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Local projects escape Fletcher's budget veto ax

April 26, 2006|TODD KLEFFMAN

After finishing up a light lunch Tuesday, local legislators Tom Buford and Mike Harmon were pleased to report that Gov. Ernie Fletcher hadn't touched the pork. At least not their pork.

Sen. Buford, R-Nicholasville, said that all local projects financed in the $18-billion state budget remained intact after Fletcher used his veto power to cut about $370 million from the budget on Monday.

Harmon and Buford spoke at Danville-Boyle County Chamber of Commerce luncheon at Farmers National Bank. About 20 people attended.

While Fletcher took his veto ax to funding for a new polar bear exhibit at the Louisville Zoo and various projects at universities around the state, he left untouched smaller amounts like more than $90,000 over two years for Pioneer Playhouse and $300,000 for expansion of the Boyle County Public Library.

Buford made special note of the $75,000 for the Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site to help host its national re-enactment in October and $50,000 for the Great American Brass Band Festival. Those two events do more than add to the prestige and pocketbook of Boyle County, Buford said, because they bring in visitors from all over who tend to stay and spend more money at the state's other attractions.

"Much like the Perryville Battlefield, the Brass Band Festival brings a lot of people to Danville from all over the place," he said. "It just keeps growing and growing and growing. It's a big boost for this area."

Rep. Harmon, R-Junction City, used his time at the podium to mention some of the bills that were passed but didn't get a lot of attention.

He also said this year's budget was especially good for education, with its raises for teachers and other measures, which, in turn, is good for business because it provides for a better educated work force.

Real estate agent Melissa Bibb expressed disappointment that alcohol sales by local option vote at Shakertown and other historic properties with lodging were not approved during the session.

Buford said that the issue will likely be revisited next year as lawmakers try to come up with a bill that will only affect seven or eight properties in the state.

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