For Immediate Release
Feb. 18, 2003
Contact: Rusty Cheuvront or Terry Sebastian at (502) 564-2611  

Statement by Governor Paul E. Patton

“The budget as passed by the House is about as good as could be expected considering there is no will in Frankfort to replace the revenue lost to the 26 tax cuts implemented during my administration.

I am still concerned that it still does not adequately fund education, Medicaid or many of the other essential services provided by state government.

The reduction in support for these programs will be spread over three fiscal years but the final destination and my concern remains the same -- a state losing ground on our neighboring states, which are raising revenue to meet their fiscal challenges and providing opportunities in education and human services to their people.

I remain willing to work with the General Assembly to solve these problems; however, I respect the process and if they wish to place this burden on the next governor, I accept their decision.

I again commend the House for a good job considering the constraints under which they have labored.”                          

-- Gov. Paul Patton