The Associated Press

FRANKFORT - Comparing budget talks to football, Gov. Ernie Fletcher said he and House leadership "got the ball down the field" during a closed-door meeting Friday morning at the Capitol.

However, House Speaker Jody Richards said the two sides still disagreed over Fletcher's tax plan. The House proposal includes portions of the governor's tax plan, but Richards said the full plan should not be dealt with until lawmakers return to Frankfort in January.

Still, both sides said the talks could help advance them toward passing a state budget.

"I think we're moving the ball on down the field," Richards said.

"I don't know if we're getting much closer, but we're certainly discussing the issues," Richards said.

Kentucky has not had a state budget since July 1.

The General Assembly adjourned in April without passing one because the House and Senate couldn't agree on Fletcher's tax proposal.

Fletcher said he wasn't expecting Friday's meeting to produce an agreement.

"I didn't think we'd get over the goal line," Fletcher said, adding that he felt good about the progress that was made.

Fletcher said Thursday a budget agreement would be more difficult as the November elections approach.

Friday, he said there was "still a possibility" for a special session before then.