Gov. Beshear Provides Update on Louisville Plane Crash During Team Kentucky Update
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 5, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided an update on the UPS plane crash near the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, declared a state of emergency, and opened up a relief fund to help those affected.
The Governor also provided updates on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and Feeding Kentucky food banks; insurance coverage for federal workers; and action taken to protect Kentuckians from a dangerous drug. The Governor remembered and honored former Kentucky Gov. Martha Layne Collins and named the first responders who came to the aid of Louisville following yesterday’s plane crash as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.
UPS Plane Crash
At approximately 5:14 p.m. EST Tuesday afternoon UPS flight 2976 from Louisville, Kentucky, to Honolulu – an MD-11 with three crewmembers on board – was involved in a catastrophic crash in Louisville just beyond the takeoff runway. While there was no hazardous cargo on board, impacts can create dangerous conditions and items on the ground where the crash took place can also cause potential hazards. The investigation is being led by the National Transportation Safety Board, which will serve as the primary source of information.
“This is a tough day for Kentucky after yesterday’s deadly plane crash,” said Gov. Beshear. “Right now, the families of those we lost need prayers, love and support. Let’s wrap our arms around them during this unimaginable time.”
Today, the Governor declared a state of emergency and opened up a relief fund to help those affected. The state of emergency will also allow state resources to be readily available, including disaster resource management, expenses related to response and more. Donations to the emergency relief fund will go directly to those affected and help pay for funerals of those lost.
Current updates include:
- Known fatalities: 9
- A significant search-and-rescue operation took place overnight, which continues.
- Victim Family Reunification Center: Louisville Metro Police Training Academy at 2911 Taylor Blvd. Family members seeking information about a UPS employee can also call 800-631-0604.
- Two businesses were directly impacted: Kentucky Petroleum Recycling and Grade A Auto Parts.
- The radius for those instructed to shelter in place has been reduced to a quarter-mile radius surrounding the crash site.
- Louisville Metro is putting out guidance to residents and businesses immediately around the crash site to not consume water. Other areas are safe.
Last night, Gov. Beshear joined emergency management officials and first responders at Louisville Metro Hall to provide a preliminary update. The Governor will be traveling to Louisville again this afternoon to survey the damage with Mayor Craig Greenberg.
SNAP Benefits and Feeding Kentucky Food Banks
The Governor provided an update on how Team Kentucky is helping those affected by a loss of food assistance. Due to the federal government shutdown, on Nov. 1, SNAP benefits – which almost 600,000 Kentuckians rely on to supplement their grocery budget – were suspended. The Governor and Team Kentucky have taken steps to help Kentuckians in need.
The Governor joined leaders from 24 other states and the District of Columbia in challenging the Trump administration over its unlawful decision to suspend SNAP. On Oct. 31, a federal judge ruled in favor of Kentucky and demanded that funding be restored. While Team Kentucky waited for the federal government to follow this ruling, the Governor also directed $5 million from the budget reserve trust fund to Feeding Kentucky food banks as they face an influx of demand – and today, the Governor announced that he has authorized the Kentucky National Guard to assist in staffing food banks as needed.
The Governor said that Team Kentucky received confirmation from the federal government today that SNAP benefits will begin processing tomorrow. Team Kentucky is ready to work as quickly as possible once funding is received.
Standing Up for Federal Workers
The Governor continued his commitment to protecting federal workers in Kentucky during the federal government shutdown by urging insurance companies to implement safeguards that ensure policyholders who are federal workers do not lose critical insurance coverage during the shutdown.
Protecting Kentuckians From a Dangerous Drug
The Governor announced that his administration is taking action to prevent the sale and distribution of a dangerous substance in Kentucky by moving to classify an addictive form of kratom as a Schedule I narcotic. This will make it illegal to sell, possess or distribute any isolated or concentrated forms of 7-OH in the state.
Remembering Martha Layne Collins
The Governor remembered and honored former Kentucky Gov. Martha Layne Collins, the 56th Governor of the commonwealth and its only woman Governor. Collins died at 88 years old this week.
“Former Gov. Martha Layne Collins was a powerhouse, transforming our commonwealth through major accomplishments like bringing Toyota to our state for its first U.S. site. She created a foundation for us to build a strong future upon, and her legacy will continue to benefit Kentucky families for generations.,” said Gov. Beshear. “Let’s remember to send up a thank you with our prayers as we remember a remarkable leader who made an undeniable difference in our state.”
Team Kentucky All-Stars
The Governor named the first responders that came to the aid of Louisville following yesterday’s plane crash as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars. There were over 200 first responders on the scene and over 50 fire trucks from nearly 20 fire departments. Agencies backfilled and covered for the responders working at the emergency site to ensure the rest of the city was safe. The National Guard, emergency management, the National Weather Service, numerous police departments, fire departments, EMS and more assisted.
“These people are heroes who have been working around the clock. As we pray for the families affected, let’s also include these first responders in our prayers,” said Gov. Beshear. “This work isn’t easy. But these folks keep showing up to protect us. Let’s remember to thank them for their commitment to Kentucky.”
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Gov. Beshear Takes Action To Protect Kentuckians, Moves To Block Access to Addictive Form of Kratom
7-OH to be added to state’s drug schedule: sale, distribution will be illegal
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 5, 2025) – Gov. Andy Beshear announced today that his administration is taking action to prevent the sale and distribution of a dangerous substance in Kentucky by moving to classify 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) as a Schedule I narcotic. This will make it illegal to sell, possess or distribute any isolated or concentrated forms of 7-OH in the state.
“We have marked three straight years of declines in overdose deaths in Kentucky, and that is progress we’re committed to building on as we work to protect more lives in the fight against addiction,” said Gov. Beshear. “Deadly and addictive drugs like 7-OH have no place in our communities, and this step will help us get these drugs off the streets and provide us more tools to keep Kentuckians safe.”
7-OH is a concentrated byproduct of the kratom plant, which is increasingly recognized as having the potential for abuse because of its ability to bind to opioid receptors.
“When kratom is altered to create synthetic opioids, it becomes a threat to the public’s health,” said Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Dr. Steven Stack. “It puts people at risk and undermines the strides Kentucky has made in reducing the scourge of addiction.”
While 7-OH is a chemical compound that occurs naturally in the kratom plant, this occurs only in very small amounts. Products such as shots, powders or capsules can be sold over the counter, containing concentrated, potentially dangerous amounts of the substance, which can also be potentially addictive.
The Cabinet for Health and Family Services is in the process of updating regulations to classify isolated and concentrated forms of 7-OH as Schedule I substances – the same category as heroin, LSD and fentanyl analogs.
Once final, this action will allow law enforcement and regulatory agencies to immediately begin removing these unsafe products from retail shelves statewide.
Today’s announcement follows the Governor’s emergency designation of bromazolam as a Schedule I controlled substance in August, which banned the drug from being sold in Kentucky and providing law enforcement the ability to make arrests for sales or possession.
Fight Against Addiction
In May of this year, Gov. Beshear announced that overdose deaths in the commonwealth decreased for the third year in a row, with a 30.2% decrease in 2024 compared with 2023.
Gov. Beshear has continued to fight the state’s drug epidemic since his time as attorney general, when he led the nation in the number of individual opioid lawsuits filed by an attorney general. Now, Gov. Beshear is working to make sure the hundreds of millions of dollars in settlement funds go to treatment and the communities impacted.
The state’s Treatment Access Program also allows those without health insurance to enter residential treatment, and the Recovery Ready certification helps communities support residents who are seeking help for drug or alcohol addiction. The Beshear-Coleman administration created a website to help people in recovery find housing, FindRecoveryHousingNowKY.org, and a website to support Kentuckians seeking second chances find a job, get an education or continue recovery, SecondChance.ky.gov. The site also connects business leaders with resources to help them hire second-chance talent.
Treatment Resources
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).
Information about treatment programs all across the commonwealth is available at FindHelpNowKy.org. Information on how to obtain the life-saving drug naloxone, which is used to reverse an opioid overdose, can be found at that website as well as at FindNaloxoneNowKy.org and FindMentalHealthNowKy.org.
Visit the Kentucky State Police website to find one of KSP’s 16 posts where those suffering from addiction can be paired with a local officer who will assist with locating an appropriate treatment program. The Angel Initiative is completely voluntary, and individuals will not be arrested or charged with any violations if they agree to participate in treatment.
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Gov. Beshear, Emergency Management Officials and
First Responders Provide Update on UPS Plane Crash
Near Louisville International Airport
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 4, 2025) – Tonight, Gov. Andy Beshear joined emergency management officials and first responders at Louisville Metro Hall to update Kentuckians on the UPS plane crash near the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. The first report of the crash came in at approximately 5:15 p.m. EST.
“Folks this is a catastrophic event and there are a lot of people hurting who need our love and support,” said Gov. Beshear. “Let’s please pray for all those affected, and for the dedicated first responders who will be working around the clock to help keep our community safe. Remember: We are in this together, Kentucky.”
UPS flight 2976 from Louisville, Kentucky, to Honolulu – an MD-11 with three crewmembers on board – was involved in a catastrophic crash just beyond the takeoff runway. While there was no hazardous cargo on board, impacts can create dangerous conditions and items on the ground where the crash took place can also cause potential hazards.
The investigation is being led by the National Transportation Safety Board, which will serve as the primary source of information.
Current updates include:
- Known fatalities: 3
- Injuries: 11; those injured are being treated at area hospitals.
- Victim Family Reunification Center: Louisville Metro Police Training Academy at 2911 Taylor Blvd. Family members seeking information about a UPS employee can also call 800-631-0604.
- United Way is offering shelter to anyone who is impacted. Website: metrounitedway.org.
- Two businesses were directly impacted: Kentucky Petroleum Recycling, which is pending updates; Grade A Auto Parts, which has accounted for all but two employees.
- The radius for those instructed to shelter in place has been adjusted to anything north of the airport and extending to the Ohio River. This area includes South Louisville, Old Louisville and Downtown.
More information will be shared as it becomes available.
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MRCOOL Cuts Ribbon on $5.35 Million Expansion in Graves County, Creating 40 Full-Time Jobs
Announced in August 2023, expansion is company’s second in Kentucky
HICKORY, Ky. (Nov. 4, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear congratulated leaders from MRCOOL as they cut the ribbon on the company’s newly expanded facility in Graves County, a $5.35 million investment that is creating 40 new full-time jobs.
“Kentucky’s economy is thriving, and the proof is in the companies that continue to invest in and grow in our state,” said Gov. Beshear. “HVAC Distributing has been a part of the commonwealth’s logistics and distribution industry for over 10 years, and I’m excited to see them branch out with this addition of the MRCOOL brand. I’m excited to see them continue to find success in Kentucky and I want to congratulate them on this significant step toward that.”
For this expansion, announced in August 2023, the MRCOOL team built out 22,000 square feet of office space at the Remington Way location in the Hickory Industrial Park (HIP). The expansion brings the facility’s total to 120,750 square feet and complements the 100,000-square-foot distribution site up the hill as part of the HIP campus. The expanded operation includes two floors of office space; a large showroom; a video graphics area for marketing; a technical, customer service and warranty teams call center; and a training facility for employees, dealers and franchisees. The company currently employees 279 workers, with 276 of those being Kentuckians. The company is also currently looking to fill nine open positions.
“This expansion represents more than just growth for MRCOOL – it’s a testament to the innovation, hard work and commitment of our Kentucky-based team,” said Jason O. Ingram, co-founding managing member of HVAC Distributing and MRCOOL. “From the beginning, we’ve believed that big ideas can come from small towns, and this milestone shows what’s possible when people take pride in what they build together.”
Doug Ingram, co-founding managing member of HVAC Distributing and MRCOOL, added, “Our goal has always been to make advanced, energy-efficient comfort technology accessible to everyone. This expansion strengthens our ability to deliver on that promise while continuing to invest in our community, our workforce and the future of innovation right here in Kentucky.”
Founded in Hickory in 2013, HVAC Distributing is a national wholesale distributor of heating and air conditioning equipment. The next year, the MRCOOL brand came to life and MRCOOL LLC was established.
In August 2020, Gov. Beshear announced the company’s plans to open a second operation in the Hickory Industrial Park, a $7 million investment that created 175 jobs.
Their most recent development, MRCOOL Franchising LLC, launched in 2023 to foster growth throughout the U.S. and Canada with the promise to deliver quality HVAC products faster and establish MRCOOL as a household name. The family-owned business provides logistics support to MRCOOL, its vast product line including DIY mini splits, GEOCOOL and a long list of contractor grade products, all backed by MRCOOL’s technical and warranty support in Hickory.
Graves County Judge/Executive Jesse Perry spoke on the long term impact of the project: “We’re proud to see a locally founded company like MRCOOL continuing to invest in our community. Their success reflects the talent and dedication of our people, and this expansion will have a lasting positive impact on families across Graves County.”
Mayfield Mayor Kathy O’Nan mentioned the economic success the county is seeing: “It is evident that the economy in Graves County is thriving along with that of Kentucky, and this expansion by MRCOOL is such an outstanding example of that. We are proud of their contributions to our community and congratulate this home-grown enterprise on this growth to their business.”
Graves County Economic Development President Jason Lemle congratulated the company on the expansion: “As a locally grown business, it is encouraging to see their continued growth and success here in Graves County. Seeing MRCOOL thrive is a testament to the Ingrams family’s commitment to their employees, their community and their customers. Congratulations to the Ingram’s family and their team for this tremendous improvement to their existing business operations here in Graves County.”
MRCOOL’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 63,600 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, 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 August 2023 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.
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, MRCOOL 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 MRCOOL, visit MRCOOL.com.
A detailed community profile for Graves 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 Stands Up for Federal Workers, Urging Insurance Companies To Continue Coverage for Those Affected by Federal Shutdown
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 3, 2025) – Gov. Andy Beshear is urging insurance companies to implement safeguards that ensure policyholders who are federal workers do not lose critical insurance coverage during the federal government shutdown.
“The federal shutdown is having real impacts across our country and our commonwealth,” said Gov. Beshear. “As a state, we’re doing what we can to support the more than 23,000 Kentucky families who are experiencing a loss of income through no fault of their own.”
Department of Insurance (DOI) Commissioner Sharon P. Clark added, “These consumers should not have the additional burden of losing insurance coverage because they are not being paid and cannot pay their auto, homeowners, life or, in some cases, health insurance premiums.”
Team Kentucky is asking all insurers to immediately implement the following protective measures for their policyholders who are federal employees:
- Deferment on cancellations.
- Insurers should seek to postpone or withdraw termination notices occurring on or after Oct. 1, 2025, on any in-force policy due to nonpayment of premium for federal employees. Insurers are asked to continue coverage in cases of unpaid premium for at least 30 days or 30 days after the end of the federal shutdown, whichever is longer. If, following the end of the federal shutdown, an affected consumer indicates to an insurer that they have not yet received their guaranteed compensation for the period of the federal shutdown, the department requests that insurers continue coverage, even in cases of unpaid premiums, for at least an additional 30 days.
- Time-period extension for payments.
- Insurers are permitted to extend payment time periods for affected consumers to pay premiums, co-payments, deductibles and other charges that, when extended, will be for the benefit of their customers. Such extensions should be for reasonable time periods that will not result in a financial hardship on consumers when the payments become due after the federal shutdown. Insurers may provide for recoupment of unpaid premiums from claims occurring during the forbearance period.
- Time-period extension for repairs.
- If an affected consumer indicates to an insurer that repairs cannot be completed within the time required under any policy, the department requests that insurers provide consumers with an extension of at least 30 days to make such repairs, or such time as is necessary.
Kentuckians with a loss of compensation due to the shutdown who are threatened with policy cancellations can contact DOI for more information.
Additional Options for Flood Insurance
With the federal government shutdown, the National Flood Insurance Program stopped writing new policies as of Oct. 1, 2025. This could have a dramatic effect on prospective homeowners whose mortgage company requires flood insurance to complete the purchase of their new home.
To assist these buyers, DOI has compiled a list of surplus lines insurance companies that offer flood insurance coverage and a list of brokers who sell this insurance. Anyone in need of flood insurance can contact DOI’s Consumer Protection Division for additional guidance.
For more information on any of these relief programs, contact DOI’s Consumer Protection Division at 800-595-6053, by email at doi.consumercomplaints@ky.gov or visit insurance.ky.gov.
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Gov. Beshear Joins Officials To Mark Completion of ORX Section 1 and Opening of New Roadway in Henderson
Community members walk new roadway and celebrate completion
HENDERSON, Ky. (Nov. 3, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear joined Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) officials and local leaders to cut the ribbon on the completion of Section 1 of the Interstate 69 Ohio River Crossing (ORX) and the opening of a nearly two-and-half-mile section of new roadway (KY Route 3690) in Henderson. Kentuckians were also invited to walk the new roadway as part of a community celebration that followed. The ORX Section 1 project will expedite travel times and ease traffic, while bringing Kentucky one step closer to fulfilling a Beshear Administration priority of building a new interstate bridge connecting Henderson, Kentucky, and Evansville, Indiana.
“As we mark the end of construction in Henderson, we also mark a significant step in completing what will be a generational project for Western Kentucky,” said Gov. Beshear. “The new I-69 bridge will not only ease traffic and improve safety for Kentuckians and visitors alike; it will also bring jobs and investments that strengthen all of Kentucky, which is why I’m so excited by the progress that we are making.”
The ribbon cutting marks substantial completion of infrastructure upgrades on approach roadways and bridges in Henderson. Only punch-list items will continue into early 2026. Section 1 includes a six-mile extension of I-69, nine new bridges, seven rehabilitated bridges, a reconstructed KY Route 351 interchange, and new interchanges at U.S. 41 and U.S. 60.
Gov. Beshear, Henderson County Judge/Executive Brad Schneider, Henderson Mayor Brad Staton and Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry delivered remarks and were joined by other state and local officials for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“I’m proud to mark the completion of this important approach work in Kentucky,” said Secretary Gray. “We know how essential the connectivity that the future I-69 bridge will bring for the entire region. I’m excited to mark this milestone with a community celebration for the residents of Henderson, who have extended patience to the men and women building ORX Section 1. This is our chance to say thank you.”
By Monday, Nov. 10, the final three major elements of the project are expected to open to traffic, providing vital upgrades to the I-69 corridor and new connections that will expedite travel times and improve safety:
- New KY 3690 (Future I-69) roadway
- New U.S. Route 60 interchange in final configuration
- New U.S. Route 41 interchange in full operation
Two additional ramps will open to facilitate movement from the new roadway (KY 3690) to U.S. 41.
“I never get tired of reaching milestones on our way to completing the I-69 Ohio River bridge, and finishing Section 1 is certainly something to celebrate,” said Judge Schneider. “I want to extend a huge thanks to KYTC, and the impressive army of men and women from Ragle who built this multi-faceted project on time and on budget.”
A three-mile segment of U.S. 41 was upgraded to interstate standards and is now designated as I-69 from the KY Route 425 interchange to the U.S. 41 interchange. Interstate signage is now installed along the corridor.
“I’m incredibly excited for our community, said Mayor Staton. “The I-69 Team has built new roads and bridges and changed the landscape and routing of existing roads to introduce new ways to get around Henderson. When the I-69 bridge is complete and with a new interstate corridor, we will be connected as a city like never before.”
KYTC oversaw ORX Section 1. The $158 million contract was awarded to the Ragle Inc./Stantec Consulting Services team. Construction started in earnest in the fall of 2022 and is finishing on budget and on schedule.
Community Celebration
A community celebration and walk in the afternoon followed the morning ribbon cutting, giving residents a chance to walk the new roadway before they drive it.
One Step Closer to the Crossing: An ORX Celebration was held at the site of the new roadway (KY 3690) that connects the new U.S. 41 interchange to the new U.S. 60 interchange. The event included a community walk, commemorative medallions, photo stations, activities for kids, community partners and more.
Delivering ORX
I-69 ORX will improve long-term cross-river mobility, reduce congestion and delay, and improve safety. It is divided into three sections for project delivery.
ORX Section 2 is a bi-state project between Kentucky and Indiana that includes the new river crossing. A contractor is expected to be identified by late next year. Construction is expected to begin in 2027 and be complete in 2031.
ORX Section 3 includes some of the approach roadways and bridges in Indiana and is being led by the Indiana Department of Transportation. Construction started in the fall of 2024 and is expected to be complete in late 2026.
View this link for Section 1 progress photos.
Visit I69OhioRiverCrossing.com for more information about the project.
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Gov. Beshear: Kentucky, States Win Challenge
Against Trump Administration, SNAP Benefits
Ordered To Be Restored
Governor also declares state of emergency
and orders funds to food bank network
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 31, 2025) – Days after challenging the Trump administration over its unlawful suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Gov. Andy Beshear announced today that a federal judge has ruled in favor of Kentucky, 24 other states and the District of Columbia and demanded that funding be restored. To ensure Kentuckians have access to food over the next few days, the Governor also signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency and directing an initial $5 million from the budget reserve trust fund to Feeding Kentucky food banks.
“While the Trump administration said it couldn’t fund SNAP during the shutdown, two federal judges just said it can and should,” said Gov. Beshear. “It’s my job as Governor to stand up for Kentuckians, and I am thankful today’s rulings were in favor of helping the more than 40 million Americans and almost 600,000 Kentuckians – many of whom are children – access benefits that will provide them food and prevent hunger.”
On Friday in Massachusetts, U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani ruled that the Trump administration’s decision to suspend SNAP benefits was likely illegal and ordered the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to decide if it will release contingency funding in whole or in part for the program. Additionally, in a separate ruling in a different case in Rhode Island, U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell Jr. ordered the Trump administration to distribute the contingency funding for the SNAP program “as soon as possible.”
To view Judge Talwani’s ruling, click here.
In preparation of any delays for the restoration of benefits, Gov. Beshear signed an executive order to direct an initial $5 million from the budget reserve trust fund to Feeding Kentucky food banks. In his executive order, the Governor directs the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management to “work with the Office of the State Budget Director to identify, allocate, and transfer funds as necessary from available sources to support the food banks during the lapse of SNAP funding,” beginning with $5 million from the budget reserve trust fund. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services is then instructed to provide the identified funds to Feeding Kentucky.
Feeding Kentucky has a network of seven food banks that provide food and groceries to Kentuckians facing hunger in all 120 counties. Through more than 900 partner food pantries and meal programs, the organization reaches an estimated 1 in 7 Kentuckians each year. Feeding Kentucky focuses on addressing child hunger, sourcing food from Kentucky farmers, and advocating for policies that reflect the needs of Kentuckians.
“From the miracle of fishes and loaves to the Last Supper, my faith teaches me we are called to feed and care for each other. Our President and leaders in Washington should be focused on fighting hunger, not causing it,” said the Governor. “In Kentucky, we’re committed to doing everything we can to help our neighbors get through this challenging time. Thankfully, we have a great partner in Feeding Kentucky, which will allow us to provide some support for those most affected.”
In addition to this step and the lawsuit, Gov. Beshear has also directed more than $12 million in state funds during the month of November to temporarily support the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. Team Kentucky will also host a food drive, accepting non-perishable food at main state office buildings in Frankfort and at the L&N Building in Louisville. Donated items will be distributed throughout the state via Dare to Care, God’s Pantry and the Christian Appalachian Project.
In Kentucky, 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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