By Todd Hatton
Murray, KY – Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear's administration is warning state agencies they should brace for substantial spending reductions in the next budget cycle. Beshear spokeswoman Kerri Richardson says those reductions could be in the range of seven to nine percent below the current spending levels. Budget cuts have been common over the past four years in Kentucky because of the lingering economic recession. Richardson says some state agencies have reduced spending by 25 to 30 percent over that period. Richardson says Kentucky is preparing for a difficult two-year budget cycle requiring tough choices. She says the administration is working to prepare for those choices.