Gov. Beshear Provides Team Kentucky Update
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 8, 2026) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear recapped last night’s State of the Commonwealth and Budget Address and shared updates on leadership at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet; Kentucky State Parks; funding to support railroads; medical cannabis; and kynect open enrollment. The Governor was joined by Ray Perry, secretary of the Public Protection Cabinet, who announced a statewide carbon monoxide safety initiative, and the Governor’s chief of staff, La Tasha Buckner, who shared an update on the new Mobile ID option in Kentucky.
Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman highlighted new funding available through the Victims of Crime Act and reminded Kentuckians of an upcoming showing of RISING, a documentary from Team Kentucky. First Lady Britainy Beshear recognized Human Trafficking Awareness Day, updated Kentuckians on an urgent need for blood donors and named all those donating blood as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.
State of the Commonwealth
Yesterday, Gov. Beshear delivered his seventh State of the Commonwealth and final Budget Address to Kentucky families, reporting that the “state of the commonwealth remains strong; but our people, our commonwealth and our country are facing serious new challenges, and it’s our job to meet this moment.”
Read the Governor’s full address here.
Statewide Carbon Monoxide Safety Initiative
Secretary Perry announced a new statewide initiative focused on carbon monoxide safety, including proactive inspections of aging buildings. These inspections will begin with schools, followed by daycares and senior living facilities.
Kentucky Mobile ID
In keeping with Team Kentucky’s commitment to prevent identity theft and deliver modern licensing services, the Governor’s chief of staff, La Tasha Buckner, highlighted Gov. Beshear’s announcement that Kentuckians can download Kentucky Mobile ID – a secure and convenient digital version of a standard or REAL ID driver’s license or ID accepted for air travel at more than 250 airports. REAL IDs on the app are accepted at Transportation Security Administration checkpoints to verify a user’s identity. The app does not replace a physical ID or driver’s license, which should still be carried at all times. To learn more about Mobile ID or how to verify a Mobile ID, visit drive.ky.gov/mobile-id.
Leadership at Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
The Governor announced that he has appointed Jeremy Slinker to deputy secretary for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, working alongside Secretary Jim Gray and Deputy Secretary Mike Hancock. Slinker previously served as director of Kentucky Emergency Management. Slinker’s main focus will be improving processes at Driver Licensing Regional Offices.
“I’m honored and humbled to continue serving the Commonwealth of Kentucky in this new role,” said Slinker. “There’s been significant process made in driver licensing processes, but we can always be better, and I’m dedicated to continuously improving. We’ll continue to deliver strong results by being innovative.”
In 2025, following new legislation requiring vision screenings for all license and permit renewals, Real ID enforcement, and legislation that made 15-year-olds eligible for driver’s permits, Driver Licensing Regional Offices faced higher demand for in-person appointments and walk-in visits for licensing services.
To meet this new demand, Team Kentucky hired 125 new, contracted full-time team members at these offices, launched a new line-management and text check-in system, opened a fifth location in Louisville and continued hosting popup events in counties without a regional office.
From April through December of 2025, average walk-in customer wait times fell from 49 minutes to 11 minutes, and average appointment wait times dropped from 25 minutes to 11 minutes. Last year, more than 1.3 million state credentials were issued, including more than 21,000 permits to 15-year-olds. Team Kentucky also recorded its highest issuance month on record, issuing more than 130,000 credentials in May 2025. These are efforts Slinker will continue and expand upon.
Kentucky State Parks
Gov. Beshear announced that Kentucky State Parks achieved record improvements in guest experience in 2025, driven by visitor feedback and a strong commitment to improving visitor experience. Last year, a record-breaking 60,970 guest surveys were collected, a 392% increase from 2024, resulting in higher overall satisfaction. In 2025, Kentucky State Parks introduced new digital tools to enhance the guest experience, including real-time guest messaging and an outdoor recreational mobile app, making it easier for visitors to plan and enjoy their stay.
Additionally, the Governor announced a major step forward in guest safety, with the installation of new security cameras at front desks of state parks across the commonwealth. Installations have been completed at 15 state parks, with work underway at three more.
Funding To Support Railroads
The Governor awarded nearly $3 million in grant funds to railroads and local governments to finance nine projects for industrial access and railway infrastructure improvement in seven counties across Kentucky. Projects will address rail line expansion and access road construction, as well as signal and lighting upgrades at public crossings, all of which will boost safety for motorists, attract new business and support economic activity.
Medical Cannabis
Gov. Beshear announced that Team Kentucky has approved the first medical cannabis processer in the commonwealth, Bison Infused in Dayton. This will result in multiple products being available in coming weeks for eligible Kentuckians. The Post Dispensary in Beaver Dam was Kentucky’s first fully approved and licensed medical cannabis dispensary and had its official opening last month.
Gov. Beshear also said that Team Kentucky expects the Speakeasy, a dispensary in Lexington, to open this month. Team Kentucky has also approved Bluegrass Cannacare, a dispensary in Boone County, to operate. Bluegrass Cannacare will open once additional product becomes available.
So far, more than 17,309 Kentuckians have been approved for medical cannabis cards. Over 509 practitioners are registered to issue certifications, and they have already issued nearly 26,000 electronic certifications.
kynect Open Enrollment
The Governor provided an update on kynect, the state-based marketplace for health coverage. To combat the impacts of Congress’s decision not to extend tax credits for affordable health care, the Governor’s proposed budget fully funds Medicaid and provides $100 million to lower the cost of coverage on kynect.
Members of Team Kentucky are also stepping up to help keep Kentuckians covered. Since Nov. 1, kynectors at the Kentucky-based Marketplace Contact Center have answered more than 85,000 inbound calls. They also made over 12,700 outbound calls to households that are facing monthly premium increases of $100 or more. Team Kentucky members helped connect Kentuckians with an independent, licensed insurance agent to help review plan options for 2026. Local kynectors have also hosted more than 1,600 outreach and enrollment events across Kentucky.
The Governor said that, so far, 88,000 Kentuckians have enrolled in a Qualified Health Plan for 2026. Kentuckians have until Jan. 15 to enroll for 2026 health insurance coverage. Visit kynect.ky.gov or call 855-459-6328 to learn about your insurance options.
“At a time when rising costs for everyday needs are hurting Kentuckians and all Americans, I believe we should be expanding health-care access, not making it more difficult to afford,” said Gov. Beshear. “I am so proud of these folks who are going above and beyond to help our fellow Kentuckians during this stressful time. Health care is a basic human right – and this team is working to make sure everyone can access coverage.”
Victims of Crime Act Grant Applications Open
Lt Gov. Coleman announced that applications will open on Jan. 12 for organizations and agencies across the commonwealth that provide direct services to victims of crime and their families to apply for $4.8 million in federal grant funding.
Upcoming Showing of RISING Documentary
The Lieutenant Governor reminded Kentuckians of an upcoming opportunity to view RISING, a documentary from Team Kentucky. There will be a screening in Louisville at the Kentucky Center – Bomhard Theater on Jan. 15 at 7 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit RISING.ky.gov.
RISING tells the story of the strength and resilience of Eastern Kentuckians as they undertake the most ambitious rebuilding effort in the nation following the historic 2022 floods. The Governor announced the documentary in September, and the official premiere took place on Sept. 18 at the Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg.
Human Trafficking Awareness Day
The First Lady reminded Kentuckians that Jan. 11 is Human Trafficking Awareness Day in the commonwealth.
“One of my top priorities as Kentucky’s First Lady is helping end human trafficking in every awful form that it takes,” said Mrs. Beshear. “We can do this by learning the signs and having the confidence to report when something doesn’t feel right – and by making sure every survivor has the resources they need to heal.”
The First Lady highlighted resources available to Kentuckians, including the Human Trafficking Hotline.
Urgent Need for Blood Donors
The First Lady highlighted that the Kentucky Blood Center has reported a blood shortage following the holiday season. The Governor and First Lady will host their annual blood drive Feb. 12, and there are plenty of other opportunities before then at kybloodcenter.org and redcross.org.
Team Kentucky All-Stars
In light of the recent blood shortage, the First Lady named all those donating blood as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.
“Donating blood only takes a few minutes, and it can truly save lives. To everyone who has donated or is making plans: Thank you. We are grateful and proud to celebrate your efforts on Team Kentucky,” said the First Lady. “Let’s end this shortage to start the new year right, together. And thank you to all the All-Stars out there making a difference.”
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Gov. Beshear: Kentucky Is Reigniting the American Dream for Families
This week I delivered my seventh State of the Commonwealth and last Budget Address. I was proud to report that our state remains strong – but our people, our commonwealth and our country are facing new challenges, and it’s our job to meet this moment.
For the first time in my lifetime, a large portion of the American public is questioning one of the most important foundations of our country: the American Dream.
The American Dream is as simple as it is powerful: If you work hard and play by the rules, you can get ahead. You can build a better life. You can leave your kids better off.
We have a responsibility to reignite and re-fuel the American Dream. In Kentucky, we are showing the way forward.
While our national politics has been poisoned with division, we have won as one team – Team Kentucky – by finding common ground to move our state not right, not left, but forward for everyone.
The American Dream starts with a job. It’s what supports a family and drives our economy. I’m proud to say no administration has created more.
We’ve more than doubled Kentucky’s previous investment record with over $45 billion in new investment, securing the first-, second-, third- and fifth-biggest years for economic development on record. We’ve also broken our job-creation records with 68,000 new jobs at the highest three-year average for new wages in our history.
A good job is where the American Dream starts, but a home is where it lives. Sadly, owning that home seems out of reach for too many Americans.
In Kentucky, we’re doing better than most. We’re one of the best states in the nation for housing affordability and our unprecedented rebuilding efforts after natural disasters in Eastern and Western Kentucky are being recognized nationally.
The American Dream is about living a long, healthy life where you raise your kids and eventually spoil your grandkids.
That’s why we’ve continued efforts to expand health care.
We opened the new Norton West Louisville – the first hospital in West Louisville in 150 years.
We’ve also opened Pikeville Medical Center’s new children’s hospital and its Appalachian Valley Autism Center, which serves over 100,000 children, covering 23 Eastern Kentucky counties. And we broke ground on or opened facilities in Lexington, Owensboro and Paducah, and in Bullitt, Floyd and Mason counties.
And, as of last month, safe, regulated medical cannabis is now available in Kentucky.
To restore the American Dream for the next generation, we must be wise and intentional with our policies and priorities.
My budget begins by reinvesting in job creation through $70 million for site development, $100 million for large projects that just need that last bit of infrastructure, and $25 million for a rural economic development fund to bring jobs to every part of our state.
My budget also makes a bold investment to preserve the American Dream of owning a home with a game-changing $150 million in our Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Combined with private dollars, this would create $1 billion of new housing.
My budget also pushes back against the President’s “big, ugly bill,” which could close 35 rural hospitals, fire 20,000 health-care workers, and eliminate coverage for 200,000 Kentuckians. My proposal fully funds Medicaid; provides $100 million to lower the cost of coverage on our health-insurance exchange, kynect; expands the number of Michelle P. Waiver slots for families of children with special needs; includes $25 million for nursing student loan forgiveness; and creates a $125 million rural hospital fund.
My faith tells me that no one should go hungry. But actions by the Trump administration regarding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, program are risking that for 114,000 Kentuckians.
We can’t let that happen.
My budget provides $50 million to help our hardworking Kentucky food banks do more. It also creates a $75 million fund to help at-risk Kentuckians pay their utility bills.
The core of the American Dream is about empowering our kids to do better.
I am unapologetically a 100% pro-public education governor. Once again, my administration is doing what’s right: I’m proposing $159 million for mandatory raises for educators and to increase their take-home pay by nearly 7%.
That brings me to the most important choice in this session for our future, our businesses, our families and our children: funding Pre-K for All.
Pre-K for All will increase kindergarten readiness; boost parents’ earnings by nearly $9,000 per year for at least six years; and grow Kentucky’s workforce by up to 70,000.
Restoring the American Dream is our sacred duty. We cannot leave a broken country to our children.
This polarized moment in our history won’t last forever. I’m proud that Kentucky is showing a pathway out of the darkness and into the light.
Let’s deliver a 2026 filled with prosperity and promise.
— Gov. Andy Beshear
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Gov. Beshear: The State of the Commonwealth Is Strong Despite National Challenges
Kentucky leads the way in reigniting the American Dream for families
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 7, 2026) – Tonight, Gov. Andy Beshear delivered his seventh State of the Commonwealth and final Budget Address to Kentucky families, reporting that the “state of the commonwealth remains strong; but our people, our commonwealth and our country are facing serious new challenges, and it’s our job to meet this moment.”
The Governor began his address by sharing that, for the first time in his lifetime, a large portion of the American public is questioning one of the most important foundations of our country: the American Dream.
“The American Dream is as simple as it is powerful: If you work hard and play by the rules, you can get ahead and build a better life,” said Gov. Beshear. “As leaders, we have a responsibility to reignite and refuel the American Dream. For the sake of future generations, it must burn bright in the minds of our people.”
Gov. Beshear stated that the American Dream begins with a job – and that no administration has created more. In the last six years, the Beshear administration has more than doubled Kentucky’s previous investment record with over $45 billion in new investment, marking the first-, second-, third- and fifth-biggest years for economic development on record. Team Kentucky has also broken job-creation records, with 68,000 new jobs at the highest three-year average for new wages in our history.
In attendance were representatives from several milestone economic announcements this year, including team members from GE Appliances, representing the company’s $3 billion investment in new American manufacturing and the creation of 800 new Kentucky jobs; leaders from General Matter, which announced a $1.5 billion investment in Paducah; and Maureen Carpenter, president and CEO of Barren County Economic Authority, representing the $61.2 million project from Tate that will create 400 new jobs in Glasgow.
To ensure this success continues, the Governor’s proposed budget begins by reinvesting in job creation through $70 million for site development, $100 million for infrastructure to support large projects, and $25 million for a rural economic development fund to bring jobs to every part of the commonwealth.
A good job is where the American Dream starts, but a home is where it lives. In 2025, Kentucky scored as one of the best states in the nation for home affordability. The commonwealth was also recognized nationally for rebuilding efforts after natural disasters. In Western Kentucky, 254 homes are being built for tornado survivors, and the Governor announced the single largest affordable housing investment in Kentucky’s history with $223 million going toward 953 rental units. In Eastern Kentucky, progress is being made at eight high-ground communities with more than 500 new homes for flood survivors.
“While these efforts are amazing, they’re not enough. Sadly, owning that home seems out of reach for too many Americans,” said Gov. Beshear. “To preserve the American Dream of owning a home, Kentucky needs a big, bold investment now. It can’t wait. It can’t be incremental.”
To that end, Gov. Beshear is proposing a game-changing $150 million investment in Kentucky’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Combined with private funding, it will create $1 billion in new housing for Kentuckians across the state.
The Governor went on to recognize Team Kentucky’s ongoing efforts to expand health care. Across the commonwealth, Team Kentucky has helped open or break ground on several new hospitals, including Norton West Louisville – the first hospital in West Louisville in 150 years – and Pikeville Medical Center’s new children’s hospital and Appalachian Valley Autism Center, as well as facilities in Lexington, Owensboro and Paducah, and in Bullitt, Floyd and Mason counties.
The Governor also shared important milestones such as marking three straight years of declines in overdose deaths in Kentucky; expanding Medicaid to include dental, vision and hearing, which resulted in over 284,556 Kentuckians receiving support; doubling the number of mental health professionals in the state; and making safe, regulated medical cannabis available in Kentucky.
“Sadly, a lot of our progress is now at risk due to decisions at the federal level,” said Gov. Beshear. “That’s why my budget pushes back, investing in our people and our health care.”
To combat the impacts of President Trump’s “big, ugly bill,” as well as Congress’s decision not to extend tax credits for affordable health care, the Governor’s budget fully funds Medicaid; provides $100 million to lower the cost of coverage on the state’s health insurance exchange, kynect; expands the number of Michelle P. Waiver slots for families of children with special needs; includes $25 million for nursing student loan forgiveness; and creates a $125 million rural hospital fund.
Several health-care heroes were in attendance, including nurses from Galen College of Nursing and Dr. Jason Smith, the CEO of UofL Health Care who co-authored “Medicaid cuts threaten lives, jobs and Kentucky’s Future.” The Governor said his budget is a reflection that Kentucky believes in these heroes and that health care should be available for everyone.
Gov. Beshear also highlighted progress being made when it comes to the roads that lead the way to the American Dream. Since 2020, Team Kentucky has replaced or repaired 660 state and local bridges and completed or made progress on 20,000 miles of road improvements. The Governor recognized progress on major projects, including finishing the U.S. 460 Corridor in Pike County; completing the I-69 Ohio River Crossing approach; and beginning construction on the final stretch of the Mountain Parkway Expansion through the heart of Appalachia.
“It’s been talked about for decades, and now I’m the first governor that can say every portion of four-laning the Mountain Parkway is now complete or under construction,” said Gov. Beshear.
The American Dream is rooted in hope, but the Governor acknowledged that it can be extinguished through fear, which is why public safety remains a priority for his administration. Through increasing pay, training resources and more, Team Kentucky has boosted the Kentucky State Police (KSP) up to 1,896 team members and has helped increase local law enforcement to over 8,000. The Governor also recognized progress in protecting children with over 474 online predator arrests since 2019.
“Making our communities safer is about more than just arresting criminals. It’s about preventing crime all together,” the Governor said as he recognized the importance of Kentucky securing another record low recidivism rate.
To ensure that progress continues, the Governor is building upon efforts to provide second chances and real job opportunities. Following the announcement of more than a dozen new vocational programs in Kentucky prisons and partnerships with businesses to create more second chance opportunities, the Beshear administration has teamed up with Kentucky Community and Technical College System President Ryan Quarles to seek funding for a nonpartisan, game-changing project: a reentry campus that will make Kentuckians safer and the commonwealth a national model.
After another year of challenges and losses due to tornadoes, floods and the UPS plane crash, the Governor took a moment to remember those lost, recognize the families suffering, and give thanks to the brave first responders and National Guard members who have helped save lives.
“Each response reminds me that strength is not bravado or bullying but a resolve built on love, kindness and a commitment to our fellow human beings,” said Gov. Beshear. “Tonight, let’s recognize and remember all the families that have suffered loss and give a big thank you to all our first responders.”
In attendance were members of the Okolona Fire Department in Louisville who led the response to the UPS plane crash that took the lives of 15 people.
The Governor then reminded Kentuckians that, while part of the American Dream is about adults doing well, the core of the American Dream is about empowering our children to do better.
“Our priority – always – must be the future, and our future is molded in our public schools,” said the Governor. “I am unapologetically a 100% pro-public education Governor.”
Once again, the Governor’s budget does what’s right by proposing $159 million for mandatory educator raises and a proposal to increase take-home pay by nearly 7%. His budget also increases education funding per pupil and adds $560 million to Kentucky’s teachers’ retirements.
Gov. Beshear then said the single most effective way for Kentucky to succeed with this next budget is by funding Pre-K for All.
Pre-K for All will increase kindergarten readiness, boost parents’ earnings by nearly $9,000 per year for at least six years, and grow Kentucky’s workforce by up to 70,000.
“To members of the General Assembly: We were able to work together on medical cannabis, to make sports betting legal, to protect horse racing and gaming and our horse industry. Surely we can come together for 4-year-olds,” said Gov. Beshear. “Pre-K for All is the right thing to do. Let’s get it done.”
The Governor then spoke about the challenges Kentuckians face due to tariffs, national uncertainty and the Trump administration’s attack on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, and noted that without action, families will suffer. Gov. Beshear’s proposal steps up to help those in need by providing $50 million to help Kentucky food banks do more and creating a $75 million fund to help at-risk Kentuckians pay their utility bills.
In closing, Gov. Beshear recognized that we are living in chaotic times: “In such times, I hope and pray that God grants us the wisdom to see beyond the anger of today’s politics and to the possibility and promise that tomorrow holds.”
The Governor then shared the story of Jimmy and Jessica Alexander, Taylor Hall and Adam Arnold; Good Samaritans who helped save the life of KSP Trooper Jude Remilien, who was in attendance. He stated these Kentuckians exemplify the goodness we see in our people during times of need.
“We always come together in times of need and it’s what makes me so proud to be a Kentuckian,” said the Governor. “In Kentucky, we’ve turned down the temperature. We’ve worked together, because our people deserve a government that unites instead of divides; works for the good of all of us, instead of creating an ‘us’ versus a ‘them.’”
The Governor reminded Kentuckians that it is our job – our duty – to not leave a broken country to our children. He called on everyone across the commonwealth to favor unity over division and inclusion over discrimination as we navigate this moment we’ve been entrusted with.
“This moment in our history, how we conduct our business today, will determine how future Kentuckians view us,” said Gov. Beshear. “So, let’s stay focused and deliver a 2026 filled with prosperity and promise.”
The Governor was joined by First Lady Britainy Beshear, former Gov. Steve Beshear and former First Lady Jane Beshear.
For the complete text of the Governor’s address, click here. The speech can be viewed on the Governor’s YouTube channel and Facebook page.
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