By Tony McVeigh
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wuky/local-wuky-845030.mp3
Frankfort, KY – The House Appropriations and Revenue committee approved a revised budget plan designed to close a one billion dollar deficit in the state budget. The measure includes one-point-four billion dollars in bonded school projects, backed by revenue from slots. But Louisville Rep. Jim Wayne, who voted no, says the way the money would be distributed is inequitable, and that's unconstitutional. "This is blatantly unconstitutional. It's blatantly unfair to children who live in districts where their legislator may not have voted a certain way on a certain bill. That's discrimination."
Later, the bill won House approval, setting the stage for House/Senate negotiations on the budget, since the Senate bill does not include slots revenue. The chambers also need to resolve their differences on bills covering mega-bridge projects and economic incentives.