FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) -- Gov. Steve Beshear isn't ruling out the possibility of government layoffs as Kentucky tries to work through a lingering budget crisis caused by the faltering economy.
Beshear told reporters on Monday that developing a balanced budget is the biggest issue that he and lawmakers will face in the upcoming legislative session. He painted a bleak financial picture for a state that already has cut some $800 million out of its budget.
The governor told reporters in a question-and-answer session that he hopes layoffs aren't necessary. But he said shrinking revenues have left political leaders with no easy choices.
Revenue shortfalls have already forced cuts in some government services to balance the current budget. Last month, Beshear called on agency heads to cut an additional $161 million.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
