This morning House and Senate budget conferees announced they have reached an impasse in negotiations on the state budget.

The disagreement seems to be over cuts to higher education and the amount of money to contribute to the state pension systems. In addition to the disagreements over high education and pension funding, the conferees still have to agree on the allocation of tobacco settlement dollars and coal severance dollars.

As of the writing of this report the General Assembly is scheduled to convene tomorrow at noon for day fifty-nine.  The sixtieth and last day of the 2016 General Assembly is currently scheduled for April 12.

HOW TO CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS

During the week, you may reach your representative and senator in Frankfort by calling 502.564.8100.

If you do not desire to talk to your state legislator immediately or you just want to leave a message, you may dial toll-free 800.372.7181. An answering service will take your message for your representative or senator. The legislative calendar information line is 800.633.9650, the bill status line is 866.840.2835, and the Governor's office number is 502.564.2611

YOUR LOBBYISTS

The following are registered to lobby for Kentucky Farm Bureau for the 2016 session: Jeff Harper, Public Affairs Director, extension 5104; Bryan Alvey extension 7218; Tony Sholar, extension 5121, and David S. Beck, extension 5101.  If you would like to call your lobbyists during the evening, call 502-352-4280 at the Frankfort headquarters or call 502.495.5000 and key in their extensions.

If you would like to contact one of your lobbyists during the day, please call Sara Stivers at 502.495.5121 and she will put you in touch with one of them.