By AP
Frankfort, KY – Kentucky's legislative leaders appear far apart on a key sticking point as a budget impasse threatens to have lawmakers finish their session without a new state spending plan.
House Speaker Greg Stumbo says he's disappointed that the latest Senate budget proposal doesn't deal with proposed spending on construction projects. Stumbo says the construction projects would create thousands of jobs in a struggling economy. Senate President David Williams has said the projects would add too much state debt.
In a letter to Stumbo, Williams says the Senate intends to pass a House bill that authorizes the state to borrow hundreds of millions through bonding to secure retirement benefits for teachers. Lawmakers are scheduled to start a two-day wrapup session Wednesday. Budget talks between House and Senate conferees broke down more than a week ago.