatives set to expire Sunday because senators couldn't agree on how to pay to keep them going. The House had passed a bill Thursday to extend the programs for one month. But the Senate was unable to follow suit because of the objections of Bunning, who said the $10 billion bill would add to the budget deficit.
The legislation would also appropriate money for a number of other government initiatives, including highway construction and small business loans. Governor Steve Beshear, Lieutenant Governor Daniel Mongiardo and Democratic Party Chairman Charlie Moore were among those criticizing Bunning on Friday.