Gov. Beshear’s ‘Pre-K for All’ Initiative: What Northern Kentucky Leaders Are Saying
Leaders in business, education join Governor’s call for pre-K for all of Kentucky’s 4-year-olds
FLORENCE, Ky. (June 4, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear traveled to Camco Chemical in Florence where he joined Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, local officials, educators, business leaders and parents to launch the “Pre-K for All” initiative, which aims to advance the commonwealth’s public education system and job growth.
Those joining Gov. Beshear in Northern Kentucky said:
“As a family-owned company, Camco is committed to making decisions today that ensure the long-term success of our team and business,” said Adrian Hothem, president and CEO of Camco Chemical. “Our team’s ability to collaborate, solve problems and simplify our customers’ supply chain challenges is what sets us apart. Pre-K for All is an investment in Kentucky’s current and future workforce – preparing children for kindergarten and beyond while providing working parents with essential child-care support today.”
“Kentucky needs pre-K for all 4-year-olds because 90% of a child’s brain develops before age 5, yet many enter kindergarten unprepared, forcing schools to spend valuable time and taxpayer dollars catching them up,” President and CEO of Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Brent Cooper said. “High-quality early education is the smartest investment we can make to close learning gaps, boost long-term academic success and build a stronger, more competitive commonwealth.”
“Supporting pre-K is crucial, particularly in urban environments, as it fosters critical brain development, addresses socioeconomic and racial/ethnic disparities and equips children with vital skills for their future,” said Alvin Garrison, chair of the Kentucky Association of School Superintendents and superintendent of Covington Independent Schools. “Pre-K is essential because it lays the foundation for children’s social development and academic readiness. In this early stage, children learn to interact with their peers, follow daily routines and master self-help skills. These fundamental skills not only prepare them for success in kindergarten but also foster a sense of independence and responsibility that will serve them throughout their educational journey.”
During his remarks, the Governor mentioned key points that support how children, families and businesses will benefit from the initiative.
Pre-K for All:
- Increases Kindergarten readiness for all Kentucky 4-year-olds. According to KY Stats, more than half of Kentucky’s children – 53.8% – are unprepared when they show up for their first day of kindergarten.
- Eliminates child-care deserts. According to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, 79 of Kentucky’s 120 counties – nearly two-thirds – don’t have access to enough child care to serve every family who needs it, with the majority of those located in Eastern Kentucky.
- Boosts parents take-home pay. A long-term study from Yale found that providing pre-K increased the earnings of parents and caregivers by nearly $9,000 annually, a trend that held for at least six years. This amounts to $54,000 for Kentucky families as their kids grow.
- Saves Kentucky families out-of-pocket child-care costs. By reducing child-care costs, Pre-K for All will ease financial strain for hard-working families and strengthen the foundation of Kentucky’s economy.
- Grows Kentucky’s labor force by 40,000 to 70,000 Kentuckians. According to estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, over time, Pre-K for All is projected to grow Kentucky’s workforce by up to 70,000 people.
- Grows Kentucky’s economy. In addition, a study from Yale shows that every dollar invested in pre-K generates $10 that cycles through the state economy.
Gov. Beshear stressed that Pre-K for All is a nonpartisan issue, noting that 18 states – including Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia and West Virginia – offer pre-K access for all 4-year-olds.
“They have gotten it done, and so can we,” the Governor said in outlining his plans.
As part of the initiative, Gov. Beshear issued an executive order creating the Team Kentucky Pre-K for All Advisory Committee, comprising 28 leaders from across the commonwealth.
Today’s announcement aims to build on Kentucky’s historic economic winning streak.
Under Gov. Beshear’s leadership, the state has broken its job-creation record, creating more than 60,000 good jobs. And while Kentucky has reached the highest point ever for the number of people employed, number of jobs filled and civilian labor force, the Governor said there is still important work to do.
“Pre-K for All is a step we must take to boost our economy, strengthen our workforce, better educate our kids and put more money in the pockets of hard-working Kentucky families,” Gov. Beshear added.
Earlier today the Governor was at MMY US, a modular housing manufacturer, in Louisville to launch the “Pre-K for All” initiative. To further support the plan, the Governor will host a news conference in Bowling Green on Friday. Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman and Rocky Adkins, senior advisor to Gov. Beshear, will also visit Russell, Hazard and Paducah this week. Next week, the Governor will travel to Owensboro.
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Gov. Beshear Launches ‘Pre-K for All’ Initiative To Boost Public Education, Job Growth
Leaders in business, education join Governor’s call for Pre-K for All of Kentucky’s 4-year-olds
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (June 4, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear and First Lady Britainy Beshear joined Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, local officials, educators, business leaders and parents at MMY US, a modular housing manufacturer, in Louisville to launch the “Pre-K for All” initiative, which aims to advance the commonwealth’s public education system and job growth.
“We are here, not as Democrats or Republicans, not as part of the right or the left,” Gov. Beshear said. “Instead, we are here as parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, educators and business leaders. We are here because we want the best for our Kentucky kids, the best for our Kentucky parents and caregivers, and we want to build and maintain the best workforce in America.”
“We must provide pre-K to every Kentucky child to ensure that they are prepared for Kindergarten and that they don't feel behind from day one,” the First Lady said. “When our kids start school feeling excited and ready to learn, they have the confidence to speak up in class, challenge themselves, ask questions and connect with their peers. That strong beginning has a long-term impact, and it will help them succeed and build the life they dream of.”
The Governor noted that according to KY Stats, more than half of Kentucky’s children – 53.8% – are unprepared when they show up for their first day of kindergarten.
“Before they even step through the door, they are behind. This creates an achievement gap that is nearly impossible to close,” Gov. Beshear said. “To increase kindergarten-readiness, we need to offer pre-K for every 4-year-old across the state of Kentucky.”
The Governor said that in addition to increasing educational opportunities for the state’s youngest learners, Pre-K for All will also help put money back in the pockets of parents and caregivers and grow the commonwealth’s workforce.
“American families are struggling to pay the bills, and one of the key drivers is a lack of child care,” Gov. Beshear said. “Pre-K for All can ease the financial burden facing our hard-working families and make paying the bills a little easier.”
The Governor noted that according to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, 79 of Kentucky’s 120 counties – nearly two-thirds – don’t have access to enough child care to serve every family who needs it, with the majority of those located in Eastern Kentucky.
“Kentucky will never reach its potential if our children’s zip code determines their place in the world by the first day of kindergarten,” Lt. Gov. Coleman said. “The time for pre-K is now.”
“Louisville is proud to be the first Kentucky city to support Pre-K for All with the launch of our new Thrive by Five initiative,” said Mayor Craig Greenberg. “I appreciate Gov. Beshear’s work to provide access to high quality early learning for children in Louisville and across the commonwealth and I look forward to more exciting announcements in the future.”
A long-term study from Yale found that providing pre-K increased the earnings of parents and caregivers by nearly $9,000 annually, a trend that held for at least six years. This amounts to $54,000 for Kentucky families as their kids grow.
“The research is clear – when investments are made in early learning, the impact on a child’s educational trajectory can bring about transformative outcomes for themselves and future generations. This investment can pay dividends in supporting the state’s economic growth, vitality and well-being so that children, families and Kentucky communities thrive,” said Felicia Cumings-Smith, chair of the Prichard Committee on Academic Excellence.
And what’s good for kids and families is also good for Kentucky’s business and economy. According to estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, over time, Pre-K for All is projected to grow Kentucky’s workforce by up to 70,000 people. In addition, a study from Yale shows that every $1 invested in pre-K generates $10 that cycles through the state economy.
“MMY US is excited to share that the next phase of our investment is already underway – the transformation of the long-derelict ice house in the ground of this facility into a child care, pre-K center before the end of 2025 – a space designed to uplift and serve providing what we in the UK call the “Mum and Dad shift” – a short evening shift designed specifically for parents who might otherwise be excluded from the workforce,” said Chair of the Board and Partner at MMY Spencer Wylie. “Our goal is to provide not only those few valuable working hours, but also on-site child care and even a hot meal for the children – because we know that when families are supported, communities thrive. This initiative directly aligns with Gov. Beshear’s vision for early childhood access and family-forward economic policy, and we are proud to play our part in turning that vision into a reality.”
“Pre-K is the starting gate for Kentucky’s brightest future,” said local parent Rudy Spencer. “It helps children thrive in early learning and gives parents the confidence to support their child’s education from the very beginning.”
Gov. Beshear stressed that Pre-K for All is a nonpartisan issue, noting that 18 states – including Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia and West Virginia – offer pre-K access for all 4-year-olds.
“They have gotten it done, and so can we,” the Governor said in outlining his plans.
As part of the initiative, Gov. Beshear issued an executive order creating the Team Kentucky Pre-K for All Advisory Committee, comprising 28 leaders from across the commonwealth.
Today’s announcement aims to build on Kentucky’s historic economic winning streak.
Under Gov. Beshear’s leadership, the state has broken its job-creation record, creating more than 60,000 good jobs. And while Kentucky has reached the highest point ever for the number of people employed, number of jobs filled and civilian labor force, the Governor said there is still important work to do.
“Pre-K for All is a step we must take to boost our economy, strengthen our workforce, better educate our kids and put more money in the pockets of hard-working Kentucky families,” Gov. Beshear added.
To support the plan, the Governor will make stops in Florence and Lexington later today, as well as Bowling Green on Friday. Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman and Rocky Adkins, senior advisor to Gov. Beshear, will also visit Russell, Hazard and Paducah this week. Next week, the Governor will travel to UniFirst Corp. Distribution Center in Owensboro.
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Gov. Beshear: Deadline To Apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance Extended for Those Impacted by the April Severe Storms
Kentuckians in counties that received federal approval for
Individual Assistance may be eligible
FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 4, 2025) – Gov. Andy Beshear announced today that Kentucky’s request for a 30-day extension to the registration period for those impacted by the April severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, flooding, landslides and mudslides that began in Kentucky on April 2, 2025, has been approved. The deadline has been extended until July 25, 2025, for disaster survivors in all counties designated for Individual Assistance in DR-4864-KY.
On April 24, 2025, President Donald Trump approved Gov. Beshear’s request for a major disaster declaration in response to devastating severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, flooding, landslides and mudslides that began in Kentucky on April 2, 2025.
On May 14, 2025, President Trump approved an amendment to that declaration, expanding Individual Assistance to an additional 24 counties following requests submitted by Gov. Beshear on April 28 and May 5, 2025.
Gov. Beshear’s requests for Public Assistance and hazard mitigation for the entire state are still under review.
Originally, Individual Assistance was made available for residents in the following 13 counties: Anderson, Butler, Carroll, Christian, Clark, Franklin, Hardin, Hopkins, Jessamine, McCracken, Mercer, Owen and Woodford.
The additional counties added by the amendment for DUA eligibility are: Breckinridge, Bullitt, Calloway, Daviess, Garrard, Grayson, Hancock, Hart, Henderson, Henry, Jefferson, LaRue, Lincoln, McLean, Meade, Muhlenberg, Nelson, Ohio, Oldham, Pendleton, Powell, Trimble, Warren and Webster.
Individuals – including unemployed and self-employed individuals who were living or working in the affected areas and became unemployed or had work interrupted as a direct result the flooding that occurred in Kentucky beginning on April 2, 2025, and continue to be out of work – are eligible to apply for DUA benefits through the Kentucky Office of Unemployment Insurance.
DUA is available to individuals who:
- Worked or were self-employed, or were scheduled to begin work;
- Can no longer work or perform services because of physical damage or destruction to their place of employment as a direct result of a disaster, which can also include the physical inaccessibility of the place of employment due to its closure by the federal, state or local government in immediate response to the disaster;
- Establish that the work or self-employment they can no longer perform was their primary source of income;
- Do not qualify for regular unemployment insurance benefits from any state;
- Cannot work or resume self-employment because of an injury as a direct result of the disaster; or
- As a result of the disaster, became the breadwinner or major supporter of a household because of the death of the head of the household.
In order to qualify for DUA benefits, claimants in eligible counties must show that their employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of the disaster and that they are not otherwise eligible for regular unemployment insurance benefits under state or federal law. Farmers and other self-employed individuals who traditionally are ineligible for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits may qualify for DUA.
To receive DUA benefits, the federal program requires individuals to provide documents, including a copy of their most recent federal or state income tax forms or check stubs, a bill showing their physical address at the time of the disaster and a photo ID. All required documentation must be submitted within 21 days from the date the individual’s DUA application is filed.
DUA is available for up to 29 weeks of unemployment beginning April 6, 2025, until Oct. 25, 2025, as long as the individual’s unemployment continues to be a direct result of the disaster.
How To File a Claim
Affected individuals should visit the Kentucky Career Center website at kcc.ky.gov or call 502-564-2900 to file their initial claim. The deadline to apply for assistance is July 25, 2025.
Updated information will be communicated on the Kentucky Career Center website and through future press releases with detailed information. DUA is funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and benefits are not charged to employers.
Following the storms, the Governor urged local officials to start the federal Individual Assistance and Public Assistance damage assessments and asked Kentuckians who experienced storm damage to take photographs to document damages before cleaning up and to report those losses to their local emergency management officials.
Gov. Beshear also activated the State Emergency Operations Center and activated the state’s price gouging laws to protect Kentuckians from overpriced goods and services as they cleaned up from the severe weather.
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Gov. Beshear’s Statement on Court Win That Restores AmeriCorps Grant Funding
FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 5, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear issued a statement after he and several state attorneys general secured a preliminary injunction in a legal challenge against President Donald Trump’s administration’s attempt to dismantle AmeriCorps, the nation’s public service agency.
“The Trump administration’s move to dismantle this independent federal agency is both short-sighted and illegal. AmeriCorps-sponsored programs provide crucial community-based education, work and service opportunities for tens of thousands of Americans in Kentucky and across the nation,” Gov. Beshear said. “The funds they seek to revoke were appropriated by Congress and cannot be withheld or taken away.”
On Feb. 13, the Governor announced that his office was joining a national lawsuit to challenge the freezing of some federal payments. At the time, Gov. Beshear said the state had already paid more than $7 million that the federal government was obligated to reimburse.
Then, on April 29, Gov. Beshear joined others in filing a lawsuit seeking a preliminary injunction to stop the Trump administration’s dismantling of AmeriCorps. Others represented in the lawsuit include Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and the attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.
Arguments on the preliminary injunction motion occurred in May in U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.
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Gov. Beshear Provides Team Kentucky Update
FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 5, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided an update on economic development, a gas tax reduction for Kentuckians, Pre-K for All, awards to strengthen public power and electric grids, grants to clean up and repurpose brownfields, driver licensing, severe weather recovery, Our Healthy Kentucky Home and Gun Violence Awareness Day. The Governor named the University of Louisville and Murray State University baseball teams as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.
Economic Development
Gov. Beshear congratulated Jackson Purchase Distillery, as the company will soon officially fill its 100,000th barrel of bourbon. Founded in 2021 in Hickman, Kentucky, Jackson Purchase is one of the fastest-growing distillery operations in the country. The company has invested over $37 million in the commonwealth. CEO Lloyd Jones and master distiller Craig Beam joined the news conference to talk about this milestone of bourbon success in Kentucky.
Gas Tax Reduction
The Governor announced that his administration has taken another step to help bring down costs for Kentuckians. Starting July 1, the state gas tax will drop by 1.4 cents per gallon. With this new decrease, the Beshear-Coleman administration has now decreased the gas tax by a total of 3.7 cents, or 12%, over the last two years.
“Right now, things that our families need cost too much. As Governor, I am laser-focused on helping bring down costs for our Kentucky families,” said Gov. Beshear. “I know every penny counts, and these savings can really add up. Whether you are driving to school or work – or setting out on a family trip – you should see these savings at the pump.”
Pre-K for All
Yesterday, the Governor launched the “Pre-K for All” initiative, which aims to advance the commonwealth’s public education system and job growth. With stops in Louisville, Florence and Lexington, Team Kentucky officially kicked off the statewide launch tour of this initiative to make pre-K an option for every 4-year-old in Kentucky. Pre-K for All increases kindergarten readiness, eliminates child-care deserts, boosts parents’ take-home pay, saves Kentucky families out-of-pocket child-care costs, grows Kentucky’s labor force and grows Kentucky’s economy.
As part of the initiative, Gov. Beshear issued an executive order creating the Team Kentucky Pre-K for All Advisory Committee, comprising 28 leaders from across the commonwealth. Today, the Governor announced he has selected Sam Flynn to lead the Pre-K for All initiative. Flynn joined the Team Kentucky update to talk about what is coming next, including Town Halls, Pre-K for All Advisory Committee meetings and other ways the public can get involved.
Public Power/Electric Grid Awards
Gov. Beshear announced more than $6 million in awards to improve the dependability of the electric grid and keep the lights on during disruptive events such as extreme weather, wildfire or natural disasters.
Brownfield Grants
Gov. Beshear announced more than $6 million to help Kentucky communities expand economic development and tourism opportunities through the restoration of previously blighted and unused property known as brownfields. The city of Frankfort is receiving a $500,000 Community-wide Assessment Grant to assess, clean up and repurpose the Holmes Street Corridor. City Commissioner Katima Smith-Willis and Rebecca Hall, the grants manager for the city, joined the news conference to speak about the importance of the funding. For a full list of awards, see the full release.
Driver Licensing
The Governor provided an update on steps his administration has taken to implement House Bill 15, which lowers the age at which Kentuckians can obtain a drivers permit from 16 to 15 years old. Since Gov. Beshear signed the legislation and it went into effect under an emergency provision on April 1, nearly 15,000 15-year-olds have successfully passed the written test and obtained their driving permit.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) re-engineered its license system to accommodate the influx of new drivers. Visit the Kentucky State Police website to search for available testing appointments. The Governor announced that Team Kentucky has added over 100 new contracted full-time positions at Driver Licensing Regional Offices that are mostly filled. These new staff members will assist with processing permits for 15-year-olds, REAL ID applicants and license renewal needs. Gov. Beshear also reminded Kentuckians of the ways they can skip the line when renewing their drivers license. Take the quiz to see if you qualify to renew online or by mail.
Severe Weather Recovery
Gov. Beshear provided an update on severe weather recovery in the commonwealth. For the May 16-17 severe weather and tornadoes: Click here for a list of Disaster Recovery Centers open to those affected and click here for a fact sheet on how to apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance. Since the commonwealth received approval, FEMA has disbursed over $1 million in assistance. The deadline to apply for disaster assistance is July 23, 2025.
For the May event, there are currently still five injured people at the University of Kentucky Hospital: two in critical condition and three in good condition. At Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park, 16 households are being housed in travel trailers.
The Governor announced that residents in six counties who were affected by severe weather on May 16 are eligible for Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) benefits. People who live or work in Caldwell, Laurel, Pulaski, Russell, Trigg and Union counties can apply beginning today, June 5, through June 12.
Citizens, along with city, county and KYTC crews have collected and hauled 12,182 tons of debris to the Laurel Ridge Landfill. Laurel County has hired a contractor to remove the remaining debris along county rights-of-way. The city of London is handling its own debris removal within city-maintained properties. State crews are removing debris from state rights-of-way in eastern Pulaski and Laurel counties.
For the April floods, so far, more than $20 million in Individual and Households Assistance has been disbursed. The deadline to apply has been extended to July 25, 2025.
For February severe weather, more than $46 million in federal assistance has been disbursed.
The Governor provided an update on the denial that Team Kentucky received for Public Assistance for ice storms in January. Yesterday, his administration appealed this denial because he believes the event meets all the legal thresholds for assistance. The Governor said he will keep Kentuckians updated on this process.
Gov. Beshear reminded Kentuckians and anyone else who would like to help that the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund is there to support survivors, including paying for funeral expenses for those lost in disasters. To donate, click here. So far, the fund has raised more than $1.6 million in donations from 6,907 donors.
Our Healthy Kentucky Home
The Governor provided an update on Our Healthy Kentucky Home, a one-year initiative to promote simple, positive and attainable goals to inspire and motivate Kentuckians on a journey to health and wellness. Last month, the focus was women’s health. In June, the focus is men’s health, and the Governor and Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health, emphasized the importance of men getting screened for heart disease, lung cancer, diabetes and prostate cancer, as well as eating balanced meals and partaking in regular physical activity. Visit the Our Healthy Kentucky Home website to learn more.
Gun Violence Awareness Day
The Governor signed a proclamation recognizing Gun Violence Awareness Day and Wear Orange Weekend, June 6-8.
“Each year we lose Kentuckians to gun violence, and this is personal to me. I lost one of my very best friends almost two years ago,” said Gov. Beshear. “This weekend, I encourage all Kentuckians to wear orange to help raise awareness about gun violence and to honor the lives of survivors and victims.”
Team Kentucky All-Stars
This year, Kentucky has two schools playing in the NCAA Division I Baseball Super Regional Round – the University of Louisville and Murray State University baseball teams. The Governor named the teams as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.
“It’s been another historic year for sports in the commonwealth,” said Gov. Beshear. “To all the players, coaches, managers and staff who made this moment possible, thank you and congratulations.”
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