State Agency That Serves the Blind Considering Budget Cuts

From Stu Johnson, Kentucky Public Radio A cash-strapped Kentucky Office for the Blind is considering some cost-cutting measures. If adopted, some of the 400 people assisted by the agency will receive less tuition assistance, fewer cataract surgeries, and find it harder to qualify for state-provided services. Spokeswoman Allison Jessee says the proposed policy changes will be the subject of four public hearings scheduled for this month and could be implemented in June. “The Office for the Blind currently is at almost a million dollar deficit right now for this current fiscal year," Jessee said. "So we are having to make some significant changes in our policies in order to try to stretch that dollar.” Jessee says several internal belt tightening measures have already been adopted. They include reductions in travel, supplies, and state vehicles. The first public hearing is set for next Monday afternoon in Lexington.