Senate panel approves bill to expand gambling

HERALD-LEADER FRANKFORT BUREAU

FRANKFORT — A constitutional amendment that would allow casino gambling in Kentucky won approval Wednesday from the Senate State and Local Government Committee.

On a vote of 7-4, the committee sent Senate Bill 151 to the full Senate for its consideration.

For nearly two hours, the committee heard testimony for and against the bill.

Speaking for the bill was Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear, who said it is way past time to allow Kentuckians to decide the issue at the polls.

Opponents testifying included Martin Cothran of The Family Foundation and the Rev. Hershael York, pastor of Buck Run Baptist Church in Frankfort.

Senators voting for the bill were Walter Blevins, D-Morehead; Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon; Gerald Neal, D-Louisville; R.J. Palmer, D-Winchester; Johnny Ray Turner, D-Prestonsburg; John Schickel, R-Union; and Senate Chairman Damon Thayer, R-Georgetown. Thayer sponsored the bill.

Voting no were Sens. Tom Jensen, R-London; Alice Forgy Kerr, R-Lexington; Dan Seum, R-Louisville; and Robert Stivers, R-Manchester.

Filed Under: KY General Assembly • Steve Beshear