LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- While thousands of people are expected outside to watch this year's Thunder Over Louisville, some state lawmakers will be inside the Ali Center, enjoying free food and drinks.

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The venue also has a covered balcony, where guests may step outside to look at the aircraft or fireworks, but may retreat inside if the elements become uncomfortable -- not an option for thousands of other people who will be outside watching Thunder.

State Sen. Tim Shaughnessy, D-Louisville, was a guest last year.

"It was a very nice event last year," he said. "I was there maybe an hour."

This year, Shaughnessy said he won't go. Instead, he plans to spend the time with his family. And after a state budget compromise featuring several cuts, for him, attending the party is a bad idea.

"Given the budget that we passed, given the financial straits that the state's under, I just didn't feel comfortable being at an event of that scope," he said.

Among the lobbyists hosting the event is former state Republican party chair Ellen Williams. Her representative declined comment and referred us to Williams, who was unavailable for comment.

A representative for state Senate President David Williams said he will attend, adding that since all the lobbyists are registered with the state, there's nothing illegal or unethical about the party.

She also said it's an opportunity for senators from both parties to relax and enjoy themselves.

"I know the various people that are sponsoring the event," Shaughnessy said. "Some of them are friends of mine. And a number of them I'm in dialogue with them very frequently during the session and I value their input. I really don't think somebody should be judged by whether or not they attend that event."

However Richard Beliles of the non-partisan group Common Cause of Kentucky said it's extremely bad timing for this party.

He pointed out the final two days of the general assembly's session are next week and there are 14 critical bills still pending, including ethics reform and approval of the budget.

Beliles said he believes lobbyists having access to lawmakers at this party before those critical votes is not good for taxpayers.