Statement by Terry Brooks,
Executive Director, Kentucky Youth Advocates,
on the Governor Beshear's Amended Call for Slots

It is encouraging to note that Governor Beshear has already amended his call for the special session to include an additional revenue source. We agree with the governor about the importance of the horse industry to the Commonwealth.

Kentucky's most precious resource - its children and families - is also in crisis. We are hopeful that the governor and legislative leaders will ensure that increased revenue is available for the state's signature resource - its young people and their families. Therefore, we urge the governor to amend the call to the special session so that legislators can seek a balanced solution to fully invest in the state's human capital.

Hard-working families need resources to keep them afloat in these extraordinary economic times. Cuts to prevention programs in child abuse and juvenile justice hurt both children and the budget's bottom line. Kentucky's leaders must find a balanced solution so that important programs do not bear the full burden of this fiscal crisis.

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