By Kentucky Public Radio
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wuky/local-wuky-814679.mp3
Frankfort, KY – Lawmakers hope to reach consensus on how to address a 456-million dollar budget shortfall this fiscal year. So, while the '09 session is in recess, they'll be holding budget committee hearings. House Speaker Greg Stumbo says the first mission is to do the fact-finding. "And review the governor's proposal. I know the Senate's got some things that they're looking at for cost savings and reductions. Obviously, there's other plans out there. There's a revenue side and a reduction side. It's likely, that both chambers will focus on the expenditure side first."
Today the House and Senate budget committees meet jointly. On Wednesday, they'll meet separately. The entire General Assembly doesn't return to Frankfort until February 3rd. At that time, lawmakers will have 26 days to finish their work.