Governor Optimistic About Second Half Of Legislative Session

Governor Bob Holden says he is pleased with what has been accomplished during the first half of the legislative session and adds he is looking forward to getting quite a bit done in the remaining month-and-a-half of the session. Holden was happy to sign the rape and sodomy bill into law – legislation that passed without a lot of controversy. But he now faces the prospects of a legislative stalemate on the budget. Usually by this time of year the House has completed its preliminary approval of a budget and the Senate is working on its version. But things are very much behind schedule this year. Nevertheless, the Governor is optimistic lawmakers will reach a deal before the end of the session, and believes there will be no need for a special budget session of the Legislature this summer. The current session ends Friday, May 17th.