By Kenny Colston
Frankfort, KY – Governor Steve Beshear's chief legislative rival is still waiting to see the meat of the governor's 2012 legislative agenda.
After the governor's annual State of the Commonwealth address, Republican Senate President David Williams told reporters he gives Beshear credit for delivering a "pleasant speech," but he's still waiting to hear the details on proposals like expanded gambling, tax reform and other important issues to the governor.
"He didn't detail what his position on gambling is," Williams said. "Didn't say anything about tax reform. He mentioned tax reform in his inaugural address, today he said he was going to talk about tax reform and make sure everyone has heard about it. But I don't know his proposal."ave
Beshear didn't lay out a proposal for either issue in his speech, but he did say he was listening to "all sides" and every proposal when it comes to tax reform.
House Speaker Greg Stumbo gave Beshear more of a pass when it came to grading his annual speech. Comparing it to a pre-game pep talk, Stumbo said he thought the governor did a good job Wednesday night.
But the more interesting speech will be when Beshear delivers his budget. That speech, Stumbo said, will be the equivalent to the No. 1 ranked team facing a 30-point halftime deficit to an unranked team.
"That's when reality sets in," Stumbo said.