Kentucky Legislators to Keep Working on Military Voting, Pension Reform After Adjourning Tuesday

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FRANKFORT — Two priorities of Kentucky lawmakers will spill over to the so-called veto period of the 2013 legislative sessions after the issues could not be resolved by the end of Tuesday.

Legislators were unable to compromise on pension reform and the military electronic voting bill before both legislative chambers adjourned until March 25.

Legislative leaders said talks on pension reforms are still progressing and that a conference committee has been set up to find a compromise on the military voting bill. Earlier Tuesday, Gov. Steve Beshear said aspecial session appeared more likely because the General Assembly appeared to lack agreement on reforms to the state's underfunded pension system.

House Speaker Greg Stumbo, a Democrat, said the talks on pension reform have been encouraging despite the lack of a deal before legislators adjourned Tuesday.

"I think it's encouraging that the conversation focuses on the various options, obviously people need to understand those options, who's effected and who's not effected, what they do and what they don't do," he said.

Senate President Robert Stivers, a Republican, said talks on the military electronic voting legislation will continue during the recess.

"Due to the time constraints and things of that nature and I feel that we have the ability to work through the interim period that we can complete on our work on Senate Bill 1," Stivers said.

Lawmakers return to finish the last two days of the 30 day session on March 25 and 26.