Gov. Beshear Vetoes Bill That Would Make It Harder for Families To Access Affordable Housing
Bill would let landlords refuse to rent housing based on a person’s source of income
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (March 5, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear was joined by Louisville Councilman Phillip Baker, who represents Metro Council District 6, as he vetoed House Bill 18, which would make it harder for many Kentuckians – including those with disabilities, senior citizens, low-income families and homeless veterans – to access affordable housing.
The bill removes local government control and autonomy, with the General Assembly dictating how local governments act to prevent discrimination in housing. The bill aims to stop the cities of Louisville and Lexington from enforcing local laws that prevent landlords from refusing to rent housing based on a person’s source of income, such as federal housing assistance vouchers. It would also prevent other cities from enacting similar laws.
“We should be working to help our people,” Gov. Beshear said. “That is what my faith teaches me – to follow the parable of the Good Samaritan, to know that everyone is our neighbor and to treat everyone with compassion. This bill is just wrong and mean, and I am proud to veto it.”
“Every Kentuckian deserves a safe place to call home – it is a basic necessity for human dignity and equality,” said Councilman Baker. “Legislation, such as House Bill 18, that allows housing discrimination based on income is not only unjust but perpetuates systemic inequality and is a shameful reminder that the Kentucky General Assembly values wealth over humanity.”
In 2020, the Louisville mayor signed a law, supported by the Metro Council, that protects more residents from discriminatory housing practices.
Councilwoman Dr. Barbara Shanklin, who represents Metro Council District 2, could not attend the veto news conference at the Beecher Terrace Community Center but said, “As a co-sponsor of the original fair housing ordinance, I was proud to support a yearlong collaborative process by my Metro Council colleagues and fair housing advocates. Louisville was at the forefront of the anti-discrimination issue, leading the way in creating policies that promoted inclusivity and opportunity. However, the passage of HB 18 represents a giant step backwards for our city and the communities we serve. This legislation takes away crucial options for many of our low-income and disadvantaged residents, furthering segregation within our neighborhoods. We remain committed to fair housing and it’s important that we continue to join in our efforts for a more equitable future for all residents of Louisville.”
Last month, in Lexington, the mayor and government leaders joined together to pass a law to make sure landlords accept housing vouchers or other forms of public assistance payments for rent.
“As a sponsor of the well-vetted ordinance in Lexington that was recently passed with overwhelming support and is now in effect to eliminate certain forms of housing discrimination, I applaud the common sense veto by Gov. Beshear, who seems to clearly recognize that each part of government has its role and should stay in its lane,” said Lexington-Fayette Urban County Councilmember Dave Sevigny, who represents District 10.
The bill and the Governor’s veto message now return to the General Assembly where lawmakers could decide to override the Governor’s veto. The Governor encouraged Kentuckians who support his veto to contact their lawmaker and voice opposition to any further action being taken on House Bill 18.
Click here to read the Governor’s veto message.
Gov. Beshear Provides Team Kentucky Update
FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 7, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided an update on Kentucky’s strong placement in Site Selection magazine’s 2023 Governor’s Cup rankings; the 60th anniversary of the “March on Frankfort”; the fourth anniversary of COVID-19 in the commonwealth; Cabinet for Health and Family Services leaders in national roles; and a KSP K-9 that won in electronic detection categories at a national competition. The Governor also named those who responded to the recent George Rogers Clark Memorial Bridge accident and rescue as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.
Kentucky’s Strong Placement in Governor’s Cup Rankings
The Governor announced Kentucky’s strong placement in Site Selection magazine’s 2023 Governor’s Cup rankings, coming in third nationally in economic projects per capita and first in the South Central region. The commonwealth also secured the second spot in the South Central region for overall projects, building on the previous year’s strong rankings. Kentucky has placed in the top 3 nationally and atop the South Central region in the per capita rankings each year of Gov. Beshear’s administration.
“Our incredible communities and hard-working, skilled workforce have once again made Kentucky one of the best places to locate a business,” said Gov. Beshear. “Economic development is a team sport. It requires our state, counties, cities and so many others working at all levels of government and the private sector.”
In addition to Kentucky’s strong overall Governor’s Cup placement nationally, several Kentucky communities were recognized by Site Selection for their economic success in 2023, with categories based on population size. Bowling Green sits atop the Tier 3 Metros list with 23 total projects, as well as second in projects per capita. Bowling Green also placed in the top 10 for total projects in the South Central region regardless of population.
“On behalf of all citizens of Bowling Green, we are so proud to be recognized today for our economic development efforts,” said Bowling Green Mayor Todd Alcott. “As local governments, the city and the county work collaboratively together to build and maintain a strong economic pace.”
“Our success is a testament to the power of collaboration, a value that is deeply ingrained in our community,” said Warren County Deputy Judge/Executive Bryan Downing. “The partnership between the city of Bowling Green and Warren County has been nothing short of remarkable. Together we have navigated challenges and seized opportunities, proving that unity is our greatest strength.”
The Louisville/Jefferson County region placed sixth nationally in projects per capita for all metropolitan areas, while the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region ranked eighth overall.
“We have some great news to collectively announce in Louisville and throughout Kentucky, and that is that Site Selection Magazine named Louisville one of the 10 best cities in the entire country for economic development,” said Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg. “Thanks to Gov. Beshear’s leadership across the entire state, including Louisville, people are looking at our city to invest and create good-paying, career path jobs.”
“We’re thrilled today to share our congratulations and are proud of our contributions to the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the Cincinnati region’s ranking in Site Selection magazine’s Governor’s Cup,” said Lee Crume, president and CEO of BE NKY Growth Partnership. “In 2023, the BE NKY Growth Partnership contributed to our economy and increased prosperity with 16 projects that added more than $380 billion in capital investment.”
“Northern Kentucky is an important economic driver, not only for the state of Kentucky but also for Cincinnati region,” said Kimberly Rossetti, vice president of economic development for BE NKY Growth Partnership. “With more than 1,400 jobs announced in a tough economic climate, we are proud of our team’s work and contribution to Kentucky’s 3rd place ranking in economic projects per capita and No. 1 ranking in the South Central region.”
Lexington/Fayette County placed seventh in the Tier 2 per capita rankings and top 10 for total projects, as well as eighth for total projects in the South Central region among all population sizes.
“Lexington is a $21 billion economic engine and a major driver in our state’s economy. Our economy continues to grow and is attracting national attention,” said Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton. “We all know that by working together, we can do so many great things for our economy and the people we serve. Thank you, Gov. Beshear, for making Kentucky an ideal place to do business as we focus on attracting talent and business opportunities.”
“Thank you to Gov. Beshear for his focus on business recruitment and retention in the commonwealth,” said Bob Quick, Commerce Lexington CEO. “Economic development is a team sport. It is relationship driven, and it’s done collaboratively with partners across the region. We have developed a regional competitiveness plan aimed at better equipping us to attract a skilled workforce, secure business sites, expand housing inventory and access to education. When one county wins, we all win.”
Frankfort tied for fourth in the Top 100 Micropolitan areas.
“I want to thank the Governor for creating an environment from the top down that enables cities like ours to compete for new businesses, residents and visitors,” said Frankfort Mayor Layne Wilkerson. “Today’s announcement validates that we are moving in the right direction. Thank you again to Gov. Beshear for recognizing that the Capital City’s success is Kentucky’s success. Together, we are making investments in our future and the best part is we are just getting started.”
The Governor also recapped a $355 million investment by Tyson Foods that will create nearly 450 full-time jobs in Warren County. This investment, which is among the largest investment and job creation projects in the county, contributed to Kentucky’s strong placement in the 2022 Governor’s Cup ranking.
“As a representative of Kentucky for Tyson Foods, I have had the privilege to meet so many wonderful people across the state. I have also witnessed firsthand the growth of economic development in the area, most recently in Bowling Green,” said Graham Hall, Tyson Foods’ global government affairs manager. “So many initiatives are coming out of Kentucky, and we are so excited to be a part of the community. We look forward to seeing the innovation and opportunities in Bowling Green.”
March on Frankfort
The Governor participated in a reenactment of the “March on Frankfort.” The original march, on March 5, 1964, was held in response to the stalling of legislation in the Kentucky General Assembly that would have eliminated segregation in public accommodations in the commonwealth. It drew an estimated 10,000 people, and speakers that day included Martin Luther King Jr. and Jackie Robinson. The folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary also performed at the event. Click here to view photos from this year’s march.
4th Anniversary of COVID-19 in Kentucky
Gov. Beshear and Commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health Dr. Steven Stack joined state and local officials, along with several Kentucky families, to mark the fourth anniversary since the first case of COVID-19 was diagnosed in the state and to dedicate “A Day of Compassion” in the commonwealth. Click here to watch the commemoration ceremony.
CHFS Leaders in National Roles
The Governor announced that the Cabinet for Health and Family Services has two leaders who serve in a national capacity. Monday, the National Association of Medicaid Directors named Lisa Lee, the commonwealth’s commissioner of the Department for Medicaid Services, as its new board president. Lee continues to serve as commissioner. Public Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack also serves as the president of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials.
“These two are doing a good job and with their leadership, I am confident that more great things lie ahead for Kentucky,” Gov. Beshear said.
KSP K-9 Wins Electronic Detection Categories at National Competition
Gov. Beshear announced that Kentucky State Police K-9 Cam and his handler, Detective John Sims, recently received three awards at the Paw 4 Law Foundation’s 7th annual Murrieta Police K-9 Trials in California. A total of 40 K-9 teams from across the nation participated in the trials covering multiple disciplines, including agility, obedience, patrol, narcotics detection, article search and electronics detection.
Team Kentucky All-Stars
Last Friday, the Louisville Fire Department received a call that a semitrailer had been involved in an accident and had gone over the wall of the George Rogers Clark Memorial Bridge. Bryce Carden and Rescue Company 2 responded to the call. Carden was able to pull the driver of the semitrailer out safely. The Governor thanked the Louisville Fire Department, EMS, Louisville Metro Police and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet employees who made sure the bridge was reopened safely and named them all as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.
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