Gov. Beshear: 43 Local Kentucky Chambers of Commerce Support Pre-K for All
Local chambers submitted letter to the General Assembly advocating for expanding preschool access for Kentucky 4-year-olds
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 4, 2025) – Today, 43 local Kentucky chambers of commerce 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 2026-2027 Budget Session.
“Business leaders across our state know that Pre-K for All is good for business because it will boost our workforce by 70,000 and help more parents return to work,” said Gov. Beshear. “Pre-K for All isn’t political – it’s simply the right thing to do for Kentucky’s kids, our families, our economy and our future. Let’s do the right thing and invest in our kids and our future now through Pre-K for All.”
The endorsement was made through a letter signed by 44 local and regional chambers of commerce and their presidents. Areas represented include Bowling Green and Louisville, as well as the counties of Ballard, Bracken, Clay, Floyd, Lincoln, Oldham, Scott and more.
Jason Slone, president and CEO of the Morehead-Rowan County Chamber of Commerce, and Tish Shade, president and CEO of the Frankfort Chamber of Commerce, both joined the Governor at his Team Kentucky Update to share the benefits of Pre-K for All in Kentucky.
“Pre-K for all 4-year-olds in the commonwealth lays a foundation for a skilled workforce, directly addressing the commonwealth’s future economic development needs,” said Slone.
“Pre-K helps parents work, helps businesses hire, helps families thrive, and helps children succeed,” said Shade. “It’s a win across the board, and a moment for bold leadership.”
In October, the Governor was joined by members of the Pre-K for All Advisory Committee, which shared its report on the need for pre-K in the commonwealth following four months of hosting town halls, 54 outreach events and meetings with local leaders, educators, parents, child-care providers and businesses. The report is clear: Kentucky needs to expand its public preschool program through Pre-K for All.
Earlier in October, the Governor had announced that 63 county judge/executives, 34 mayors and the Kentucky Association of School Superintendents (KASS) all endorsed the Pre-K for All initiative. Those endorsements were made through three letters, each signed and delivered that month to members of the General Assembly.
Since the launch of the initiative in May, over 65,000 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.
###
Gov. Beshear Provides Team Kentucky Update
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 4, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided updates on bridge improvements; Pre-K for All; improvements at Kentucky State Parks; funding from the Delta Regional Authority; progress on well capping; upgrades at law enforcement training facilities; and a new emergency response mobile unit. Dr. Steven Stack, secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, joined the Governor to provide an update on the Our Healthy Kentucky Home initiative and kynect. The Governor named Louisville health-care hero Dr. Kelly McCants as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Star following Dr. McCants’ passing last week.
Bridge Improvement Projects
As part of his commitment to ensure safer travel for Kentucky families, Gov. Beshear announced over $6 million for 12 critical bridge projects across nine Kentucky counties and one city through the County and City Bridge Improvement Program. The funding will repair, replace or preserve bridges to improve safety, extend their lifespan, remove lengthy detours, and maintain important community links for Kentuckians.
Today, Gov. Beshear was also joined by Covington Mayor Ron Washington to announce $750,000 in funding for the city to support business vitality during the construction of the multibillion-dollar Brent Spence Bridge Corridor and Kentucky Route 8 Licking River Bridge projects.
Pre-K for All
Today, the Governor announced that 43 local Kentucky chambers of commerce endorsed the Pre-K for All initiative, urging the General Assembly to make expanding access to pre-K for all 4-year-olds a top priority in the 2026-2027 Budget Session. The endorsement was made through a letter signed by 43 local and regional chambers of commerce and their presidents. Areas represented include Bowling Green and Louisville, as well as the counties of Ballard, Bracken, Clay, Floyd, Lincoln, Oldham, Scott and more.
Jason Slone, president and CEO of the Morehead-Rowan County Chamber of Commerce, and Tish Shade, president and CEO of the Frankfort Chamber of Commerce, both joined the Governor to share the benefits of Pre-K for All in Kentucky. For more, see the full release.
Kentucky State Parks Improvements
Gov. Beshear announced the completion of $2.6 million in renovations to 16 Kentucky State Parks campgrounds. The funds support updated restrooms and shower facilities at campgrounds, improving the outdoor experience for campers. In 2023, Gov. Beshear signed legislation that allocated $40 million for campground improvements.
Delta Regional Authority Funding
Gov. Beshear announced that the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) is investing more than $1.6 million in four projects in Western Kentucky. The Governor currently serves as the States’ Co-Chair of the DRA. Funding includes:
- $509,000 for the West Kentucky Workforce Board to expand workforce training programs;
- $509,000 for the Paducah-McCracken County Joint Sewer Agency to improve water treatment services across the Purchase Area region;
- $430,000 for Henderson Community College to buy equipment for their electrical technology training program; and
- $168,000 for the Hickman Electric System to expand high-speed internet access in the city of Hickman.
Dr. Jason Warren, president of Henderson Community College, joined the news conference to talk about the funding.
Plugging Oil and Gas Wells
The Governor provided an update on progress being made to cap oil and gas wells across the commonwealth. Last week, Kentucky made history by plugging the first well in the nation through the Methane Emissions Reduction Program. This well was in Elliott County, and Team Kentucky has since plugged a second well in the county and has five other projects open for bid. With nearly $13 million from the program, Team Kentucky will eventually cap 150 wells.
Upgrades at Law Enforcement Training Facilities
The Governor announced that Team Kentucky awarded $722,000 to the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) to construct and upgrade two tactical training facilities at the LMPD Firearms Training Center on Algonquin Parkway. At the first location, funding will support renovations and expansion of the facility, with updated security and technology. Funding for the second location will support construction of a brand-new tactical training building. These facilities are used by LMPD and surrounding regional law enforcement agencies. These investments help law enforcement agencies increase training resources, better protecting officers and Kentucky families.
New Emergency Response Mobile Unit
The Governor announced that Kentucky has secured a new FEMA Type 3 Mobile Emergency Operations Center, replacing a 20-year-old mobile unit. Team Kentucky directed nearly $300,000 to this new vehicle equipped with radio frequency communications to coordinate with other agencies; cellular internet access; technology to allow real-time monitoring of equipment; and more. The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet’s Emergency Response Team will utilize this vehicle to respond immediately to environmental emergencies such as tornadoes, floods, train derailments and more, helping better serve Kentuckians during a crisis.
Our Healthy Kentucky Home and kynect Open Enrollment
Dr. Stack provided an update on Our Healthy Kentucky Home, an initiative to promote simple, positive and attainable goals to inspire and motivate Kentuckians on a journey to health and wellness. For December, the initiative is focusing on kynect, the state-based marketplace for quality, affordable health coverage. Dr. Stack reminded Kentuckians that enrollment for kynect is now open. The deadline to enroll is Jan. 15. If you need assistance, or if you are ready to enroll, please go to kynect.ky.gov or call 855-459-6328.
Team Kentucky All-Star
The Governor named Louisville health-care hero Dr. Kelly McCants this week’s Team Kentucky All-Star, following Dr. McCants’ death last week. Dr. McCants was a doctor at Norton Healthcare, leading the Heart and Vascular Institute. He also served as the executive director of the Institute for Health Equity.
“Kentucky lost a real-life hero with the passing of Louisville’s Dr. Kelly McCants,” said Gov. Beshear. “Through his work, he increased access to health care, delivered lifesaving services, and was the advocate his patients deserved. Dr. McCants will be missed as a doctor, a friend, a mentor and more.”
###
|
