By Tony McVeigh
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wuky/local-wuky-918798.mp3
FRANKFORT, Ky. – A Frankfort judge heard lengthy testimony Monday in a lawsuit aimed at blocking furloughs for state workers in Kentucky.
The six state employees who filed the suit expressed concerns about safety issues, under-staffing, and additional costs linked to overtime. Their attorney, John Frith Stewart, also questions some state budget expenditures.
"There are many projects that are included in the budget and set as part of that overall budget that don't have to be spent. It's not like the employees. It's not like providing fuel for state vehicles. These are things out there in the future that they are funding that haven't even begun yet."
Franklin Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd made no immediate ruling in the case. He wants more information, including details on the state's current fiscal situation. State revenue collections rose almost five percent last month.