Gov. Beshear, First Lady To Host ‘Easter at the Capitol’
Event features Easter egg hunt, food trucks, the Easter Bunny and more
FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 21, 2025) – Gov. Andy Beshear and First Lady Britainy Beshear will host Kentuckians at a family-friendly Easter celebration on the South Lawn of the Capitol – the green space directly behind the Capitol building and in front of the Capitol Annex – Sunday, April 13, from 2 to 4 p.m. EDT.
“Once again, we’re hosting an Easter event at the Capitol with family fun activities, including an Easter egg hunt, crafts for kids, food trucks and, of course, our annual visit from the Easter Bunny,” said Gov. Beshear. “For so many of us, Easter is a time to reflect on sacrifice, hope and peace, and we are excited for the opportunity to gather as a community to celebrate brighter days ahead for Kentucky.”
In addition to the fun activities, Community Que, Spotz Gelato and Traveling Tom’s Coffee will provide food onsite. Restrooms and picnic tables will also be available for the public. The annual egg hunt will take place at the beginning of the event, so guests are encouraged to arrive early.
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Gov. Beshear Signs 20 More Bills That Help Kentuckians, Improve Communities
Governor vetoes 12 bills
FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 25, 2025) – Gov. Andy Beshear has taken additional action by signing 20 bills. The Governor has vetoed 12 additional bills and returned four more bills without a signature.
“We’ve been laser focused on addressing the everyday needs of our Kentucky families and communities, and the 20 bills I signed do just that,” said Gov. Beshear. “For example, we will soon have new state laws that allow us to require a financial literacy course for high school students, that add protections against unemployment fraud and that further safeguard the distribution of opioid settlement funds.”
The Governor’s vetoes protect Kentuckians from unnecessary tolling on the I-69 Ohio River Crossing project and ensure Kentuckians’ access to clean water.
Gov. Beshear signed the following bills, which will become law on their effective dates:
House Bill 15 lowers the age at which Kentucky drivers can obtain instructional permits from 16 to 15 years old.
House Bill 45 strengthens campaign finance regulations.
House Bill 315 prohibits hostile foreign governments from indirectly owning, leasing or otherwise acquiring an interest in agricultural land in the commonwealth.
House Bill 321 addresses issues related to zoning map amendments.
House Bill 342 requires a financial literacy course in high school.
House Bill 422 makes procedural changes for how emergency regulations are administered through the Commonwealth Office of Technology.
House Bill 443 makes Kentucky Highway 80 in Perry, Knot and Floyd counties part of the Hal Rogers Parkway.
House Bill 537 provides clarity regarding the Opioid Abatement Fund. However, Gov. Beshear continues to raise concerns about how House Bill 6 will impact this bill.
House Bill 682 includes cable operators and broadband providers in the definitions of “utility” for reimbursement of costs associated with relocation of their facilities.
House Bill 701 safeguards the rights of Kentuckians to use and mine cryptocurrencies.
Senate Bill 27 requires the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to create and maintain a Kentucky Parkinson’s Disease Research Registry.
Senate Bill 68 makes several changes aligning with Kentucky Academic Standards. Additionally, it will reduce staff time costs at the Kentucky Department of Education.
Senate Bill 69 creates certification through the Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners to license qualified candidates to work in animal chiropractic and equine dentistry.
Senate Bill 129 allows governmental, quasi-governmental and nonprofit entities to purchase properties that have been placed in a tax delinquency diversion program.
Senate Bill 145 changes the period of time for which delinquency charges can be collected on vehicle payment installments.
Senate Bill 162 strengthens protections against unemployment fraud.
Senate Bill 179 appropriates $10 million to create the Nuclear Energy Development Grant Program. The measure aligns with the state’s energy strategy and new U.S. Department of Energy priorities.
Senate Bill 202 creates a licensing and regulatory framework for “intoxicating THC infused beverages” within the 3-tier system regulated by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
Senate Bill 237 requires certain out-of-state peace officers, who were previously employed in another state for 10 years, to have passed a physical agility test in the state where they were certified.
Senate Bill 244 establishes the Department of Child Support Services and its offices within the Office of Attorney General’s Department of Law.
Gov. Beshear vetoed the following bills, which consistently encroach on the executive branch’s authority:
House Bill 2 – In the Governor’s veto message, he wrote, “At a time when Kentuckians are hurting because of higher prices at the grocery, the pump and for everyday consumer goods, prioritizing tax breaks for purchasers of gold is out of touch with reality for most people in Kentucky.” Read the veto message.
House Bill 90 restricts access to medical care, places barriers on doctors and undermines their clinical judgement, and threatens the life of pregnant women in Kentucky. In the veto message the Governor wrote, “The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists shares these concerns in urging me to veto House Bill 90 and clearly stating that it does not support this bill, contrary to the testimony before a legislative committee on the bill that misrepresented the organization’s position.” Read the veto message.
House Bill 136 would force the executive branch to breach a contract with a vendor opening the government up to costly litigation funded by taxpayers. Read the veto message.
House Bill 399 criminalizes interference with a legislative proceeding which is already subject to existing laws and is therefore unnecessary. Read the veto message.
House Bill 424 would limit employment protections for educators at Kentucky’s colleges and universities. In the Governor’s veto message, he wrote, “Team Kentucky’s goal should be to attract, recruit and retain the best and brightest minds at Kentucky’s universities and colleges…. House Bill 424 does the opposite.” Read the veto message.
House Bill 546 makes changes to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Road Plan, and Gov. Beshear used his line-item veto authority to remove language that would have imposed tolls to fund, in part, the I-69 Ohio River Crossing project. In his veto message, he wrote, “In 2019 then-Governor Matt Bevin supported tolls for the Brent Spence Bridge connecting Covington with Cincinnati, which I opposed. Voters in Northern Kentucky soundly rejected tolls in the election that year. The Brent Spence Bridge project has no tolls and neither should the I-69 Ohio River Crossing.” Read the veto message.
House Bill 566 received line-item vetoes because it prevents the Governor from being able to fulfill his duty under the Kentucky Constitution that the laws are faithfully executed by the president of the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation. Among other concerns, the bill gives employees of the corporation the discretion to ignore the Executive Branch Ethics Code and allows the president of the corporation to hire gaming investigators that have police powers but do not have to have any training. In his veto message, the Governor wrote, “[I]t appears there may have been a significant conflict of interest in how the corporation went about drafting the bill.” Read the veto message.
House Bill 684 limits the forms of valid identification that may be used to allow a voter to cast a ballot, making it harder for Kentuckians to participate in the voting process. Read the veto message.
House Bill 694 breaks the promise made to Kentucky teachers in 2010 to fully fund health insurance for retirees by requiring teachers to pay a higher rate much longer than the law calls for. The Governor’s veto message says, “Breaking this promise is unfair to the teachers we rely on to guide our children and the future of the Commonwealth.” Read the veto message.
House Joint Resolution 30 seeks to appropriate funds through a resolution instead of through legislation. Because of that, Gov. Beshear line-item vetoed language to provide more flexibility for completing projects. Read the veto message.
Senate Bill 28 violates the Kentucky Constitution and will lead to the disclosure of confidential information on economic development projects. Read the veto message.
Senate Bill 89 eliminates protections currently in place to prevent pollution of groundwater and flooding of creeks, streams and rivers. Read the veto message.
The bills that were returned without the Governor’s signature:
House Joint Resolution 15 – The Governor’s action aims to show respect to the 79 faith leaders who opposed the resolution. In a letter, the faith leaders wrote, “We believe that this legislation is a misguided effort that will undermine the religious freedom we cherish as people of faith and leaders of faith communities.” In addition, based on actions in other states, the resolution is likely to be the subject of costly litigation funded by taxpayers.
House Bill 241 – The Governor’s action is due to the General Assembly’s contradiction of their own actions and attitudes toward in-person learning. The General Assembly previously mandated that children return to in-person learning during the pandemic, yet now they are promoting all-virtual learning.
Senate Bill 136 – The Governor’s action is due to the General Assembly not providing any funding to support the bill, which will cost taxpayers $500,000. In response, the state will have to ask a vendor to do programming and IT work for free. If a vendor is unable to do so, the Executive Branch will have to delay implementation until the General Assembly approves the needed funding.
Senate Bill 201 – The Governor’s action is due to the requirement that administrative law judges be confirmed by the General Assembly before they can begin their service. There is concern with not having enough administrative law judges and that members of the Senate may practice before these judges.
One more veto day remains before the General Assembly convenes for the last two days of the 2025 regular session, which concludes on Friday, March 28. Click here to read about bills the Governor took action on yesterday.
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Gov. Beshear Signs Bills That Move State Forward, Vetoes Those That Harm Workers and Violate State Laws
FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 25, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear took action on several pieces of legislation passed by the General Assembly this session, signing 17 bills, vetoing four bills and returning three bills without a signature.
“I will always put our Kentucky families first,” said Gov. Beshear. “I was proud to sign into law several measures that will do just that – increasing opportunity and making our New Kentucky Home a better place to live, learn and do business. The bills that received my veto are bills that harm Kentucky workers or violate our constitution and longstanding laws.”
Gov. Beshear signed the following bills, which will become law on their effective dates:
House Bill 10 allows owners to request that law enforcement immediately remove someone unlawfully occupying property, under certain circumstances. The bill gives clear instructions to property owners on dealing with squatters.
House Bill 30 supports state police, as well as other state and county employees, by ensuring mandated salary increases do not negatively impact the calculation of their final retirement compensation. The bill also requires the Kentucky State Police to increase leave time for retired troopers and commercial vehicle enforcement officers who return to work.
House Bill 38 increases the penalties for those who violate a protective order. That means those who are in danger and seek help from the court will be safer.
House Bill 73 amends a statute to add WeLeadCS, a virtual computer science career academy for Kentucky high school students, to the list of participating employers in the Teachers’ Retirement System.
House Bill 152 relates to a Medicaid supplemental payment program for public ground ambulance providers. The bill helps support public ambulance services which provide life-saving services to many Kentuckians in their time of need.
House Bill 184 supports economic growth by extending an existing regulatory relief program.
House Bill 306 supports job growth by allowing an individual to qualify for licensure as a professional engineer if they have graduated from an accredited fire protection engineering technology program and obtained at least six years of progressive experience.
House Bill 313 establishes June as Kentucky History Month, putting a spotlight on Statehood Day – June 1 – and the runup to our nation’s Independence Day on July 4.
House Bill 415 amends the Kentucky Insurance Code to exempt certain health policies from wider requirements, which makes these policies more flexible and affordable for Kentuckians.
House Bill 605 will expand the number of eligible recipients for the GRANT program. The program ensures communities have the resources needed to leverage federal grants including infrastructure upgrades, creation of recreational facilities, increased child care access and public transportation, among other eligible uses.
House Bill 783 will clarify the rules on the use of temporary motor vehicle tags.
Senate Bill 4 makes the Commonwealth Office of Technology responsible for standards for the use of artificial intelligence systems. The measure creates an Artificial Intelligence Governance Committee to develop standards to manage emerging risks.
Senate Bill 22 allows the Board of Barbering to govern, regulate and license mobile shops.
Senate Bill 100 seeks to create a licensing and regulatory framework for tobacco and vape retailers. The measure will help keep these products from being marketed and sold to minors in the commonwealth. The implementation of this bill will be halted by House Bill 6 if passed over the Governor’s veto.
Senate Bill 120 protects children from child abuse by requiring coaches and others surrounding kids to report abuse, neglect or other concerns. Under state law it’s everyone’s legal obligation to report child abuse.
Senate Bill 133 allows certain amateur boxing and wrestling competitions to charge admission without having to be licensed by the Boxing and Wrestling Commission.
Senate Bill 169 protects children from child abuse by adding internet service providers, social networking companies, mobile payment services and cloud storage services to the list of those subject to subpoena in investigations of exploitation and internet crimes against children.
Gov. Beshear vetoed the following bills:
House Bill 6 violates the Kentucky Constitution by giving the Legislative Branch and its employees a veto of administrative regulations issued by the Executive Branch. In the Governor’s veto message he wrote, “The Kentucky Supreme Court ruled more than 40 years ago that the General Assembly cannot interfere with the Executive Branch’s authority to file regulations to carry out the law.”
If overridden and not enjoined by a court, House Bill 6 will prevent the implementation of numerous bills passed this session. Read the veto message.
House Bill 398 abandons Kentucky’s longstanding policies that protect Kentucky workers. The bill would make Kentuckians less safe in the workplace and hand over much of the authority to regulate, investigate and enforce Kentucky workplace safety and health standards to the federal government. For example, Kentucky workers would lose important safeguards related to fall protection, exposure to toxic and hazardous materials, high voltage electrical lines and bulk hazardous liquid unloading.
In the Governor’s veto message he wrote, “House Bill 398 will lead to more workplace injuries, with Kentucky workers paying the price.”
Senate Bill 65 is another instance of legislative overreach that violates the Kentucky Constitution. The bill would void and nullify administrative regulations filed by Executive Branch agencies, including three that were before a subcommittee for informational review only. Read the veto message.
Senate Bill 84 was vetoed because the bill violates the separation of powers. It prohibits courts from deferring to a state agency’s interpretation of any statute, administrative regulation or order. The Governor wrote in his veto message, “The Judicial Branch is the only branch with the power and duty to decide these questions.”
The bills that were returned without the Governor’s signature are:
House Bill 137 clarifies that the state can use any method approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for air quality monitoring. The concern with the bill is that it leaves the state dependent on the EPA methods.
House Bill 196 establishes the required number of certified emergency medical and mine emergency technicians (METs) at underground coal mines. The measure will reduce from two to one the number of METs required for small mine operators of 10 or fewer employees. However, it adds one additional MET for underground mines with over 50 workers and each additional 50 employees. The Governor said the bill was a “mixed bag,” as it reduces technicians at small mines, but increases them at larger mines.
Senate Bill 63 adds a statute allowing special purpose vehicles equipped with the required street-legal features to drive on state roadways after being registered and insured. The bill, which passed with little opposition, does add additional safety requirements for the vehicles. The Governor said the main concern with the bill is the safety of Kentuckians, especially children riding in ATVs, UTVs, mini-trucks and certain military vehicles on roadways. There is also a nearly $500,000 cost to implement the bill as the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet would be required to add additional licensing and enforcement staff and technology upgrades.
Two more veto days remain before the General Assembly convenes for the last two days of the 2025 regular session, which concludes on Friday, March 30.
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Gov. Beshear Signs 3 Bills That Support Education, Economic Growth
Governor vetoes bills to protect public education, access to health care
FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 26, 2025) – Gov. Andy Beshear has taken additional action by signing three bills that support education or economic growth. The Governor has vetoed nine additional bills and returned three more bills without a signature.
“I’m proud to support two bills that will help our students get the very best education,” said Gov. Beshear. “And I am excited to see Kentucky’s film industry grow and bring new jobs and opportunities to families across the commonwealth.”
The Governor’s vetoes protect public education and access to health care.
Gov. Beshear signed the following bills, which will become law on their effective dates:
House Bill 208 limits cellphone use in schools during instructional time, which aims to increase student well-being and decrease bullying.
House Bill 298 helps low performing schools seek assistance to improve outcomes for students.
Senate Bill 1 creates the Kentucky Film Office and promotes the growth of the Kentucky film industry.
Gov. Beshear vetoed the following bills, in order to protect public education, safeguard taxpayer dollars and more:
House Bill 240 does not solve the issue of children not being prepared for kindergarten or first grade, and the Governor urged lawmakers to fund the real solution, which is universal pre-K. The Governor wrote in his veto message, “In the current biennial budget I recommended $172 million be appropriated to begin funding universal preschool for Kentucky’s 4-year-olds. The legislature did not act. House Bill 240 is not the answer. We should prepare, not punish, our youngest learners. Further – as an unintended consequence – the bill will keep some students from being eligible to play sports in their senior year.” Read the veto message.
House Bill 346 allows at least one entity to side-step the majority of emission fees they owe to the commonwealth. Read the veto message.
House Bill 552 violates the Kentucky Constitution by creating a legislative board to carry out an executive function of advancing bilateral trade and investment between Kentucky and Ireland. The Governor wrote in his veto message, “However, I am willing to create such a board through an executive order and am more than willing to meet with the bill’s sponsor to ensure its goals are met.” Read the veto message.
House Bill 695 will create barriers and delay for more than 1,600,000 Kentucky adults and children who access health care through Medicaid and Kentucky Children's Health Insurance Program, or KCHIP. Another section of the bill, if approved, would result in Kentuckians losing their health care. Read the veto message.
House Joint Resolution 46 received line-item vetoes to correct names of roads. Read the veto message.
Senate Bill 19 would be violated when kindergarteners cannot stay silent in their seats and does not allow students whose religion practices standing prayer to do so. A second part of the bill would cause students to miss out on important instructional time. Read the veto message.
Senate Bill 25 received line-item vetoes because the bill contradicts what lawmakers said last year when they moved to make the Office of the Ombudsman independent. The Governor wrote in his veto message, “This bill makes the Ombudsman’s office less independent than ever, and in one place even defines the Ombudsman as the Auditor. Moving the Office of the Ombudsman to operate at the will of the Auditor removes any independency of that office.” Read the veto message.
Senate Bill 183 prevents the Kentucky Public Pensions Authority from having discretion over how they monitor the companies that Kentucky invests millions of dollars in. Read the veto message.
Senate Bill 207 would diminish the quality of public education throughout the commonwealth by creating unequal educational standards between local school districts. Read the veto message.
The bills that were returned without the Governor’s signature:
House Bill 520 – The Governor supports transparency but understands the need to protect ongoing criminal investigations.
House Bill 775 is a “bait-and-switch” bill where in the beginning of the session, lawmakers told committee members that the guardrails for income tax reductions would stay in place, and many pushed for and voted for a tax reduction (House Bill 1) based on that information. Later in the session, lawmakers passed this bill and violated their own statements and testimony.
Senate Bill 2 – The Governor does not believe that the state should pay for gender reassignment surgeries for convicted felons, as this would mean those in prison would receive better access to medical care than a law-abiding citizen. However, courts have ruled that federal law may require some nonsurgical care.
Today is the final veto day before the General Assembly convenes for the last two days of the 2025 regular session, which concludes on Friday, March 28. Click here and here to read about bills the Governor took action on yesterday.
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Gov. Beshear Provides Team Kentucky Update
FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 27, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided an update on economic development, Vietnam Veterans Day, a bill to lower the age for instructional drivers permits, Centers for Independent Living, the legislative session, storm recovery and upcoming weather. Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman also recapped the state’s first Agriculture Education Week. The Governor took a moment to highlight the life of Guy McClellan Jones III on the eighth anniversary of his passing, and he named the Russell High School Academic Team and Special Olympian DesaRae Nickell as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.
Economic Development
Gov. Beshear highlighted continuing momentum in the state’s manufacturing and technology sectors as Shinsung ST USA, a leading innovator in energy storage solutions, announced plans to establish a new manufacturing facility in Simpson County with a $53.5 million investment creating 100 new, quality Kentucky jobs.
Vietnam Veterans Day
The Governor recognized Saturday, March 29, as Vietnam Veterans Day, commemorating the date the last American combat troops were withdrawn from Vietnam in 1973. Members of the Vietnam Veterans of America and the Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America joined the news conference to be recognized.
“No matter the conflict, our veterans have stood ready to sacrifice and protect our freedoms, and we are forever grateful,” said Gov. Beshear.
House Bill 15
The Governor also highlighted a bill he signed into law that lowers the age at which Kentuckians can obtain a drivers permit from 16 to 15 years old. The Governor noted that House Bill 15 only allows more time for eligible drivers to hold a permit. State law still requires a driver to be 16 to obtain a license.
The Governor provided an update on steps the state is taking to implement this change. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is reprogramming the state’s licensing system. The Governor said that Team Kentucky believes 15-year-olds will be able to begin scheduling appointments with Kentucky State Police for permit applications and testing on April 2.
Until that date, parents and teens can:
- Sign up for email updates at drive.ky.gov;
- Collect all necessary documents, such as a birth certificate, Social Security card and School Compliance Verification Form; and
- Begin studying for the written permit test. The official Kentucky driver’s manual can be found on the Kentucky State Police website.
Centers for Independent Living
The Governor announced that individuals with disabilities will soon have access to independent living services in all 120 Kentucky counties. Currently, the Centers for Independent Living’s coverage area is regional, covering only 49 counties. Team Kentucky’s plan to expand the coverage statewide has been made possible by the Kentucky Independent Living Network.
“This expansion will provide essential services like independent skills training, peer counseling and school and career services,” said Gov. Beshear. “We’re committed to ensuring that Kentuckians with disabilities have every opportunity to live a full, independent life and contribute to their communities.”
Agriculture Education Week
The Lieutenant Governor provided a recap of the commonwealth’s inaugural Agriculture Education Week. This initiative was spearheaded by Lt. Gov. Coleman, Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell and Education Commissioner Robbie Fletcher. Lt. Gov. Coleman visited seven schools across the state to witness agriculture come to life in public school classrooms.
“Agriculture and education are the ties that bind in every community across Kentucky,” said Lt. Gov. Coleman. “We wanted to focus on our youngest learners – elementary students – by providing early exposure to lessons like where your food comes from, sustainability and the array of careers available in agriculture.”
Action Taken on Bills
Today, the General Assembly convenes for first of the last two days of the 2025 regular session, which concludes on Friday, March 28. Thus far, Gov. Beshear has signed 89 bills, vetoed 29 bills and returned 10 bills without a signature.
The Governor said the beginning of this session held a lot of promise. Publicly, lawmakers were focused on helping Kentucky families, boosting the commonwealth’s economy and being responsible with taxpayer dollars. But by the end, unfortunately, many bills were produced behind closed doors, bills that the public never had a chance to read. Many of these bills would hurt Kentucky families, damage the public education system and create barriers and delay in accessing health care.
The Governor also said legislators have grown reliant on “committee substitutes.” Lawmakers file a bill with certain language, then swap most or all of it out, usually with little time before voting occurs. This limits public review and creates a problem for media in being able to report accurately.
“I feel like we started the session, lifting people up, and by the end of the session, the General Assembly was kicking them while they were down,” said Gov. Beshear. “We’ve got to govern in a way that has more humanity and more empathy. In order to reach our full potential and to build Our New Kentucky Home, we have to be welcoming to people from different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. We have to lend that helping hand to other people, and certainly not make it harder for people that are already marginalized.”
Gov. Beshear provided an update on bills he has signed, vetoed or returned to the General Assembly without signing. For more details, read about bills the Governor took action on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of this week.
Storm Recovery and Upcoming Weather
Gov. Beshear updated Kentuckians on forecast severe weather over the weekend. On Sunday afternoon into Sunday night, strong to severe thunderstorms are possible across the commonwealth. All severe hazards are possible including damaging winds, large hail and tornadoes. Heavy rainfall could cause flash flooding. The Governor asked Kentuckians to stay weather-aware heading into the weekend.
The Governor also provided an update on recovery efforts following the severe storms in February. There are now 16 Disaster Recovery Centers open. A 17th center is scheduled to open tomorrow in Woodford County.
Last week, two more counties, Leslie and Woodford, received approval for the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP), which provides food assistance to low-income households affected by natural disasters. Kentuckians living or working in these two counties have until Friday, March 28, 2025, to apply. To apply, call 855-306-8959 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. EDT, or visit your local Department for Community Based Services office.
Kentucky state parks are sheltering 181 people at three state resort parks, and 77 people in travel trailers. Flood survivors are encouraged to visit HousingCantWait.org to fill out an interest form for help with housing.
The Governor also shared good news from Pike County. After two bridges were destroyed in the storms, the Woodman Summer and River Elk communities were isolated. Residents were provided emergency food and water, but Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) personnel were originally unable to assist due to safety restrictions at the low-water river crossing. Over the weekend, FEMA worked with local emergency management officials to host an outreach day at the crossing. They were able to reach isolated survivors, ensure they were registered for assistance, help with any registration issues and provide home inspections for inaccessible properties.
Guy McClellan Jones III
Gov. Beshear took a moment to highlight the life of a special Kentuckian on the eighth anniversary of his passing. Guy McClellan Jones III was a Marine staff sergeant who served our country valiantly during the Vietnam War. For his service, he received four Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star with Valor. The Governor said it is important to honor this great American and Kentuckian and the people who loved him, including his widow, Leisa Jones.
Team Kentucky All-Stars
Gov. Beshear recognized two Team Kentucky All-Stars this week. First, Russell High School’s Academic Team, which won the Kentucky Association for Academic Competition 2025 Governor’s Cup. This marks the school’s eighth overall Governor’s Cup Championship and makes the school the second most awarded in Kentucky history. The team attended the news conference to be recognized.
“On Team Kentucky, we put education first, because when we invest in our students and our schools, there’s nothing they can’t achieve – and these kids are living proof,” said Gov. Beshear.
Second, the Governor recognized DesaRae Nickell from Morehead. Nickell just returned from Italy, where she competed in the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games and medaled in two events. Nickell attended the Team Kentucky Update and the Governor commissioned her a Kentucky Colonel.
“Thank you for representing Kentucky and our nation so well,” said Gov. Beshear. “You’ve made us all proud.”
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