The following update is from the February 13, 2009 edition of the Louisville Courier~Journal and reported by Gregory A. Hall.
FRANKFORT, Ky. -- A revised version of House Speaker Greg Stumbo's bill to allow video lottery terminals at racetracks passed the House Licensing and Occupations Committee yesterday without opposition.
Despite committee support, the bill faces an uncertain future. House Bill 158 will be sent to the Appropriations and Revenue Committee, but Stumbo, D-Prestonsburg, repeated that it may not advance any further this year and currently doesn't have the 60 votes he wants for it to pass the House.
House Speaker Larry Clark, D-Louisville, said he supports Stumbo but does not believe the bill is dead and that it could be helpful in addressing a budget shortfall for the 2009-10 fiscal year. Next year's shortfall is expected to be larger than the $456 million one this fiscal year.
"I don't think it's dead, but it's the speaker's bill and it's his call," Clark said.
