FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 10, 2022) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear updated Kentuckians on economic development progress; continued General Fund growth; tips to save; gas prices; the new Prison-to-Work Pipeline program; disaster recovery and rebuilding efforts in Eastern Kentucky; wildfires; COVID-19; the Kentucky State Police promotion ceremony; and the unveiling of the Nettie Depp statue. He also named Kentucky’s veterans as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.
Economic Development Update
The Governor highlighted an economic development project expected to create 35 full-time jobs and that represents $30 million in new investment. He also highlighted investment in Kentucky’s workforce training initiatives.
Tuesday, Gov. Beshear announced another significant investment in Kentucky’s bourbon industry, as the Western Kentucky Distilling Co. will invest nearly $22 million, with the potential to grow to $30 million with a second phase, and create 35 full-time jobs with a new distillery and 15 warehouses in Beaver Dam.
Today, the Governor announced further investment in the commonwealth’s workforce training initiatives, with approval of $1.88 million in funds and credits toward training efforts for 8,432 Kentucky-resident employees. With training funds and credits approved during this month’s Bluegrass State Skills Corporation meeting, the state’s support of workforce training in fiscal year 2023 totals over $3.8 million for nearly 60 applicants across Kentucky to train more than 12,700 employees.
General Fund Recap
Gov. Beshear said that Kentucky’s economic momentum continues as State Budget Director John Hicks reported that October’s General Fund receipts rose 15.2% over last year’s total. Revenues for the month were $1.2 billion compared to $1 billion collected in October 2021. This is the eighth month this year in which collections have exceeded $1 billion. The increase shows that Kentucky continues to have strong business and job growth and that Kentuckians are confident in the economy.
With more than $1.3 billion in revenue surplus estimated for the fiscal year 2023, the Governor noted that we can more than afford his Education First Plan which will give educators pay raises and fund universal pre-k.
“By making these historic investments in our children, educators and workforce we can continue to build that better Kentucky for all our families,” the Governor said.
Efforts to Remove Workforce Barriers for Inmates
Monday, the Governor joined Justice and Public Safety Cabinet Secretary Kerry Harvey and Kentucky Chamber President and CEO Ashli Watts to announce two new programs aimed at boosting workforce participation by helping the justice-involved population who have paid their debt to society and are leaving prison to find meaningful employment.
Gas Prices
Gov. Beshear shared that the average price for gas in Kentucky, at $3.483 per gallon, is 32 cents lower than the national average of $3.803, according to the American Automobile Association. To see a full list of actions Gov. Beshear has taken to provide Kentuckians relief from high gas prices as well as tips to help families save, click here. A free application for help with home heating costs is available through Dec. 16 as part of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP. Visit capky.org/network/ for more information.
Eastern Kentucky Flood Update
Gov. Beshear provided an update on Eastern Kentucky stabilization and rebuilding efforts following July’s historic floods. More than $86.8 million in grants have been approved under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individuals and Households Program for 8,442 households. Over $55.5 million has been approved under the U.S. Small Business Administration. Disaster Recovery Centers and Multi-Agency Resource Centers are open until Nov. 22. The centers will be closed Friday, Nov. 11, in honor of Veterans Day. Visit governor.ky.gov/FloodResources for locations and times or follow Kentucky Emergency Management on social media.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet continues to oversee contractors who are clearing streams of debris and transporting damaged vehicles found in waterways or on public rights of way to vehicle management sites. Community drop-off sites where residents can take eligible debris on their own will remain open until at least Nov. 14. Residents who still need debris removed from private property should contact their local fiscal court for information. Residents searching for a missing vehicle can find information on Gov. Beshear’s Flood Resources web page.
The Governor said that Kentucky State Parks are now housing 224 people, down from the 360 people sheltered on Sept. 1. Currently, 645 individuals are being housed in travel trailers. There are 320 travel trailers on site in 10 different locations.
To date, the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund has raised over $12.2 million from more than 41,000 donors. To contribute, click here. For other information regarding flooding in Eastern Kentucky, visit governor.ky.gov/FloodResources.
Team Kentucky Nonprofit Assistance Fund
Gov. Beshear said that the Team Kentucky Nonprofit Assistance Fund will remain open until Nov. 16. This fund is for nonprofit organizations that have not previously applied for or received an award from the Team Kentucky Nonprofit Assistance Fund. Awards of up to $100,000 in unrestricted funds are available for qualified applicants. Nonprofits can learn more and apply at teamkynonprofitfund.ky.gov. So far, 839 nonprofits have received awards totaling over $56 million dollars.
Wildfire Update
Gov. Beshear said that the U.S. National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for Eastern Kentucky. This means there is an increased risk of fire danger because of dry conditions, warm temperatures, low humidity and strong winds. As of this morning, Kentucky has 52 active fires across the state in 28 counties, covering over 6,000 acres. More than 30 of those fires are still burning but are contained. The other 20 are in the process of being contained.
The two largest fires, both in Estill County, have burned almost 1,000 acres. One is contained, and the other is in the process of being contained. The Kentucky Division of Forestry is working with the U.S. Forest Service in a unified command that includes using helicopters for water drops. More than 15,700 acres have burned so far this fall fire season, which began on Oct. 1.
The Governor thanked those working to put out the fires, including the five state forestry agencies from Virginia, South Carolina, Mississippi, Pennsylvania and Texas, which offered assistance and will be sending fire crews. He also asked Kentuckians to refrain from any outdoor burning during this time, as debris burning, campfires and sparks from farm equipment can cause a fire, especially in the dry conditions.
Health Updates
The Governor also updated Kentuckians on influenza, RSV, COVID-19 and monkeypox in the commonwealth. Gov. Beshear said that the spread of influenza in Kentucky is widespread. One influenza death has been reported for Kentucky's current 2022-2023 influenza season. Most influenza detections in the commonwealth have been identified as Type A. The flu vaccine has been updated this year and is expected to perform well against this circulating strain.
RSV, a common respiratory virus that causes mild cold-like symptoms, has recently increased in the United States, and outbreaks of the virus have occurred in Kentucky daycares and preschools. People of any age can become infected with RSV, and most recover within one to two weeks. RSV can be serious, especially for infants and older adults.
Gov. Beshear said that the most recent COVID-19 data continues to be encouraging. Fewer Kentuckians are hospitalized for COVID-19 than seen at nearly any point during the past two years and more and more counties are showing as “green” on the COVID-19 community levels map.
A total of 74 cases of monkeypox have been reported in Kentucky from 17 different counties. All cases have occurred in adults. More than 6,300 doses of the monkeypox vaccine have been administered in Kentucky. The current vaccine eligibility criteria is listed on the Kentucky Department for Public Health website.
KSP Promotion Ceremony
Yesterday, Gov. Beshear joined Kentucky State Police to recognize 31 troopers and officers who have been promoted into leadership positions since Nov. 1.
“The Kentucky State Police is a crucial part of Team Kentucky. No matter the emergency, KSP shows up,” said Gov Beshear. “They make our local communities safer for the families who call this great state home. And that is why I’ve made it a priority to do what I can to support our troopers, officers and their families.”
Nettie Depp Statue
The Governor announced that he will join Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, First Lady Britainy Beshear and members of Monumental Women of Kentucky Committee to officially unveil the long-awaited statue of Nettie Depp in the Kentucky State Capitol. The installation of Depp’s statue marks the first large-scale Capitol monument to honor a Kentucky woman. Watch the unveiling live via Facebook.com/GovAndyBeshear or YouTube.com/GovAndyBeshear.
Team Kentucky All-Stars
To celebrate Veterans Day, Gov. Beshear named Kentucky’s veterans this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.
The Beshear-Coleman administration is dedicated to supporting veterans, and the Governor has signed several pieces of legislation to improve conditions and opportunities in Kentucky for military families. He has also cut state taxes on military retirement pay and simplified the job certification process for military spouses.
“As Kentuckians – and as Americans – we continually give thanks to our veterans for their bravery, selflessness and dedication to our great country,” Gov. Beshear said. “We honor those who fight on the front lines of war; save lives in times of natural disasters and throughout the pandemic; and defend our way of life. And we pray for those who continue to serve. And I hope we, as Kentuckians, can commit to the hard work of being worthy of their sacrifices, which sustain us.”
Gov. Beshear added, “Our military veterans represent the best of Team Kentucky and of America, and I am proud to name them this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.”
