'Nothing is off the table' in potential state budget cutbacks

This from H-L:

FRANKFORT — Unlike other times when Kentucky has had to handle a shortfall in its budget, Gov. Steve Beshear is emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" in resolving the problem.

"With a shortfall of this size, nothing can be — or should be — off the table, if we are to address this deficit in a fiscally responsible manner," Beshear spokesman Jay Blanton said Wednesday.

In previous state budget shortfalls, administrations have warned and prepared for
deep cuts but usually have exempted or limited paring the state's basic funding to schools and Medicaid. Some other protected areas through recent shortfalls have included corrections and prosecutors.

But this time, the Beshear administration, in handling a projected $456.1 million shortfall this fiscal year that ends June 30, is emphasizing that every option must be considered...