Governor Steve Beshear Adds To Special Session Agenda, Snubs David Williams' "Horse" Proposals -- A Move That May Guarantee A Short Ill-Fated Session.

Read the Governor's proclamation issued today, Proclation issued yesterday, or read more from the news folks, or excerpts below:

Beshear adds to session call; says no to Williams’ plan to improve purses

FRANKFORT – Gov. Steve Beshear added to his special session call Friday an economic incentives package to help Kentucky Speedway attract a NASCAR Sprint Cup race and legislation to help fund the Ohio Rivers bridges project in Jefferson County.

But the Democratic governor said he would not amend his call to include a proposal by Senate President David Williams, R-Burkesville, to improve purses at racetracks without expanded gambling.

Williams later said he hopes the governor reconsiders and put his plan on the call.

Williams picked up some support from House Speaker Greg Stumbo, D-Prestonsburg.

Stumbo released a statement, saying it is Beshear’s prerogative to amend the call, “but we are looking at President Williams’ proposal.

“It contains many recommendations that have been offered by the horse industry in the past and should be part of the debate. I am glad to see there appears to be full agreement that help is needed for the horse industry.”

Asked if Stumbo wants the governor to add Williams’ plan to the special session call, Stumbo spokesman Brian Wilkerson said Stumbo “is looking at this for inclusion in the debate; that’s all.”

Williams’ plan would generate about $83 million a year for the horse industry by putting a 10 percent surcharge on lottery tickets, dedicating various taxes and fees for the industry’s use and levying a 1.5 percent tax on out-of-state wagering.

Beshear said he had concerns about Williams’ package and prefers that the legislature vote up or down on his plan to allow video lottery terminals at the tracks.

Beshear said he has completed his call for a special session to begin June 15. His agenda will include a plan to deal with a $1 billion shortfall in the state budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1, slots at the tracks, an economic incentives package and the mega-transportation projects.

Beshear did say he still would consider any requests by legislative leaders to add to the session’s call.
Only the governor can call a special session and set its agenda. The length of the session is determined by the legislature.