Politics

A Kentucky legislative leader says progress on reforming the state’s liquor laws  is slow going.  Last year, a federal judge threw out the state law that blocks grocery stores and gas stations from selling wine and spirits.

That same judge later stayed his ruling to prevent a sudden surge in liquor retailers and to allow Kentucky lawmakers to re-write the regulations.  But House Speaker Greg Stumbo says so far, no one has put forward a proposal to properly address the issue.

“Everyone hopes that there will be some sort of reasonable proposal from the entire industry that takes in consideration the court’s ruling. To date I haven’t seen that.”

Just days shy of the New Year, members of Congress and the White House are hoping to strike a last-minute bargain to avoid across-the-board tax increases and deep spending cuts. Congressional leaders are meeting Friday with President Obama, although there are no signs a compromise deal is taking shape to avoid going off the fiscal cliff January 1st. 

Speaking on the Senate floor Thursday, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky accused the president of campaigning even after he was re-elected, and he accused Democrats of "sitting on their hands."

Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear's agenda for the next legislative session is a mix of old and new priorities.  Beshear plans to work with leaders in both chambers on pension and tax reforms, but he’s unsure how much progress can be made during the 30-day session.

The governor also plans to renew his pushes for expanded gambling and several education initiatives.

“I want to pass the graduation bill if we can, very important to me, so there’s a number of issues like that that we’ll need to be addressing this year," says Beshear.