The upcoming “short session” of the Kentucky General Assembly will present many large challenges in tax reform, pension reform and redistricting—and Governor Steve Beshear says he’ll once again throw casino gambling into that mix.

Governor Beshear says he has pushed hard for putting expanded gaming on the ballot before and he intends to do it again next year with new leadership in the senate.

The legislation failed in the upper chamber last year and has failed to make much headway in Frankfort since Governor Beshear was elected in 2007 running as a pro-expanded gaming candidate.

Another hot topic is state pension system reform and Governor Beshear says most of the changes will likely impact new hires.

Legislators will also have to grapple with re-districting again after last year’s version was deemed unconstitutional by the Kentucky Supreme Court. Those bills had a state senator from Henderson representing Lexington and placed Ninth District State Representative Myron Dossett’s Pembroke mailbox in 15^th District Representative Brent Yont’s boundary.

The General Assembly will also likely attempt to pass some type of tax reform bill, though in what capacity remains to be scene.

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12/21/2012/am