Gov. Steve Beshear's (D-Lexington) paychecks will be a little bit lighter in 2009, as he announced today that he and his senior staff will take a ten percent pay cut to contribute towards remedying the $456 million state budget shortfall.

Along with the Governor, 10 percent will be shaved off the salaries of Lt. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo (D-Hazard), Beshear's Chief of Staff Adam Edelen, Deputy CoS Vince Gabbert, executive cabinet secretary Larry Hayes, General Counsel Ellen Hesen, and Communications Director Jay Blanton.

"The lieutenant governor and I feel strongly - as the top two elected officials in the state - that we have an obligation to make tough decisions. If we are to cut and reduce state government, the two of us - and our senior team - must signal that we are willing to share in the sacrifices that will and must be made," Beshear said in a statement."The two of us believe that we should not ask of others without making some personal sacrifice."

A release from Beshear's office said the Governor "recognizes that the action will not substantially affect" the budget crisis, but would be part of a larger plan that will include further spending cuts and possibly "a proposal for additional revenue."

Beshear will reportedly present a proposal regarding the budget shortfall in the coming days after meeting with legislative leadership.