Ky. Senate president expected to file bill to allow voters to decide all gambling issues
By APThursday, January 7, 2010
Counter-gambling Ky. bill could be filed Friday
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Senate President David Williams says he plans to file a measure that would allow voters a say in gambling proposals in Kentucky.
The Burkesville Republican says he may file as early as Friday. The measure would require a longstanding proposal to legalize slots at horse tracks or any other such proposal to be ratified by voters in a ballot referendum.
It’s one of the latest twists in the ongoing debate about whether Kentucky should legalize gambling. The state has a long tradition of betting on horse races, but it doesn’t allow slots and other casino-style gambling.
House Speaker Greg Stumbo says he intends to wait at least two weeks before he files legislation to legalize horse-track slots. He says he wants to wait until after Gov. Steve Beshear releases his budget proposal.
