Kentucky House and Senate conferees are beginning their work trying to reach agreement on a $21 billion budget. It’s the first budget conference committee for Lexington Representative and Republican Whip Stan Lee. “I don’t think the differences are as insurmountable as people once thought," Lee said. "I think the biggest movement happened when the House passed its version of the budget."
Lee says a major hurdle was crossed when the House decided not to borrow $3 billion to help remedy the state’s pension problems.
Senate Democratic Minority Leader Ray Jones says the battle now lies with restoring cuts to higher education.
The Senate budget includes provisions for implementing performance funding for higher education. Jones says that, coupled with proposed funding cuts, is too much. “It’s hard to say we’ve cut funding for education in the general assembly over the last several years and we’re gonna cut you this year and then cut you even more if you don’t reach certain benchmarks," Jones said. "I mean, that’s not the way we need to be doing this."
Lawmakers must pass a budget by April 15.
