By Associated Press
Frankfort, KY – Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear says he will renew his push for expanded gambling when Commonwealth lawmakers reconvene next month for their 2012 session. The newly reelected governor said Thursday expanded gambling revenues would be an important supplement to state tax revenues. Tax collections have slumped amid the economic downturn. Beshear pushed for expanded gambling during his first term but the proposal never made headway in the General Assembly. Beshear says he has no preference on the form of expanded gambling legislation. Lawmakers could put the issue on the ballot as a constitutional amendment or could pass it in the form of a state law. Beshear says he's also willing to consider creating standalone casinos, but says the state's horse tracks must be part of the equation.