By Brenna Angel
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky state government is asking landlords for a drop in the rent it pays for office space. Governor Steve Beshear says his administration sent letters to property owners last week asking for a five percent reduction in rent to help offset the state's budget shortfall.
Beshear believes it's a reasonable request.
"You know if the demand is not there for space, then we want to make sure that we pay only the rent that is justified under the circumstances. And if some of them do not want to reduce their rent we can always go and look for other space, and I betcha there's a landlord out there that would like to rent to us."
According to Beshear, the state finance cabinet estimates that Kentucky could save up to $1.5 million with a reduced rent. Other budget-saving measures currently in place include furloughs for state workers and restructuring debt.