By Stu Johnson
Frankfort, KY – The Kentucky General Assembly could complete its work in this special legislative session today. Though, there are still some issues to resolve.
The Senate state budget approved in committee Thursday relies on amendments to possibly use as last minute negotiating tools with the house. Budget committee chair Bob Leeper says two primary differences lie in the approach to fixing some of the state's most run down schools and health insurance for state employees. Committee member Robert Stivers says grant support from the Pew Center and council of state governments could help find remedies for growing costs in corrections
"Potentially you could have some different sentencing guidelines you could have some Senator Kelly's now Judge Kelly's alternative or assessment programs for drug offenders.
Stivers believes this attempt at trying to reduce costs in corrections could succeed because of the outside support. Lawmakers still need to reach agreement on unemployment insurance, road plans, and possibly liquor sampling. Senator Leeper said hopefully lawmakers can go home Friday.