By Tony McVeigh
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wuky/local-wuky-825618.mp3
Frankfort, KY – Kentucky horse industry representatives say states with video slots at horse tracks are out-competing Kentucky tracks by offering bigger race day purses. They predict video slots at Kentucky tracks could generate 328-million dollars in state tax revenue in the first year of operation. That's why House Speaker Greg Stumbo is touting his bill allowing video lottery terminals at eight Kentucky tracks. "We are simply trying to formulate a plan that if the General Assembly chooses, that we will have the best plan to go forward with that we possibly can."
Speaker Stumbo appears to be priming the pump for action on the slots bill this summer, if there's a special session on the budget, or in 2010. The bill emerged from a House committee this session, but was recommitted to the budget committee, where it received a late-hour hearing, but no action.