Beshear expects to veto parts of the budget

FRANKFORT -- Gov. Steve Beshear said he expects to issue some line-item vetoes today of the $19 billion state budget lawmakers have approved.

UPDATE 2:30 p.m.: Beshear has scheduled a news conference for 3:30 p.m. to announce his vetoes.

Legislators return to the Capitol today for two days to consider overriding any vetoes the Democratic governor might issue.

During a break this morning while signing bills into laws, Beshear said he expects to issue vetoes on certain parts of the budget bill.  He declined to say if he will veto any projects in the bill.

Beshear said his budget staff has been providing him input into the two-year spending plan for the state.

Any vetoes he will issue will be turned over to the secretary of state's office and lawmakers will be notified, he said.

Beshear met earlier today with House Democratic leaders. He said he discussed the budget with them and his desire to get legislation approved this week that will overhaul the state's retirement systems and make changes in state ethics law.

Beshear has set aside most of today and Tuesday to publicly sign bills into law.

--Jack Brammer

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