Gov. Beshear: $9.1 Million Reallocated To Fund Senior Meals; State To Provide Temporary Relief for Kentuckians During Federal Shutdown
Governor also provides an update on SNAP as federal shutdown reaches 20-day mark
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 20, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that his administration has reallocated $9.1 million to the Aging and Independent Living appropriation for the Senior Meals program following news that Area Development Districts (ADDs) have exhausted all previously budgeted funding for the program. The Governor also shared an update on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and some plans for the state to temporarily support the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, or TANF, through the month of November as the federal shutdown reaches the 20-day mark.
“No Kentuckian should ever face hunger, which is why my administration has directed more dollars toward funding senior meals than any other administration in the commonwealth’s history,” said Gov. Beshear. “While I am glad that we have found a temporary solution, our state faces real challenges with the potential $305 million budget shortfall, the exhaustion of one-time federal ARPA funds, and additional expenses the state faces due to the federal shutdown. We must remain fiscally responsible and work within a budget to provide the support and services Kentuckians need.”
Senior Meals
Gov. Beshear has the authority to transfer funding, pursuant to House Bill 6, and will use $9.1 million from the $25 million General Fund appropriation in fiscal year 2026 to Medicaid for “Medicaid Reimbursement Rebasing Efforts” for the Senior Meals program. The $25 million was contingent on approval of a proposal by the General Assembly that did not occur and therefore is available for reallocation to the Aging and Independent Living appropriation unit for the Senior Meals program.
The Governor requested that the General Assembly retroactively approve the movement of the $9.1 million, which leadership has agreed to do.
Moments before the announcement was made, the Governor held a call with ADD leaders from across the state to share the news. During that call, Gov. Beshear also shared plans to request that the Finance Cabinet review the entire Senior Meals program to understand future funding needs and ensure consistent practices across the program.
“Just like our Kentucky families, our state must work within a balanced budget,” said the Governor. “To ensure we remain fiscally responsible while still appropriately funding the Senior Meals program, we must understand the difference in costs per meal across the different ADDs, as well as eligibility, procedures and numbers of meals available to confirm all funding is being used appropriately.”
Federal Shutdown/TANF
During his news briefing, Gov. Beshear also shared plans for the state to temporarily cover TANF through the month of November. The TANF program is where the state receives support from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to help struggling families for a limited period. At this time, Kentucky has not received funding for the month of November due to the ongoing federal shutdown.
“The federal shutdown is having real impacts across our country and our commonwealth. As a state, we’re doing what we can to help cover the support our Kentucky families rely on,” said Gov. Beshear. “While we are able to cover this for November, we cannot – at this time – make that assurance for December.”
The use of state funds for November will prevent any disruption in assistance. Recipients should use their current benefits as normal, and check for updates on the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) website, on their Self-Service Portal (SSP) account, and through official DCBS notifications, text messages or emails.
SNAP
The ongoing federal shutdown is also impacting SNAP, which more than 600,000 Kentuckians rely on. Due to the shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has prohibited funding in November for SNAP benefits.
“One in eight Kentuckians rely on SNAP, many of which are children and our must vulnerable,” said the Governor. “I know this is a scary and stressful time for our families, and we are committed to processing benefits the moment the federal shutdown ends and funding becomes available.”
SNAP recipients can continue using current benefits as normal. For updates, Kentuckians can visit the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) website or their Self-Service Portal (SSP) account. Official DCBS notifications, text messages and emails will also be shared with news as available.
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Process Machinery Breaks Ground on Nearly $11.5 Million Shelby County Expansion, Creating 30 New Well-Paying Jobs
Project announced in April expected to be complete by end of 2026
SHELBYVILLE, Ky. (Oct. 20, 2025) – Today, Rocky Adkins, senior advisor to Gov. Andy Beshear, joined local officials and leadership at Process Machinery Inc. (PMI) to break ground on the company’s nearly $11.5 million expansion in Shelbyville, a project that is creating 30 new well-paying jobs for Kentuckians.
“Kentucky’s thriving manufacturing sector relies on trusted industry leaders like Process Machinery Inc. continuing to grow and invest here,” said Gov. Beshear. “PMI has invested in the Shelbyville community for several years and has created quality jobs for Kentuckians in the process. I want to thank company leadership for their years of commitment to the commonwealth and congratulate them on this great milestone.”
“This expansion from Process Machinery Inc. is more proof that Kentucky is a leader in the manufacturing industry,” said Rocky Adkins. “Strong companies are choosing Kentucky and reinvesting here, and it’s creating job opportunities for families across the state. I want to offer my congratulations to PMI’s leaders on this new expansion in Shelbyville.”
Announced in April, the company plans to add over 28,000 square feet to the current facility to accommodate the tremendous growth and increased demand the company has seen over the last ten years. The project will take place over three phases, with completion expected by the end of 2026. The expansion will include site development, the construction of a new paint facility, expansion of existing manufacturing space, office space and additional equipment.
“Today’s groundbreaking is an exciting milestone in PMI’s journey,” said Jennifer Miles Ratterman, executive vice president at PMI. “This expansion will allow us to create more jobs, strengthen our operations and continue supporting the vibrant community of Shelby County. I’m incredibly proud of our team and grateful to everyone who helped make this vision a reality.”
PMI was founded in 1979 by David Miles and his father, William Miles. PMI designs and manufactures conveyor systems and state-of-the-art construction aggregate plants from its current facility in Shelbyville. The plants are engineered to streamline the transportation of sand, stone and gravel in quarries, ensuring efficient operations. The family owned and operated company currently employees 90 Kentuckians.
Shelby County Judge/Executive Dan Ison showed his support for the project: “We are proud to see Process Machinery Inc. continue to invest and expand its operations in Shelby County. This significant project underscores the strength of our local workforce, the competitiveness of our business climate and the confidence that industry leaders like PMI place in our community. Shelby County is honored to support PMI’s expansion, and we look forward to their ongoing success.”
Shelbyville Mayor Troy Ethington spoke on the long-term benefits of the expansion: “This expansion is a great example of the continued growth and investment happening right here in our community. When local companies expand and reinvest, it strengthens our economy, creates good jobs and reinforces the partnerships that keep Shelbyville and Shelby County moving forward. Process Machinery’s success reflects the dedication and innovation of its people. We’re proud to celebrate this milestone and look forward to the continued progress it brings to our community.”
PMI’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.
To encourage investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) in April preliminarily approved an incentive agreement with the company under the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based agreement can provide tax incentives based on the company’s investment and annual job targets of.
By meeting its annual targets over the agreement term, the company can be eligible to keep a portion of the new tax revenue it generates. The company may claim eligible incentives against its income tax liability and/or wage assessments.
In addition, PMI can receive resources from Kentucky’s workforce service providers. Those include no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job-training incentives.
For more information on Process Machinery Inc., visit ProcessMachinery.com.
A detailed community profile for Shelby 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 Provides Team Kentucky Update
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 23, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided updates on economic development, Wildfire Defense Grants, medical cannabis, and funding for Kentuckians impacted by flooding. First Lady Britainy Beshear joined the Governor to recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The Governor named Kierstin Carroll, a hero at the commonwealth’s statewide addiction call center, this week’s Team Kentucky All-Star.
Economic Development
Last week, Gov. Beshear joined leaders of Kingspan Group PLC, parent company of Tate, at the company’s Ireland headquarters, where company executives confirmed plans to locate Tate’s largest North American facility in Glasgow. The $61.2 million project represents the largest job-creation announcement in Barren County in 18 years and will create 400 new full-time manufacturing jobs once the 764,000-square-foot facility is fully operational.
Also last week, Rocky Adkins, senior advisor to Gov. 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 (USDA) Fertilizer Production Expansion Program.
This week, Adkins joined local officials and leadership at Process Machinery Inc. to break ground on the company’s nearly $11.5 million expansion in Shelbyville, a project that is creating 30 new well-paying jobs for Kentuckians.
The Governor announced continued momentum within the state’s booming economy as Inked Brands, a rapidly growing diversified consumer products company, will relocate and expand in Bowling Green with a $10.7 million investment, creating 20 new Kentucky jobs.
Gov. Beshear announced an economic development project in Coal Run as Weddington Plaza Partners LLC plans to invest nearly $6 million to restore and renovate the Weddington Shopping Center, which sustained heavy damage earlier this year in the flooding in Pike County. The project will help retain up to 300 Kentucky jobs.
Finally, the Governor 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.
Wildfire Defense Grants
Gov. Beshear announced more than $922,000 to help Kentucky communities guard against wildfires. The funding comes from the USDA Forest Service as part of the Community Wildfire Defense Grant (CWDG) Program. Each community receiving funding will create a Wildfire Protection Plan to reduce the risk of wildfires. Awards include:
- $250,000 to Knox County. Mike Taylor, Knox County Emergency Management Director, accepted the award.
- $237,000 to Lewis County. Lewis County Emergency Management Director Dennis Brown and Buffalo Trace Area Development District Community Development Specialist Sierra O’Cull accepted the award.
- $235,000 to Powell County. Powell County Judge/Executive Eddie Barnes accepted the award.
- $200,000 to the Gateway Area Development District. GADD Executive Director Joshua Farrow and Mount Sterling Mayor Al Botts accepted the award.
Medical Cannabis
The Governor reported that Team Kentucky has approved more than 15,000 medical cannabis cards for Kentuckians with qualifying conditions. Additionally, there are now over 500 authorized, registered medical cannabis practitioners in the commonwealth. That number is set to grow as more health-care providers complete training.
The Governor also shared an update on the commonwealth’s medical cannabis businesses. Approved cultivators are preparing for their first harvests. Safety compliance facilities are ready to begin testing as product becomes available. The first dispensary, TreeSoft – doing business as The Post in Ohio County – has been approved to open. Finally, the first processor, Bison Infused, is scheduled for an inspection on Oct. 29. That will complete the program’s full process cycle, from cultivation to dispensary.
“Each day, we’re getting closer to delivering on our promise of safe medical cannabis for Kentuckians in need – and I’m proud of the progress we’re making,” said Gov. Beshear.
Funding for Kentuckians Impacted by Flooding
Last week, the Governor announced that Team Kentucky has secured over $118.2 million for 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.
$106.7 million is federal funding through the USDA. $11.4 million is state funding through the Local Match Participation Program. These funds are in response to flooding in Kentucky earlier this year, and since 2022.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
The First Lady reminded Kentuckians that October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the commonwealth.
“Getting support after facing domestic violence isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength,” said Mrs. Beshear. “Organizations like ZeroV, and each of our regional domestic violence shelters, are there for survivors as they begin to heal and move forward. Andy and I are committed to doing our part, to lead with love and to end violence in our communities.”
The First Lady highlighted resources available to Kentuckians, including the National Domestic Violence Hotline and ZeroV.
No Trick-or-Treating at the Governor’s Mansion
The Governor shared that, unfortunately, due to construction around the Capitol and the Governor’s Mansion – and the safety concerns associated with the construction – the Beshears will not be able to host trick-or-treating this year. The Governor shared his hope that a solution and safe space will be found by next year to bring the Frankfort community together on Halloween.
Team Kentucky All-Star
The Governor named Kierstin Carroll, a team member of the commonwealth’s statewide addiction call center, as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Star. Recently, a Kentuckian called the KY HELP Call Center seeking addiction treatment and Carroll answered. Carroll stayed on with the caller for nine hours, promising that she wouldn’t give up until she found an available treatment facility and the caller was safe – which she did.
“The KY HELP Call Center is such a vital resource in Kentucky’s fight against addiction. It connects Kentuckians immediately with available treatment options,” said Gov. Beshear. “Because of Kierstin, one more Kentuckian is on the path to building a better, healthier life. Her compassion and determination remind all of us of what real support looks like on the road to recovery.”
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, the KY HELP Call Center can connect you to treatment by calling 833-8KY-HELP (833-859-4357).
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