By Tony McVeigh
Frankfort, KY – Not only did Kentucky lawmakers fail to reach agreement on the Medicaid budget Tuesday, but now the Republican-controlled Senate appears poised to pull the plug on the session. House and Senate conferees spent two full days searching for a compromise on Medicaid, but came up empty. House leaders said they were willing to keeping working during the veto recess, and adjourned the House until March 21st. But before the gavel fell, Senate leaders sent word they intend to meet today, which would be the 30th and final day of the session. House Majority Leader Rocky Adkins went ballistic.
"The people's business is not finished! It's still on the table! And when you don't get your way, you don't pick up your ball and go home. You stay and you battle and you get it done!"
But Senate leaders say ending the session would not be an unprecedented action, because the House walked out of a special session during the Fletcher administration. If the session does end, Gov. Beshear will have to balance Medicaid under the current budget, or call a special session.