By Jacque E. Day
Frankfort, Ky. – Kentucky lawmakers continue their search for middle ground on balancing the state's Medicaid budget. The Democratic-controlled House backs Governor Steve Beshear's plan, which would shift $166 million from next year's Medicaid appropriations into this year's budget and use managed care to cover any shortfalls. Senate Republicans want cuts to all government programs, including education, to free up money for Medicaid. Speaker Greg Stumbo says House leaders are discussing a bipartisan compromise that would target areas, besides education, to cut if deficits occurred under the governor's plan.