FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 10, 2022) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided his Team Kentucky update and discussed a new electric vehicle charging network, the Commonwealth Sheltering Program, the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund and the state’s positive financial outlook. He also announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has extended its deadline for those affected by the tornadoes to apply for individual assistance to March 13.
First Lady Invites Kentuckians to ‘Shop & Share’ on Saturday, Feb. 12
First Lady Britainy Beshear continues to partner with the Kentucky Coalition Against Domestic Violence (KCADV) and Kroger in support of the commonwealth’s 15 regional domestic violence shelters through the 2022 Shop & Share event Saturday, Feb. 12, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time.
“My primary mission as First Lady is to do all I can to better the lives of families and children across Kentucky. A safe and stable home environment is foundational to that mission,” Mrs. Beshear said. “Sadly, domestic violence remains a very real threat to the safety of many Kentuckians. Thankfully, KCADV’s programs provide life-saving shelter and support for individuals and families in crisis.”
This year’s Shop & Share event once again aligns with Super Bowl weekend, when many Kentuckians visit grocery stores to prepare for Super Bowl celebrations. Kroger stores across the commonwealth, as well as select Food City and Super Dollar locations are participating. To learn more, see the full release.
Kentucky to Build Electric Vehicle Charging Network
Gov. Beshear today announced that Kentucky is set to receive as much as $10,280,470 in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for fiscal year 2022 to deploy electric vehicle charging infrastructure. To learn more, see the full release.
“We know that electric vehicles are the way of the future, and Kentucky is going to be at the center of that transition,” said Gov. Beshear. “Kentuckians are going to be making the batteries for these cars, and this will ensure we have the infrastructure in place that will allow Kentuckians to drive and enjoy them.”
Commonwealth Sheltering Program
Kentucky Emergency Management has confirmed that seven new families are ready to move into travel trailers this Friday. Today, Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman visited Mayfield to hand over more keys to families moving in. Since Jan. 28, 18 families, in 18 trailers, have been placed in Dawson Springs/Hopkins County and Mayfield/Graves County and a total of 60 individuals are living in travel trailers.
New FEMA Deadline, Sunday, March 13
Just today, the commonwealth was notified that the deadline for storm survivors to apply for FEMA for assistance is now Sunday, March 13, 2022. The commonwealth asked for an extension to make sure all storm survivors have more time to apply. The previous deadline was Friday, Feb. 11. To apply for FEMA assistance, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. To find a Disaster Recovery Center visit fema.gov/drc or call the FEMA Helpline.
Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund Update
The Governor shared the latest numbers on the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund. The total amount of donations is $46,365,094 and the fund balance is $43,264,987. In January, the Governor announced that the state would apply the funds to add 20% on top of what FEMA awards in individual assistance for uninsured homeowners and renters impacted by the storms. The fund was use to first pay every family that has lost a loved one to the tornadoes – 77 Kentuckians – to cover funeral expenses.
General Fund Receipts Up
The Office of State Budget Director reported today that January’s General Fund receipts totaled $1,212.9 million, marking an unprecedented fifth consecutive month in which General Fund collections have exceeded $1 billion. General Fund receipts for January 2022 increased 12.7%, year-to-date up 15.4%. This growth rate marks the sixth consecutive month of double-digit percentage growth, a feat not accomplished since FY 1991.
“This positive news is a result of strong fiscal management, continued strength in consumer spending and consumer sentiment as well as increases in wages and business growth,” said Gov. Beshear. “And this news comes just as we recently announced that S&P Global Ratings revised Kentucky’s financial outlook to positive from stable and affirmed its ‘A-’ credit ranking.”
Team Kentucky All Star
Gov. Beshear recognized Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Conservation Officer Samantha Faoro as today’s Team Kentucky All Star. On Friday, Jan. 28, a Kentucky State trooper was shot during a traffic stop in Cynthiana. Officer Faoro rushed to the scene, not knowing whether the shooter was still there. When she arrived, the trooper was alert, but was clearly wounded, having been shot six times. Officer Faoro drove the Trooper to the hospital, and now he is recovering at home.
“Samantha is everything we look for in law enforcement officers and she is this week’s Team Kentucky All Star,” said Gov. Beshear.
Kentuckian Sandra Mae Frank Performing ASL During Super Bowl Halftime Show
The Governor said one of Kentucky’s own will be doing the ASL performance of the Super Bowl Halftime show this weekend. Sandra Mae Frank is a graduate from the Kentucky School for the Deaf.
“We are proud that Sandra Mae is representing the commonwealth and our ASL community this weekend on the national stage,” Gov. Beshear. “As Virginia Moore has taught us, there is nothing more important than inclusion, and Sandra Mae is ensuring that happens during one of our country’s biggest events. Good luck!”
