Kentucky VLT bill now moves on to full House

The budget committee of the Kentucky House on Thursday afternoon by a vote of 19-9 approved sending a bill approving video lottery terminals at the state’s racetracks to the full House for discussion, although a handful of representatives stated they were agreeing to continue the talks but that they would eventually turn down the bill.

The bill, sponsored by House Speaker Greg Stumbo, earmarked more than $1.34 billion to go toward education, including building new public schools and a $130 million research center for the University of Kentucky. The bill also raises the licensing fees to be paid by the individual racetracks than a prior proposal announced by Gov. Steve Beshear; the joint Red Mile/Keeneland venture calls for a license fee of $100 million, an increase from an original $75-million fee. The tracks would have five years to pay the entire amount, otherwise they would forfeit their license, said Stumbo during the hearing.

“This is too important a vote for the entire House of Representatives to discuss it,” said Rep. Derrick Graham before he stated his “yes” vote.

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