Kentucky lawmakers return to Frankfort Monday to consider any vetoes penned by Governor Steve Beshear. One of those vetoes focuses on capital construction strategies. Beshear has vetoed a public-private partnership measure which gives state and local governments more leeway in using private companies to move forward with typically expensive construction projects. The bill, approved by the General Assembly, would prohibit the use of tolls to help finance a bridge linking Kentucky and Ohio. In his veto message, Governor Beshear said it's imprudent to eliminate any potential means of financing construction of such a vital piece of infrastructure. Supporters say using private firms helps to further capital projects when federal funds are drying up. Opponents argue taxpayers will get stuck one way or the other to help defray costs tied to such projects.
