Beshear makes new appeal for gambling | IXGAMES
On Thursday, Beshear sent state House members a letter asking them to reconsider his budget proposal which relies on $780 million of gambling revenue from video lottery terminals at horse tracks, something which has not been authorized legally. The reaction he got from legislators seemed lukewarm – kind of like the reaction to his first budget proposal. The state is facing a $1.5 billion revenue shortfall during the next two-year budget period, which begins July 1. 
In presenting his budget last month, Beshear proposed using the gambling revenue to spare education and human services programs from deep cuts and to avoid mass layoffs of state workers. Meanwhile, Rand and other House leaders continue meeting behind-the-scenes with Senate leaders to craft a new state spending plan. The House hopes to have a budget to the Senate by the first week of March.