By Tony McVeigh
FRANKFORT, Ky. -- – Cutting education to balance the state Medicaid budget won't fly in the Democratic-controlled Kentucky House, says Speaker Greg Stumbo.
Across-the-board state agency cuts were approved Wednesday by the Republican-controlled Senate, which rejected Gov. Beshear's plan for balancing Medicaid.
Stumbo still believes compromise is possible, but wants to avoid cuts to educational spending.
"The logical thing to do would be to allow the governor do what he says he can do. And if he can't do it, then we would have language for a backup proposal to where this money could come from so there wouldn't be a large gaping hole when the legislature got up here in January of '12."
The House approved Gov. Beshear's plan to shift second year Medicaid funding to the current year and cover any second year deficits with savings from managed care.
House and Senate negotiators hope to find middle ground in the waning days of the 2011 session. Friday marks day 27 of the 30-day session.