KY lawmakers deadlock on budget, could lead to partial government shutdown

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) – Kentucky lawmakers say they have reached an impasse on budget negotiations, putting a two-year spending plan in jeopardy and risking a partial government shutdown.

House and Senate leaders announced at about 10:30 Thursday morning they were unable to reach a deal. They have met secretly for several days trying to reach a compromise in time for the legislature to approve the deal on Friday.

House Democrats insist they will not allow budget cuts for education. Senate Republicans says the cuts are needed to pay down the state’s more than $30 billion pension debt.

Lawmakers could still pass a budget by April 15. But Democratic House Speaker Greg Stumbo said the only way he would agree to that is if Republican Gov. Matt Bevin agreed he would not veto parts of the budget.