Tagged: Kentucky General Assembly

Gov. Steve Beshear says he's a fan of Instant Racing for Kentucky's horse racing tracks—but he's not sure if legalizing the gambling format would be used to fund the state's struggling pension system.

Meanwhile, Beshear said casino gambling is not happening this year.

A bill aimed at reforming the way special districts are treated in Kentucky is likely to undergo some changes in hands of the state Senate.

House Bill 1 is a partnership between Auditor Adam Edelen and House Speaker Greg Stumbo, based off recommendations Edelen made during his investigation of special taxing districts across Kentucky.

Kentucky House leaders are moving ahead with addressing redistricting this session—despite hesitation from the Senate and pleas from the governor.

The regional caucuses are still working on their areas when it comes to redistricting, House Speaker Greg Stumbo said.

But that the main hold up was in eastern Kentucky, where there are large population losses. Despite those issues, Stumbo said his Democratic caucus has voted in favor of finishing redistricting this session.

Kentucky House leaders are considering legalizing Instant Racing across Kentucky to help plug the funding gap in the state's pensions.

Instant Racing is a slots-like game currently played at two Kentucky tracks, Ellis Park and Kentucky Downs. The legality of the game is also currently being litigated at the Kentucky Supreme Court.

But if the General Assembly passes a bill authorizing it, the court case would be moot.