Gov. Beshear Provides Team Kentucky Update
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 29, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided an update on economic development; a new tourism development project; Overdose Awareness Day; Kentucky State Police (KSP) drug seizures; new grants through the Victims of Crime Act; and work by the Kentucky Division of Forestry to help other states battle wildfires. The Governor also named Dolly Parton and everyone involved with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.
Economic Development
Gov. Beshear highlighted continued momentum of the state’s manufacturing sector as Victory Hemp Foods plans to expand production in Carroll County with a $2.5 million investment, creating 22 quality Kentucky jobs. Chad Rosen, the company’s CEO, joined the Team Kentucky Update to celebrate the announcement.
The Governor announced Mubea – a global automotive supplier of lightweight products for chassis, car bodies and powertrains – plans to expand its Boone County operations with a $24.3 million investment creating 102 well-paying jobs.
Gov. Beshear announced further investment in Kentucky’s site and building development efforts as Ohio County was approved for $222,500 in state funding through the Kentucky Product Development Initiative.
The Governor recapped the largest new jobs project of 2024, as Philip Morris International Inc. announced its Swedish Match affiliate will expand its presence in Daviess County creating 450 direct jobs with a $232 million investment. This announcement is also the 5th largest investment project supported by the state this year.
Wednesday, Gov. Beshear joined local officials and leadership from O-I Glass Inc. and multiple distilleries in Louisville to celebrate the launch of Kentucky’s first dedicated glass recycling program. The $350,000 glass processing initiative will create up to 10 new jobs and is a collaborative partnership between O-I Glass, Workwell Industries and multiple Kentucky distillers, including Suntory Global Spirits, Diageo North America and Pernod Ricard.
The Governor congratulated local officials and representatives from American Welding & Gas, a manufacturer and distributor of industrial, medical, specialty and beverage gases, for cutting the ribbon on the company’s new $9.6 million, state-of-the-art fill plant in Georgetown, which is creating 10 full-time jobs in the region.
Distillery, Tourism Development Project Coming to Woodford County
Gov. Beshear highlighted continued momentum in Kentucky’s booming bourbon and tourism industries by welcoming Saga Spirits Group to Woodford County. The company plans to develop a new $92.5 million whiskey-related project at Edgewood, a 150-acre site in Versailles.
The project includes the creation of a distillery, an interactive visitor center, a tasting room, unique lodging, a restaurant, and retail and event space. Saga Spirits Group will also be making improvements to The Kentucky Castle, an iconic hotel and venue located four miles away in Versailles. Once operational, this project is expected to create 89 jobs. Versailles Mayor Brian Traugott and Woodford County Judge/Executive James Kay joined the Team Kentucky Update to talk about what the announcement means for their community.
Overdose Awareness Day
The Governor proclaimed Aug. 31 as Overdose Awareness Day in the commonwealth. The Governor also highlighted that flags at all state office buildings will be lowered to half-staff in observance of Overdose Awareness Day, and the Governor’s Mansion will be lit purple, the color designated to show support for overdose awareness.
“As we recognize Overdose Awareness Day here in the commonwealth, we remember all those we have lost – each one a beloved child of God who is missed by their families, friends and communities,” said Gov. Beshear. “We must work together in their honor – to ensure every Kentuckian has access to recovery resources. We can continue to see a decline in overdose deaths if we make sure every one of our neighbors feels loved and knows they are not alone.”
Linda Squire, a mother from Louisville who lost her son to an overdose, joined the Team Kentucky Update to recognize Overdose Awareness Day.
“On behalf of the grieving families in Kentucky who have lost precious loved ones to overdose and substance use disorder, I’d like to thank Gov. Beshear for your continued support. We lost our beloved son and brother, Jonathan, to an accidental fentanyl overdose in 2015 at the age of 25. He was bright, talented, compassionate and full of life,” Squire said. “Governor, you have been our advocate and ally for many years. Kentucky is leading the way in overdose awareness and prevention. We are doing our part to stop the stigma, increase opportunities for treatment and recovery and give hope to those that are still struggling.”
Kentucky State Police July Drug Seizures
The Governor provided an update on ongoing efforts by law enforcement to fight the drug epidemic. The total value of KSP’s drug seizures in July amounted to over $9.6 million, which is the largest amount seized in one month in recent history. This included a total of $5.2 million in meth and $3 million in cocaine being removed from the commonwealth’s streets. KSP also made 318 drug-related arrests.
Victims of Crime Act Grants
Gov. Beshear announced that this year’s federal Victims of Crime Act grant funding includes $14.9 million to assist victims of violent crime in the commonwealth. This year’s funding was awarded to 102 organizations across Kentucky that provide critical services, obtain justice and keep Kentuckians safe. To learn more, see the full release.
Division of Forestry Out-of-State Wildland Fire Deployment
Gov. Beshear provided an update on how the commonwealth is helping other states battle wildfires. In 2024 alone, the Kentucky Division of Forestry has sent more than 48 team members and heavy equipment to eight states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas and Washington. These deployments came at no cost, as Kentucky is reimbursed for all associated costs.
The commonwealth has also benefitted from the help of out-of-state fire personnel, including last November, when the commonwealth brought in over 143 personnel from other states to assist with the fires that occurred here during that time.
“This agreement is a win-win. When other states need help, we step up – and they are there for us in return. These voluntary and temporary assignments also give our fire personnel the opportunity to get practical training and sharpen their skills to be better equipped to handle our own fire seasons here in Kentucky,” said Gov. Beshear. “I want to thank our firefighters who help others across the country. You are truly showing our Team Kentucky spirit.”
Team Kentucky All-Stars
On Tuesday, Gov. Andy Beshear and First Lady Britainy Beshear welcomed Dolly Parton to the commonwealth to celebrate statewide expansion of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Kentucky. Now, all children in the commonwealth can receive one free age appropriate book per month, from birth to age 5, ensuring they can build their own at-home library before starting kindergarten.
On Tuesday, the Governor proclaimed August as Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Kentucky Month in the commonwealth and commissioned Dolly a Kentucky Colonel. Today, the Governor named Dolly Parton, along with all Imagination Library staff and volunteers, as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.
“We were so honored to have the one and only Dolly Parton with us to celebrate the life-changing impact that books can have on a child’s future,” said Gov. Beshear. “Already, more than 6 million books have been delivered to Kentucky children through the Imagination Library, and now every child in every county has access. Thank you to Dolly and everyone involved with the Imagination Library. You are this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars!”
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Gov. Beshear, First Lady Welcome Dolly Parton to Kentucky To Celebrate Statewide Expansion of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
All Kentucky children can now receive one
free book per month, from birth to age 5
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 27, 2024) – Gov. Andy Beshear and First Lady Britainy Beshear welcomed Grammy Award-winning artist, actress and philanthropist Dolly Parton to the Bluegrass State today to celebrate Kentucky’s success in getting free books into the hands of children in every county in the commonwealth.
More than 500 local Imagination Library program partners, library staff, literacy advocates and others who helped expand Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library across Kentucky gathered today at the historic Lyric Theatre in downtown Lexington to hear inspiring words from Dolly and recognize this milestone. Now, all Kentucky children can receive one free book per month, from birth to age 5, ensuring they can build their own at-home library before starting kindergarten.
“I'm thrilled to celebrate our statewide Imagination Library partnership today with Governor Andy Beshear, First Lady Britainy Beshear, and our local program partners from across Kentucky. It warms my heart to know that every child from birth to age 5 across the state can register to receive the gift of a monthly Imagination Library book,” Parton said. “Together, we’re inspiring a love of reading that will last a lifetime.”
In celebration of Dolly’s visit, Gov. Beshear proclaimed August as Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Kentucky Month in the commonwealth and named Dolly a member of the Honorary Order of Kentucky Colonels. First Lady Britainy Beshear presented Dolly with a copy of First Dog Winnie’s new coloring book, “Winnie Goes on a Kentucky State Parks Adventure!” In return, Dolly gifted the Governor and First Lady with a copy of her children’s book “Coat of Many Colors,” a retelling of her classic autobiographical song first released in 1971.
“As parents, Britainy and I have seen first-hand how important early childhood education is as kids get ready for kindergarten and the rest of their lives,” said Gov. Beshear. “Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is making a huge difference for kids in Kentucky and beyond, so they can spend time reading and learning with their families. We were so honored to have Dolly Parton herself with us here today to celebrate her legacy and the life-changing impact that books can have on a child’s future.”
“Some of my favorite memories are reading with Will and Lila as they grew up, and every Kentucky family deserves those special moments together,” said the First Lady. “Thanks to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, all Kentucky kids can build a library of their own, and parents and guardians get to experience the joy of watching their child’s eyes light up as they hear a new story they love.”
On the Lyric’s stage, the Governor and First Lady sat down with Dolly to learn more about her inspiration for creating the Imagination Library, her advice on encouraging families to participate in the program, who had the greatest influence on her life and what she has planned for the future.
Before departing the stage, Dolly wrapped up the visit by performing a few of her hit songs, including “Try” and “Coat of Many Colors.”
Christian Adair, executive director of the Lyric Theater said, “We welcome Dolly Parton to this historical place. She is joining famous artists like B.B. King and Tina Turner who have sung here before. It is an honor to have Dolly add to the historical context of the Lyric Theater.”
Kentucky has a long history of success with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, thanks to local program partners. More than 20 years ago, Henderson County established the first Imagination Library program in Kentucky. Since then, more than 6 million books have been delivered to preschool-age children in every ZIP code in the commonwealth.
The program is supported by a 50% state to local program funding match, which was included in the state budget that was approved by the General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Beshear in 2021. The following year, lawmakers and the Governor formalized their commitment to a statewide program by passing legislation and including funding in the two-year budget. The Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives (KDLA) is Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Kentucky’s statewide program partner.
All Kentucky children are eligible to register for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library from birth until age 5. Currently, more than 120,000 Kentucky kids, just over 45% of all eligible preschoolers in the state, are enrolled in the program.
To receive books, a parent or guardian must register their child on the Imagination Library website. Books are mailed directly to the homes of registered children every month, until their 5th birthday. There is no cost to the families and no deadline to register.
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About Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Since launching in 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has become the preeminent early childhood book-gifting program in the world. The flagship program of The Dollywood Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has gifted over 250 million free books in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and The Republic of Ireland. This is achieved through funding shared by The Dollywood Foundation and Local Community or State Partners. The Imagination Library mails more than 3 million high-quality, age-appropriate books directly to children’s homes each month. Each child enrolled in the program receives one book per month from birth to age 5 – at no cost to families. Dolly envisioned creating a lifelong love of reading and inspiring children to Dream More, Learn More, Care More and Be More.
The program’s impact has been widely researched, and results demonstrate its positive impact on early childhood development and literacy skills. Penguin Random House is the exclusive publisher of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. For more information, please visit ImaginationLibrary.com.
About the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives
An agency of the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet, KDLA provides access to quality library and information resources and services and helps ensure public agencies meet requirements for legislatively mandated documentation of government programs. KDLA also offers supports to the blind and print disabled through the Kentucky Talking Book Library and is the state partner for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Kentucky. For more information on KDLA’s resources, programs and services visit kdla.ky.gov or call 502-564-1702.
Beshears: Team Kentucky Will Livestream Special Event on Social Media To Celebrate Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Event will feature Dolly Parton, First Lady Britainy Beshear and Gov. Andy Beshear
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 27, 2024) – First Lady Britainy Beshear and Gov. Andy Beshear are proud to livestream a special event on Facebook and YouTube featuring country music icon Dolly Parton and her Imagination Library.
The event will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 27, at 4:55 p.m. EDT. It will celebrate the statewide expansion of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Kentucky and encourage more families to participate in the free book-gifting program.
Visit facebook.com/GovAndyBeshear/ or youtube.com/GovAndyBeshear to watch the event live.
“Team Kentucky is proud to be a part of bringing books to children across the commonwealth,” said Gov. Beshear. “The program has already had a tremendous impact on the state, and we are excited to help extend its reach even further.”
The celebration will bring together Imagination Library of Kentucky’s local program partners, early childhood education stakeholders and other special guests. The Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives, a part of the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet, is a proud sponsor of the evening’s events.
Thanks to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Kentucky and the work of over 120 local program partners, more than 120,000 Kentucky children under five years old receive free books every month.
To receive monthly books from the program, visit the Imagination Library’s website. There is no deadline to register for the program.
The program is supported by a 50% state to local program funding match, which was included in the state budget that was approved by the General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Beshear in 2021. The following year, lawmakers and the Governor formalized their commitment to a statewide program by passing legislation and including funding in the two-year budget.
About Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Since launching in 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has become the preeminent early childhood book-gifting program in the world. The flagship program of The Dollywood Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has gifted over 250 million free books in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and The Republic of Ireland. This is achieved through funding shared by The Dollywood Foundation and Local Community and [State/Provincial/National] Partners. The Imagination Library mails more than 3 million high-quality, age-appropriate books directly to children’s homes each month. Each child enrolled in the program receives one book per month from birth to age five – at no cost to families. Dolly envisioned creating a lifelong love of reading and inspiring children to Dream More, Learn More, Care More and Be More.
The program’s impact has been widely researched, and results demonstrate its positive impact on early childhood development and literacy skills. Penguin Random House is the exclusive publisher of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. For more information, please visit imaginationlibrary.com.
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