Judge Hears Arguments In Furloughs Suit

A Frankfort judge wants more information before ruling on a request to halt the furlough of state workers in Kentucky.On September 3rd, merit and non-merit state employees will take the first of six furlough days ordered by Gov. Beshear to save $24 million. Kenneth King, of the Campbell Regional Juvenile Detention Center, fears the furloughs will pose serious safety issues for the already understaffed facility.“In northern Kentucky, you’re dealing with the most violent kids in the state of Kentucky, because you’re dealing with Cincinnati. You’re dealing with 13 counties in Kentucky. And the environment up there is a little bit different from the small counties,” King said.King is one of six state employees suing to block the furloughs. Franklin Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd heard testimony from each Monday, but made no immediate ruling. Shepherd wants more information, including details on Kentucky’s current fiscal situation.