Gov. Beshear: County Judge/Executives, Mayors and Kentucky Association of School Superintendents Support Pre-K for All
63 county judge/executives, 31 mayors, and superintendents association request Kentucky General Assembly support funding for pre-K
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 14, 2025) – Last week, 63 county judge/executives, 31 mayors and the Kentucky Association of School Superintendents (KASS) all endorsed Gov. Andy Beshear’s Pre-K for All initiative, urging the Kentucky General Assembly to make expanding access to pre-K for all 4-year-olds a top priority in the 2026 Budget Session.
“The endorsement of Pre-K for All from these leaders – many of whom are Republicans – shows that expanding pre-K for every Kentucky 4-year-old should be a nonpartisan issue,” said Gov. Beshear. “Pre-K for All will help our children with academic success, save our families money, boost our workforce and help businesses thrive. I am grateful to these leaders for putting politics aside and prioritizing what’s best for our Kentucky families.”
The endorsements were made through three letters, each signed and delivered last week to members of the Kentucky General Assembly.
County judge/executives and mayors both stated in their letters, “Our counties and families cannot wait. We urge the General Assembly to make expanding pre-K access for all Kentucky 4-year-olds a top priority in the 2026 Budget Session. Together we can support our working families and build our communities.”
KASS Executive Director Jim Flynn shared that member superintendents stand ready to partner with the General Assembly to design and implement a preschool expansion plan, stating, “We cannot afford to let Kentucky’s children fall behind. They are the future leaders, innovators and workforce that will drive our state forward.”
During his weekly Team Kentucky Update, the Governor was joined by Alvin Garrison, superintendent of Covington Independent Schools; Billy Parker, superintendent for Scott County Schools; Elizabethtown Mayor Jeff Gregory; and Anderson County Judge/Executive Orbrey Gritton III, each of whom voiced their support for Pre-K for All.
“Covington Independent proudly supports Pre-K for All and the expansion of educational access in our commonwealth,” said Garrison. “This initiative is not only beneficial for our families but also vital for enhancing the competitiveness of our state.”
“A child's brain development is 90% completed by age five. When we miss out on giving children exposure to phonics, math skills and social skills during this critical window, we miss a major opportunity in a child’s development,” said Parker. “Teachers in the classroom know the challenges of helping students who start behind and need additional resources and interventions to help them perform on grade level. Kentucky schools can't afford to play catch-up.”
“Studies have shown that, on average, parents will save about $7,000 when we guarantee Pre-K for All,” said Gregory. “Not only will families save on that out-of- pocket cost, but they will also be able to participate in the workforce – especially our working mothers, which I think is very important. Elizabethtown is proud to support a policy that is pro-family, pro-business and pro-education, and that will benefit all Kentuckians.”
“We're going to need a greater workforce. To get a greater workforce, we need educated people. To get educated people, we need Pre-K for All,” said Gritton.
Since the launch of the initiative in May, over 60,000 Kentuckians have written to their state legislators asking them to support expanding preschool access. Following numerous town halls held by Team Kentucky across the state, nearly 90% of participants voiced their support for more funding for preschool.
To learn more about the benefits of Pre-K for All and to see how you can get involved, visit prek4all.ky.gov.
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Gov. Beshear: Team Kentucky Federal Employee Resource Site Offers Support During Shutdown
As the federal shutdown continues and layoffs impact thousands of federal employees, Gov. Beshear reminds those affected of Team Kentucky resources
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 13, 2025) – As the country marks the 13th day of the federal shutdown, Gov. Andy Beshear is reminding displaced federal employees of Team Kentucky’s portal, TeamKY4FedEmployees.ky.gov. The website was created in April to assist federal employees amid widespread layoffs and offers a list of resources, including career counselors, virtual career fairs, job openings and links to unemployment benefits.
“Despite facing ongoing challenges by the Trump administration, federal employees have continued to show up for Americans and our country. Now, as the shutdown continues and thousands face layoffs, Team Kentucky is showing up and offering support during their time of need,” said Gov. Beshear. “We launched the Team Kentucky Federal Employees portal in April, and it is still live and ready to help those impacted find new employment or access the resources they need during the shutdown.”
On the site, displaced federal employees can search through open jobs in state government or across the commonwealth. They can also view a virtual career fair or speak directly with a free career counselor by calling 502-564-8030 or emailing pers.careercounseling@ky.gov to learn more.
“Team Kentucky is committed to making state government the commonwealth’s employer of choice, and that also means being there for our fellow Americans during times of need,” said Personnel Cabinet Secretary Mary Elizabeth Bailey. “Our team is ready to help affected federal employees – whether that means finding a job here on Team Kentucky or accessing the support needed until the federal government is back up and running.”
For those in need of filing unemployment benefits, the site offers a direct link to the portal where they can apply. Federal, military or postal employees affected by the federal shutdown who plan to file for unemployment insurance need the following documents:
- 2024 W2 or final 2024 pay stub showing year-to-date earnings;
- Last pay stub from March 2025 and June 2025; and
- SF-8 and SF-50 (if available).
Team Kentucky provides competitive benefits packages, with first-day health insurance, retirement and leave options to help those interested meet immediate and long-term goals. Visit TeamKY4FedEmployees.ky.gov to get started exploring options today.
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Alltech Breaks Ground on Nicholasville Expansion, $4.6 Million Investment Creating 6 New Manufacturing Jobs
Facility will produce biofertilizers and natural biological crop solutions, helping U.S. farmers avoid supply chain disruptions and reduce reliance on imported chemicals
NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. (Oct. 14, 2025) – Today, Rocky Adkins, senior advisor to Gov. Andy Beshear, joined local officials and leadership at Alltech to break ground on the company’s recently announced expansion in Jessamine County, a nearly $4.6 million investment that will create six new jobs. The expansion is partially funded by a $2.34 million award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fertilizer Production Expansion Program.
“Alltech’s nearly $4.6 million expansion into Jessamine County is going to create more new jobs for our people, and I am grateful to this long-standing Team Kentucky partner for their continued investment in our state and workforce,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Congratulations on this exciting announcement.”
“Alltech has been a leader in the agriculture industry for nearly half a century and has provided Kentuckians with good, quality manufacturing jobs over the years,” Rocky Adkins said. “This project shows that companies are continuing to choose Kentucky as their home and as a prime place to do business. I want to congratulate Alltech’s leaders on their new expansion, and we look forward to seeing their success continue.”
Announced in July and located at the company’s global headquarters in Nicholasville, the new facility will be Alltech’s first U.S. manufacturing plant dedicated solely to producing crop science solutions. It will produce biological fertilizers and crop inputs, producing over 66,000 gallons of biological fertilizer products per shift per month and will require the creation of six new manufacturing jobs.
Modeled after the company’s crop science production facilities in Brazil and Spain, the new manufacturing plant will produce more than 30 products that help farmers enhance soil and crop vitality and reduce chemical inputs. Made with beneficial microorganisms, Alltech’s biofertilizers improve soil fertility, stimulate root development, enhance nutrient uptake and support a healthier soil microbiome. These biological solutions provide farmers an environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional synthetic inputs while also reducing their vulnerability to global economic pressures and supply chain disruptions. Nationally, this project’s impact enables the export of domestic technologies, driving international uptake of U.S. products and supply chain resiliency for U.S. growers. In addition, Alltech’s new facility will be instrumental in growing the offering of its in-market sustainable technologies domestically and internationally.
“This facility represents the next phase in scaling our biological innovations for agriculture,” said Dr. Steve Borst, vice president of Alltech Crop Science, who leads the project. “By expanding production here in Kentucky, we can bring farmers natural, science-based solutions that improve soil health, strengthen crops and reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers. We’re grateful to the USDA and to our state and local partners for their support in making this vision a reality.”
“Fermentation has always been at the heart of our business, and this facility allows us to apply that expertise in new ways to support crop health, productivity and sustainability,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. “We’re proud to strengthen our presence at our global headquarters in Kentucky, creating an innovation and manufacturing center that will serve U.S. farmers, strengthen our local community and continue to advance the science of agriculture.”
Founded in 1980 by Irish entrepreneur and scientist Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech delivers smarter, sustainable solutions for agriculture. Headquartered just outside of Lexington, Alltech serves customers in more than 140 countries, has five bioscience centers and operates more than 75 manufacturing facilities across the globe. With more than 5,000 team members worldwide, the family-owned company is a leader in the agriculture industry, producing specialty ingredients, premixes, supplements, feed for animal nutrition and biological solutions for crops and soil.
Alltech’s diverse portfolio of products and services improves the health and performance of animals and plants, resulting in better nutrition for all and a decreased environmental impact. Alltech Crop Science is the agronomic division of Alltech, which leverages expertise in microbial fermentation and nutrigenomic research to produce science-backed biological solutions that foster soil balance, maximize crop yields, improve plant health and resilience, and promote sustainability and value creation across the food chain.
Jessamine County Judge/Executive David West spoke on the partnership between the company and community: “Jessamine County is exceedingly grateful for this Alltech expansion that will provide opportunities for employment with world-class innovation. Alltech continues to be an excellent community partner, and Jessamine County looks forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship.”
Nicholasville Mayor Alex Carter showed his excitement for the project: “Alltech Crop Science’s expansion is a win for Nicholasville and for the future of sustainable farming in America. This investment brings a new facility that will create good jobs, drive innovation and provide our farmers with the tools they need to thrive. I’m proud to support a project that strengthens food security and promotes innovation right here in Nicholasville, Kentucky. We are excited to celebrate Alltech’s expansion and presence in Nicholasville.”
Alltech’s investment and job creation build on the best five-year period for economic growth in state history.
Since the beginning of his administration, Gov. Beshear has announced more than 1,200 private-sector new-location and expansion projects totaling over $43 billion in announced investments, creating more than 63,200 jobs. This is the highest investment figure secured during the tenure of any governor in the commonwealth’s history and $18 billion more than the next highest total.
The robust job creation has been accompanied by rising wages across the commonwealth. Since 2022, the average incentivized hourly wage has topped $26 in three consecutive years for the first time.
Gov. Beshear has announced some of the largest economic development projects in state history, which have solidified Kentucky as the electric vehicle battery production capital of the United States: Ford Motor Co. and SK On’s transformative $5.8 billion, 5,000-job BlueOval SK Battery Park in Hardin County; AESC’s $2 billion, 2,000-job gigafactory project in Warren County; Toyota’s $1.3 billion investment in Scott County; Ford Motor Co.’s $2 billion, 2,200-job commitment in Louisville; and Shelbyville Battery Manufacturing’s $712 million investment, creating 1,572 jobs in Shelby County, among others.
The Governor’s administration also secured the largest General Fund budget surplus and Rainy Day Fund. In 2023, Kentucky recorded over 2 million jobs filled for the first time ever and has stayed above that number ever since.
Kentucky also secured rating increases from major credit rating agencies Fitch Ratings, S&P Global Ratings and Moody’s Investors Service.
Earlier this year, Site Selection magazine ranked Kentucky in the top five nationally and second in the South Central region for economic development projects per capita in its 2024 Governor’s Cup rankings. Site Selection also placed Kentucky second in the South Central region and No. 6 nationally in its 2025 Prosperity Cup ranking, which recognizes state-level economic development agencies for their success in landing capital investment projects.
Gov. Beshear also announced a new initiative, called New Kentucky Home, to increase economic investment, attain and attract talent, and increase tourism across the state.
For more information on Alltech, visit Alltech.com.
A detailed community profile for Jessamine County can be viewed here.
Information on Kentucky’s economic development efforts and programs is available at NewKentuckyHome.ky.gov. Fans of the Cabinet for Economic Development can also join the discussion at facebook.com/CEDkygov, on Twitter @CEDkygov, Instagram @CEDkygov and LinkedIn.
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Gov. Beshear: More Than $118.2 Million Secured For Estimated 600 Kentucky Families Impacted by Flooding
Flood buy-out program helps Kentuckians find safer homes
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 15, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that Team Kentucky is sending over $118.2 million to six counties to buy out properties from willing and voluntary Kentuckians in flood-prone areas. Local officials estimate these funds will benefit over 600 homeowners, helping them relocate to safer residences out of the floodplain.
Receiving funds are Floyd, Knott, Letcher, McLean, Perry and Pike counties. The funding is response to floods earlier this year, which impacted all six counties.
“Nobody should have to stay in a flood-prone area simply because it’s too expensive to move,” said Gov. Beshear. “These buyouts will put money in the pockets of Kentuckians, keep our people safe and help our counties save money in the process. When our people go through tough times, we’ll be there to show them love and support them as they build back.”
Of the $118.2 million, $106.7 million is federal funding. The federal money come from the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program. This program is administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency under the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The EWP Program requires a nonfederal cost-share requirement to leverage federal funds. This cost-share requirement typically falls on the local government. Team Kentucky is covering this cost-share requirement for these six counties through the Local Match Participation Program (LMPP): $11.4 million in state LMPP dollars are matching the federal funds.
The EWP Program pays homeowners the fair market value of their homes, as well as covers eligible relocation costs.
Click here for a funding breakdown for each county.
“Earlier this year, McLean County was hit by the worst flooding many of us have seen in our lifetimes,” said McLean County Judge/Executive Curtis Dame. “As we continue to rebuild, these buyouts, if accepted by affected citizens, will help our people get a fair price for their property. This program is helping people who have been through a life-altering event, showing that smart governance can be a force for good. Our resolve is strong and made more vibrant by our desire to leave no citizen, family or friend behind.”
HousingCantWait Resource
For homeowners in Eastern Kentucky participating in buyout programs, Team Kentucky encourages filling out an interest form on HousingCantWait.org. Team Kentucky is helping build eight high-ground neighborhoods in Knott, Letcher, Floyd, Perry and Breathitt counties, as well as developing additional housing across Eastern Kentucky. This resource allows flood survivors to stay in their communities and receive assistance in finding housing.
About the Local Match Participation Program
The LMPP is administered at the state level by the Department for Local Government. The program uses state bond funds as a system of grants used to assist local governments to meet cost-share match requirements for flood-related projects, flood control planning and flood mitigation activities associated with projects funded by a federal agency or federally sponsored funding.
The LMPP funding was recommended by Gov. Beshear and approved by the Kentucky General Assembly.
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Gov. Beshear to President Trump: Oppose Federal Funding Cuts to Vital Energy Projects in Kentucky To Protect Jobs and Economy
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 16, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear sent a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to oppose $24 billion in federal funding cuts from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), $537 million of which were awarded for Kentucky projects expected to create over 700 jobs.
“The projects at risk of losing this funding are helping reshore American manufacturing and jobs from China, and these cuts jeopardize that progress for our commonwealth and our country,” said Gov. Beshear. “I urge you to oppose these harmful cuts and protect hundreds of jobs and economic development, which will provide much-needed opportunity for Kentucky families and our rural communities.”
The $537 million in DOE funding that is being threatened was already awarded to five projects in Kentucky for the communities of Maysville, Hopkinsville, Shelbyville, Louisville and Lexington. In his letter, the Governor broke down the individual projects and what is at risk.
In Maysville, $50 million was awarded to Mitsubishi Electric for a heat pump compressor manufacturing plant that is projected to employ 300 Kentuckians. The project would repurpose an existing automotive parts manufacturing facility to produce heat pump compressors, reshoring American manufacturing and jobs as China currently builds nearly 95% of these compressors. At capacity, the facility would produce over 1 million compressors each year.
More than $316 million in awarded funding to Ascend Elements Inc. in Hopkinsville is also at risk of DOE cuts, jeopardizing a project set to create 400 Kentucky jobs. The electric vehicle battery recycling and engineered materials manufacturing facility would help reduce the nation’s reliance on battery-related imports from other countries, as the U.S. currently does not produce enough critical minerals or materials to produce battery power technologies domestically.
Other examples of proposed DOE cuts to Kentucky projects include a $75 million award for Diageo’s production operations in Shelbyville; a $72 million award for a research and development project at PPL’s natural gas combined-cycle generation facility in Louisville; and almost $24 million awarded to the University of Kentucky for energy-related research.
“These cuts will only set back economic development and job opportunities in Kentucky and hurt our country’s international competitiveness and progress on reshoring domestic manufacturing,” said the Governor.
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Gov. Beshear: Kentucky Ranks Among Top States Poised for Continued Economic Growth for 4th Straight Year
Commonwealth ranked 8th in Site Selection magazine’s 2025 Global Groundwork Index
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 17, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear highlighted yet another strong national recognition for the commonwealth’s economic growth and future preparedness as Kentucky placed 8th in Site Selection magazine’s 2025 Global Groundwork Index, which is based on capital investment and jobs announcements paired with infrastructure funding data.
“Through hard work, we’ve seen incredible success these past few years attracting great companies to our commonwealth, creating more quality jobs for Kentuckians,” Gov. Beshear said. “What this national ranking shows is that we are also taking the necessary steps to prepare for future opportunities. The infrastructure is in place, the workforce is ready to meet any challenge, and Kentucky is ready for the businesses of tomorrow.”
The placement represents the fourth consecutive year the commonwealth has placed in the top 10 of the ranking. Kentucky was also recognized with a B- grade for energy infrastructure, behind only two other states. Site Selection noted Kentucky is among the top regional hotspots for potential investment.
Kentucky communities placed strongly in the Top Metros ranking as well. The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region placed 3rd in the country (up one spot from 2024), while Louisville was also represented in 7th place.
Earlier this year, Site Selection magazine ranked Kentucky in the top five nationally and second in the South Central region for economic development projects per capita in its 2024 Governor’s Cup rankings. Site Selection also placed Kentucky second in the South Central region and No. 6 nationally in its 2025 Prosperity Cup ranking, which recognizes state-level economic development agencies for their success in landing capital investment projects.
Check out the full 2025 Global Groundwork Index rankings here.
Kentucky’s latest strong national ranking builds on the best five-year period for economic growth in state history.
Since the beginning of his administration, Gov. Beshear has announced more than 1,200 private-sector new-location and expansion projects totaling over $43 billion in announced investments, creating more than 63,200 jobs. This is the highest investment figure secured during the tenure of any governor in the commonwealth’s history and $20 billion more than the next highest total.
The robust job creation has been accompanied by rising wages across the commonwealth. Since 2022, the average incentivized hourly wage has topped $26 in three consecutive years for the first time.
Gov. Beshear has announced some of the largest economic development projects in state history, which have solidified Kentucky as the electric vehicle battery production capital of the United States: Ford Motor Co. and SK On’s transformative $5.8 billion, 5,000-job BlueOval SK Battery Park in Hardin County; AESC’s $2 billion, 2,000-job gigafactory project in Warren County; Toyota’s $1.3 billion investment in Scott County; Ford Motor Co.’s $2 billion commitment in Louisville; and Shelbyville Battery Manufacturing’s $712 million investment, creating 1,572 jobs in Shelby County, among others.
The Governor’s administration also secured the largest General Fund budget surplus and Rainy Day Fund. In 2023, Kentucky recorded over 2 million jobs filled for the first time ever and has stayed above that number ever since.
Kentucky also secured rating increases from major credit rating agencies Fitch Ratings, S&P Global Ratings and Moody’s Investors Service.
Gov. Beshear also announced a new initiative, called New Kentucky Home, to increase economic investment, attain and attract talent, and increase tourism across the state.
Information on Kentucky’s economic development efforts and programs is available at NewKentuckyHome.ky.gov. Fans of the Cabinet for Economic Development can also join the discussion at facebook.com/CEDkygov, on Twitter @CEDkygov, Instagram @CEDkygov and LinkedIn.
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