Gov. Beshear Signs Executive Order Banning Conversion Therapy on Minors in Kentucky
Governor takes important step to protect Kentucky youth, fight discrimination
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 18, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear signed an executive order officially banning the practice of conversion therapy on minors in the state of Kentucky.
“Kentucky cannot possibly reach its full potential unless it is free from discrimination by or against any citizen – unless all our people feel welcome in our spaces, free from unjust barriers and supported to be themselves,” said Gov. Beshear. “Conversion therapy has no basis in medicine or science, and it can cause significant long-term harm to our kids, including increased rates of suicide and depression. This is about protecting our youth from an inhumane practice that hurts them.”
The executive order signed by Gov. Beshear makes it illegal to use state or federal funds to provide conversion therapy on minors. It also gives licensing boards the authority to take disciplinary action against licensees found to have practiced conversion therapy on minors.
The practice of so-called “conversion therapy” or “reparative therapy” is particularly harmful to LGBTQ+ youth. The intent of this practice is to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity, and methods include aversion therapy, talk therapy, shaming and hypnosis, among other techniques. Conversion therapy rests on the premise that an LGBTQ+ individual’s identity is pathological and can be “repaired” or “fixed.” This false premise has no basis in medicine or science.
According to such organizations as the American Medical Association, the American College of Physicians and the American Psychiatric Association, the dangerous practice of conversion therapy can cause significant long-term harm to youth, including anxiety, depression, loss of social supports and suicidal behaviors.
In the 2023 survey by a nonprofit suicide prevention organization the Trevor Project, 15% of LGBTQ+ youth reported being threatened with or subjected to conversion therapy. The same survey showed that youth who were subjected to conversion therapy reported more than twice the rate of suicide attempts in the past year compared with those who were not subjected to it.
The leading medical and mental health organizations in the United States oppose the practice of conversion therapy, including: the American Psychological Association, the American Counseling Association, the Kentucky Psychological Association, the National Association of Social Workers – Kentucky Chapter, the Kentucky Mental Health Coalition, and the Fairness Campaign.
At least 23 states and the District of Columbia prohibit the use of conversion therapy with minors in some way, either through barring its agencies from spending state and federal dollars for conversion therapy with minors, or by making engaging in conversion therapy a prohibited act or unprofessional conduct for licensed practitioners and subjecting them to disciplinary action for violating the prohibition. Some of these states have acted through executive order, but many of them have passed bipartisan legislation to prohibit the harmful practice of conversion therapy.
“We applaud Gov. Andy Beshear for his bold and necessary action to protect Kentucky’s LGBTQ youth from the harmful practice of conversion therapy,” said Chris Hartman, executive director of the Fairness Campaign. “Today Gov. Beshear sends a crystal-clear message to all of Kentucky’s LGBTQ kids and their families – you are perfect as you are.”
“The KY Mental Health Coalition applauds Gov. Andy Beshear for issuing this executive order against conversion therapy. It is strong action that affirms our youth and protects them from this harm,” said executive director of the KY Mental Health Coalition, Dr. Sheila Schuster.
“NASW-KY is honored to be here today to celebrate Gov. Beshear’s executive order to protect the LGBTQ+ youth of Kentucky against the draconian and deadly practice of ‘conversation therapy,’ which is nothing more than physical, mental and emotional torture,” said Brenda Rosen, executive director of Kentucky’s chapter of the NASW. “We celebrate with individuals and communities across Kentucky and are eternally grateful that during September’s National Suicide and Prevention Month, Kentucky is powering forward to save the lives of our youth and ensuring that our LGBTQ+ citizens know they are loved and valued in the Bluegrass state. Thank you, Gov. Beshear, for your steadfast commitment to ensuring that Kentucky leads in compassion, kindness and integrity.”
“The widely discredited practice of ‘conversion therapy’ has no place in the mental health care of LGBTQ youth,” said KPA Executive Director Eric Russ. “This executive order from Gov. Beshear will save lives by preventing this so-called treatment from being inflicted on any more children in Kentucky.”
Gov. Beshear was the first sitting Governor in Kentucky’s history to participate in the Statewide Fairness Rally, and in 2021, he proclaimed June as Pride Month for the first time in the commonwealth. Last year, the Governor vetoed a bill that banned access to gender-affirming health care and restricted bathroom access. The supermajorities in both of Kentucky’s legislative chambers voted to override the veto.
###
Gov. Beshear Recognizes Sacrifice of Kentucky Soldier Killed in Korean War
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 17, 2024) – Gov. Andy Beshear recognizes the sacrifice of a Kentucky soldier who was killed during the Korean War but who was not accounted for until May 10, 2024, and whose family was not fully briefed on the identification until recently.
“We owe a debt to those who are working so diligently to identify our unknown heroes from past wars,” said Gov. Beshear. “While it is heartbreaking to learn about the loss of this Korean War soldier, it is also healing to be able to finally bring him home.”
U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Raymond E. Hall of Mountain Ash, Kentucky, was a member of Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in July 1950. He was originally reported missing in action on July 31 after his unit engaged in intensive combat actions against North Korean People’s Army (NKPA) forces in the vicinity of Sunchon, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Hall had actually been captured by enemy forces and was being transported north with other POWs when NKPA guards suddenly executed him and 65 other U.S. POWs in what would be called the “Sunchon Tunnel Massacre.” The remains of the men were found by U.S. forces the following day and were transported to the United Nations Military Cemetery (UNMC) Pyongyang for temporary interment. Hall was initially identified by FBI fingerprint comparison while at UNMC, but Pyongyang had to be evacuated due to enemy activity and his remains were not recovered.
Following the war, in 1954, the opposing nations reached an agreement to exchange war dead, the execution of which was known as Operation GLORY. One set of Unknown remains, designated X-17101 OP GLORY, was not accompanied by any clothing, personal effects or any identification media. While Hall had been previously identified, U.S. Army Central Identification investigators could not correlate X-17101 with Hall at the time. Those remains were then sent to Hawaii where they were buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, known as the Punchbowl, in Honolulu.
In August 2017, DPAA personnel exhumed Unknown X-17101 from the Punchbowl and sent the remains to the DPAA laboratory for analysis.
To identify Hall’s remains, scientists from DPAA used dental and anthropological analysis, as well as chest radiograph comparison and circumstantial evidence. Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis.
Hall’s name is recorded on the Courts of the Missing at the Punchbowl, along with the others who are still missing from the Korean War. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.
Hall will be buried in Calverton, New York, on Oct. 21, 2024.
Gov. Beshear will order flags lowered to half-staff in honor of Hall on the day of interment.
###
Gov. Beshear Cuts Ribbon on 1st EV Charging Station in Southeastern U.S. Supported by Federal Program
3rd Request for Proposals announced to further expand commonwealth’s EV network
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 17, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear joined U.S. Department of Energy Senior Advisor for State and Community Engagement Christopher Castro, State Highway Engineer James Ballinger and state and local officials at Circle K in Richmond to cut the ribbon on the first electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging station in Kentucky built with funds from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program. The federally funded station is not only the first in the commonwealth to open, but the first in the Southeastern United States.
Gov. Beshear also announced Kentucky is seeking proposals to install up to 12 additional stations along Kentucky’s interstates and parkways using NEVI funding. The ribbon-cutting and additional Request for Proposals (RFP) are both major steps in Team Kentucky’s EV Charging Program, which anticipates adding up to 50 new fast-charging stations along Kentucky’s interstates and parkways by the end of 2026.
“With the help of $70 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, today, Kentucky takes a major step forward in its progress toward a cleaner, Made-in-America transportation system with the opening of the state’s first NEVI-funded electric vehicle charging station along the busy Interstate 75 corridor,” said Transportation Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg. “Kentucky is ahead of the curve as we expect to ramp up the number of federally funded chargers in the coming years, putting us on our way to President Biden’s goal of 500,000 publicly available chargers by the end of the decade.”
“Kentucky is leading the way in expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure options in the Southeast, joining pioneering neighbors like Ohio, New York and Pennsylvania to build out an affordable and reliable charging experience across four contiguous states and to enhance charging access nationwide,” said Deputy Secretary of Energy David Turk. “Thanks to public and private investments, the publicly available U.S. charging network has more than doubled since the start of the Biden-Harris administration, building a future where everyone can ride and drive electric.”
Last month, the number of publicly available chargers across the U.S. has doubled since the start of the Biden-Harris administration, to more than 192,000. The NEVI program will help fill gaps in the national network where the private sector may not otherwise go.
Team Kentucky’s EV Charging Program has approved 38 fast-charging stations from nine developers for $25 million in federal formula funds to date. In total, Kentucky is expected to receive nearly $70 million from the NEVI program that was established through the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).
“Kentucky is an EV leader, and it is Kentuckians and visitors to our commonwealth who will benefit from this network of connectivity,” said Gov. Beshear. “We want to ensure that those who currently own electric vehicles and those who will own them in the future can easily travel our state from border to border and see all that Kentucky has to offer. I am proud to see Kentucky leading the charge with the first NEVI-funded fast charging station in the Southeastern U.S., and I’m excited to see this network of reliable charging stations take shape in our state.”
The fast-charging stations approved to date are along the state’s 11 interstates and eight parkways. Each station must have at least four charging ports of 150 kilowatt (kW) or more, be accessible to the public 24 hours a day/seven days a week and work with most EV models.
Circle K Ribbon Cutting
To celebrate today’s grand opening, Circle K will offer two weeks of free charging, from Sept. 17 through Oct. 1, to EV owners who use the Circle K app at the Richmond location. It’s one of two awarded sites that Circle K will own and operate in Kentucky. The site has four ABB E-Mobility 180kW fast chargers. Each can charge a typical EV in under 20 minutes. They currently feature standard Combined Charging System (CCs) 1 connectors. North American Charging Standard (NACS) connectors are expected to be added later this year.
“We are grateful to Gov. Beshear, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the NEVI Formula Program for the support as we bring EV fast charging to our valued customers in Kentucky,” said Circle K Executive Vice President, North America Operations and Global Commercial Optimization, Louise Warner. “Partnerships like this are helping drive our efforts to have EV charging at 200 of our sites across North America this year and support our commitment to be a preferred destination for convenience and mobility.”
Circle K was awarded $536,600 through the EV Charging Program for the $1,103,335 project. Ground was broken on the new charging station in mid-February.
“This project sets the stage for the dozens of sites to follow that will offer reliable and convenient EV stations along major highways,” said State Highway Engineer James Ballinger. “As more fast-charging stations open statewide, EV owners will have peace of mind knowing Kentucky offers a reliable and convenient charging network that supports long distance travel for our residents and visitors to the state.”
From Sept. 17 through Oct. 1, drivers can enjoy free charging at the Richmond location via the Circle K Charge App, which can be found in the Apple App Store or Google Play. After downloading and opening the app, customers can search for and select the location, charger and port, connect the charging cable to the car then swipe on the app to initiate the charge. The app will request card payment information but no charge will be made during the promotion period.
Users who do not use the app but swipe their card at the chargers will be charged 1 cent during the two-week offer. For more information about EV charging at Circle K, customers can visit circlek.com/charge.
“The city of Richmond is excited to be the first of the 38 locations within the interconnected network of electric vehicle charging stations in Kentucky,” said Richmond Mayor Robert Blythe. “The city anticipates welcoming those who use electric or hybrid vehicles to this truly ground-breaking technological opportunity. As drivers charge their vehicles, they may also choose to re-charge themselves in our community and experience all Richmond has to offer.”
Third Request for Proposals to Expand Kentucky’s EV Network
A third Request for Proposals (RFP) seeks to award funding for up to 12 additional charging stations to complete the long-distance charging network while meeting the federal requirement to have charging stations every 50 miles on all AFCs across the state. The RFP seeks bids from private developers to design, build, own, operate and maintain fast charging stations for five years after construction is complete. The RFP is available at EVCharging.ky.gov.
Responses to the RFP are due in mid-October. Candidates will be selected on a site-by-site basis to receive a portion of federal funding allocated to the state.
Kentucky’s EV Network
The NEVI program launched in February 2022, providing $5 billion over five years to help states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico create a network of EV charging stations with a focus on building the infrastructure along interstate highway corridors.
Kentucky has awarded 38 sites to private developers. Selected developers are proceeding with site acquisition, design, construction, operations and maintenance of the charging stations and following requirements of the NEVI Formula Program. KYTC will not develop, own, operate or maintain the charging stations. Each developer must fund at least 20% of the construction and operational costs and is required to maintain the operation of the charging stations for at least five years.
The Kentucky EV Charging Program is a joint initiative of KYTC, the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, the Public Service Commission and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
Visit EVCharging.ky.gov for more information about the program.
###
Gov. Beshear Joins Leaders, Advocates To Celebrate Recovery Month
Governor certifies 4 more counties as Recovery Ready Communities, signs 3 bills supporting recovery in the commonwealth
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 16, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear joined state and local leaders and recovery advocates at the state Capitol to recognize Recovery Month in Kentucky. The Governor also certified four counties as Recovery Ready Communities, bringing the total to 18, and ceremonially signed three pieces of legislation supporting addiction recovery in the commonwealth.
“We have made great strides in getting dangerous drugs off our streets and increasing access to addiction treatment resources in the commonwealth, but we still have more to do,” said Gov. Beshear. “My goal is to make sure every Kentuckian brave enough to take that first step to create a better life has the support they need to overcome addiction. I truly believe we can do that by putting in the work and making sure every one of our neighbors feels loved and knows they are not alone.”
Four New Recovery Ready Communities
Gov. Beshear announced that Calloway, Daviess, Fayette and Pulaski counties have been certified as Recovery Ready Communities. Since the first county was announced in May 2023, the state has certified a total of 18 counties for establishing services to residents who are seeking help for drug or alcohol addiction in three different categories: prevention, treatment and recovery support.
For more, see the full release.
House Bill 462
The Governor ceremonially signed House Bill 462, sponsored by Rep. Steve Bratcher, which addresses gaps in certification requirements and strengthens the framework for recovery housing, ensuring these facilities provide safe, supportive environments for individuals in recovery.
Senate Bill 71
Gov. Beshear signed Senate Bill 71, sponsored by Sen. Phillip Wheeler, which expands access to transportation services for people in recovery residences, protects the Alternative Sentencing Worker Program and prohibits any person from receiving monetary compensation for referrals into addiction treatment facilities.
House Bill 505
Finally, the Governor signed House Bill 505, sponsored by Rep. Kimberly Poore Moser, which expands the Board of Alcohol and Drug Counselors and establishes criteria for registration as a “temporary alcohol and drug peer support specialist.”
Fighting Addiction in Kentucky
In June, the Governor announced that Kentucky saw a 9.8% decrease in drug overdose deaths in 2023, the commonwealth’s second consecutive annual decrease.
In May, the Governor announced that Kentucky’s Counterdrug Program helped save Kentuckians’ lives by supporting the seizure of 265,170 fentanyl pills and 208.3 pounds of fentanyl during the 2023 federal fiscal year.
In 2023, the state supported the distribution of more than 160,000 doses of Narcan. The state’s Treatment Access Program also allows those without health insurance to enter residential treatment.
Kentucky leads the nation in the number of residential drug and alcohol treatment beds per capita. The administration has also recorded the three lowest recidivism rates in over a decade. This year, Gov. Beshear announced a new website to help Kentuckians seeking second chances find a job, get an education or continue recovery. The site also connects business leaders with resources to help them hire second-chance talent.
Treatment Resources
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, the KY HELP Call Center can connect you to treatment by calling 833-8KY-HELP (833-859-4357). Information about treatment programs all across the commonwealth is available at FindHelpNowKy.org. Information on how to obtain the life-saving drug naloxone, which is used to reverse an opioid overdose, can be found at that website as well as at FindNaloxone.ky.gov and FindMentalHealthNowKy.org.
Last year, Gov. Beshear announced a new searchable website to help people find recovery housing, FindRecoveryHousingNowKY.org. Since the website’s launch, over 24,000 individuals have been connected to recovery housing resources across the commonwealth.
Visit the Kentucky State Police website to find a post where those suffering from addiction can be paired with a local officer who will assist with locating an appropriate treatment program through KSP’s Angel Initiative.
###
Gov. Beshear Provides Team Kentucky Update
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 19, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided an update on economic development; an upgrade in the commonwealth’s credit rating; a new Madisonville law enforcement training facility; new homes in Eastern Kentucky for flood survivors; federal grants to improve Kentucky roads; and the first federally funded electric vehicle charging station in Kentucky. The Governor named the Kentucky State University Football Team as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars, ahead of the Chicago Football Classic at Soldier Field this Saturday.
Economic Development
Gov. Beshear highlighted new growth in Kentucky’s booming manufacturing sector as Niagara Bottling, a manufacturer of bottled water and soft drinks, announced plans to locate a new $129.8 million production facility in Kenton County and create 60 new full-time jobs in the area.
Moody’s Rating Upgrade
Gov. Beshear announced that Moody’s Ratings has upgraded the commonwealth’s credit rating to Aa2 from Aa3. The rating is a measure of the state’s ability to pay debts and the overall health of Kentucky’s economy. The upgrade was driven by the commonwealth’s sustained commitment to healthy reserves and structural balance, including by fully funding pensions and paying down unfunded liabilities. It also reflects growth in key industries that will help solidify Kentucky’s economic growth over the next several years, including large investments in the state’s manufacturing sector, EV manufacturing, logistics and the growth of Kentucky’s tourism and health care sectors.
“This is the third major rating increase for Kentucky in just over a year,” said Gov. Beshear. “This is a fantastic milestone for Team Kentucky as we show everyone that our economy is booming, our pensions are strong and our fiscal house is in order due to strong management and smart choices that put our people first.”
Flags to Half-Staff Saturday in Honor of Russell County Sheriff’s Deputy
Gov. Beshear expressed his condolences to the family and friends of Russell County Sheriff’s Deputy Joshua Phipps, who was killed in the line of duty this week. The Governor ordered flags at all state buildings to be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset Saturday, Sept. 21, in honor of his life and service. The Governor asked all of Kentucky to join in praying for Deputy Phipps’ family, fellow law enforcement officers and the entire Russell County community.
New Madisonville Law Enforcement Training Facility
The Governor announced a historic expansion of law enforcement basic training in Western Kentucky, as a new training facility will open in Madisonville in February 2024. Previously, officers from every county in the commonwealth have traveled to Richmond to receive the 20 weeks of vital training. For the first time since basic training became mandatory in 1998, the commonwealth will be able to offer training in two locations simultaneously. New officers located in the western end of the state will be able to stay closer to home with the new facility in Madisonville. The Department of Criminal Justice Training will train officers in a building provided by the Madisonville Police Department while Team Kentucky constructs a $50 million multipurpose training facility in Madisonville.
“For the first time ever, recruits who live in the western end of our state will not have to drive to Richmond, but instead will have access to a training academy closer to home,” Gov. Beshear said. “This means they will have more time with their families, and more time to focus on their critical training as they prepare to serve and protect the commonwealth.”
“As a former police chief, I know how critical it is to get new officers into the academy, trained and back on the streets to keep our communities safe. Training is where safe communities start,” said Department of Criminal Justice Training Deputy Commissioner Mike Bosse. “We are so proud to have this opportunity to expand access to Kentucky’s state-of-the-art, exceptional law enforcement training. We couldn’t have done it without the partnerships and support from Gov. Beshear, our legislators and the city of Madisonville.”
“We are thrilled to welcome the DOCJT Western Kentucky Police Academy to Madisonville,” said Madisonville Mayor Kevin Cotton. “This achievement is the result of strong collaboration between local and state leaders, law enforcement agencies, and the dedicated efforts of our community partners. The academy will not only bring significant economic growth but also enhance our local law enforcement’s training capabilities, making our city an even safer and more vibrant place to live.”
“I have been excited about this training center opening since the day plans for it were announced. It not only saves our county funds that would otherwise be spent on travel, but it will also ease the same burden for other counties in the western part of the commonwealth,” Hopkins County Judge/Executive Kevin Whitfield said. “In addition, this center will greatly increase the number of law enforcement officers who can be certified in the state. We have a lot to offer our visitors to Hopkins County, and I am proud to see we’ve become a regional hub for shopping, education, healthcare and commerce, and now we’ve added law enforcement training to our list.
Eastern Kentucky Housing Announcement
The Governor announced $7,750,000 to help build homes for flood survivors in Eastern Kentucky. The awards come from Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery funding, administered by the Kentucky Department for Local Government.
- Gov. Beshear awarded $5,000,000 to Partnership Housing, Inc. to build six duplexes in the city of Booneville, located in Owsley County, for a total of twelve housing units.
“These homes we’re building are not only affordable, but also highly efficient,” said Booneville Mayor Nelson Bobrowski. “This funding is so instrumental to helping our people and moving them out of the floodplain.”
“We appreciate everything the Governor’s office has done for Owsley County,” said Owsley County Judge/Executive Zeke Little, Jr. “This is a great opportunity for us to get more housing, which is something we are short on. The more housing we have, the more people come in, and the more jobs are created. It’s a win-win for all of us.”
- The Governor also awarded $2,750,000 to Infrastructure Town View, Inc. to build a new 24-unit multi-family apartment building in Hyden, located in Leslie County.
Safe Streets and Roads For All Grants
The Governor announced that Team Kentucky was awarded nearly $28.5 million for seven separate grants in the newest round of funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The grants will fund improvements such as revamped pedestrian crossings, constructing new sidewalks and walkways, improving roadway shoulders, constructing roundabouts to replace high crash rate intersections and other safer road solutions.
The Envisioning a Safer Elizabethtown project received an $11.1 million grant matched by $2.3 million in state funds. Elizabethtown Mayor Jeff Gregory joined the Team Kentucky Update to express his excitement about the funding.
“We’re experiencing an economic and industrial boom in the city of Elizabethtown, and that’s due to the hard work of the Governor, the Cabinet for Economic Development and a lot of people on the local level,” said Mayor Gregory. “And because of that, we’re working hard to make sure our infrastructure stays ahead of the game. This grant money is going to be huge for us because it identifies two different corridors that are most at risk statistically for injury accidents, and we’ll be able to put this money towards updating that infrastructure, making people safer and saving lives.”
Also receiving funding are Boone and Henderson counties, Danville, London, Louisville and Versailles. See a full breakdown of the projects. The funding comes from the Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program, which is overseen by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
First Federally Funded Electric Vehicle Charging Station in Kentucky
On Tuesday, the Governor joined U.S. Department of Energy Senior Advisor for State and Community Engagement Christopher Castro, State Highway Engineer James Ballinger and state and local officials at Circle K in Richmond to cut the ribbon on the first electric vehicle fast-charging station in the southeastern United States built with funds from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program.
Team Kentucky All-Stars
The Governor named the Kentucky State University football team as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars. The team will play the Morehouse College Tigers at Soldier Field on Saturday night, as part of the Chicago Football Classic.
“This is more than a game, it’s an opportunity to recognize great historically black colleges and universities across the country, like KSU, and to raise money for scholarships for African American students planning to attend those institutions,” said Gov. Beshear. “We can’t wait to watch the game and cheer on our home team. I’m proud of how these young men are representing our commonwealth on the national stage, and that’s why I’m excited to recognize each of them as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars, as well as their coaches and team staff.”
###
|
