By Tony McVeigh
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wuky/local-wuky-828587.mp3
Frankfort, KY – Alcohol and tobacco tax hikes designed to offset a half-billion dollar deficit in the current fiscal year kick in April 1st. But on July 1st, the second year of the biennial budget begins, and that's what keeping Governor Beshear up at night. "We obviously are going to be evaluating our budget situation as we move along for next year and that issue looms very large over the future and it's something that could spark additional activity at some point."
And by "additional activity" he means a special session. But right now, Beshear says it's too early to say if he will need to call lawmakers back to Frankfort this summer. When the current fiscal year begins to wind down, Beshear will seek a new state revenue forecast from a panel of economic experts who advise the governor and legislative leaders.