Stumbo blames Gov. Bevin for budget delays

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) – Democratic House Speaker Greg Stumbo says the reason it is taking so long for lawmakers to approve a budget is because Republican Gov. Matt Bevin’s proposal was one of the worst plans presented in his 35 years at the state Capitol.

Bevin said Tuesday he would not call a special session of the state legislature even if lawmakers do not pass a two-year operating budget by Friday. That would result in a partial shutdown of state government services. Bevin blamed the problems on Stumbo, saying if lawmakers don’t get a budget, it will be his fault.

Stumbo said Bevin’s initial budget proposal contained numerous errors, including cuts to the state Department of Veterans Affairs after telling lawmakers in a televised speech the budget contained no such cuts.

House and Senate leaders resumed budget talks on Tuesday.