FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 20, 2023)– Today, Gov. Andy Beshear updated Kentuckians on the longest period for the lowest unemployment rates in state history; economic development projects; the latest overdose report; a wildfire at Natural Bridge State Resort Park; local law enforcement basic training graduation; rebuilding efforts in Eastern Kentucky; the Governor’s Celebration Derby Poster; and public health. He also named 2023-2024 Kentucky Poet Laureate Silas House as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Star.
Kentucky Sets Longest Period for Lowest Unemployment Rates in State History
Today, Gov. Beshear announced that Kentucky has set the record for the longest period with the lowest unemployment rates in state history. Over the past 15 months, the rate has been between 3.8%, the lowest rate ever recorded, and 4%, marking the longest period with the lowest unemployment rates in state history. Kentucky has now achieved a 3.8% unemployment rate during four months since the beginning of 2022. The Governor also announced that Kentucky has seen 2.3% job growth over pre-pandemic levels, with nearly 46,000 more jobs in Kentucky than in February 2020.To learn more, see the full release.
“We have been at or below the lowest unemployment rates in Kentucky’s history since the Bureau of Labor Statistics started tracking it in 1976,” Gov. Beshear said. “Kentucky is emerging as a top 10 economy, and I want to thank our hard-working Kentucky families and all of the businesses that are betting their futures on our great state. Today’s news is more proof of what can achieve when we all work together on Team Kentucky.”
Economic Development
The Governor highlighted a groundbreaking that shows the continuing strength of Kentucky’s manufacturing sector. Last week, O-I Glass broke ground on its new glass manufacturing facility in Bowling Green, creating up to 140 full-time jobs for Kentuckians with a multiphase investment of up to $240 million.
2022 Overdose Report
Since taking office, Gov. Beshear has prioritized fighting the ongoing drug epidemic. Today, he announced a 5% decrease in overdose deaths – the first decrease in Kentucky in four years.
“While a 5% decrease in overdose deaths is encouraging, let’s not forget that there are still thousands of people who are struggling and need our help,” said Gov. Beshear. “We owe it to them and to future generations of Kentuckians to continue attacking this problem head on with everything we’ve got. I promise to be there every step of the way.”
“I am glad to have good news to share today. Drug overdose deaths in Kentucky have been on the rise for the last four years, with a spike at the start of the world-wide pandemic,” said Dana Quesinberry, co-principal investigator for surveillance of the Kentucky Drug Overdose Data to Action Program, a partner of the Department for Public Health and University of Kentucky’s College of Public Health. “The numbers from 2022 show that prevention efforts are working, and we share this news today to continue to inform prevention interventions as we work together across state and local government to address this public health crisis and save lives.”
Wildfire at Natural Bridge State Resort Park
The Governor said a wildfire at Natural Bridge State Resort Park in Slade began late Monday. The Kentucky State Park Ranger Division provided overnight watch. Nearly 100 firefighters from the Kentucky Division of Forestry, U.S. Forest Service, Daniel Boone National Forest and local fire departments are using multiple engines and aerial resources to control the fire.
Winds on Tuesday pushed the fire over containment lines into more than 100 acres in the last day and into Daniel Boone National Forest land. Once the fire is contained and the spread is stopped, fire crews will control the fire by extinguishing any smoldering material and reinforcing control lines.
All park trailheads and parking lots, except for the lodge lot, are closed to the public. Due to the spreading fire, guests staying in cottages have been relocated to the lodge. Cottages and the Woodland Center are closed to the public. Mill Creek Lake is currently being used as a water source to fight the fire and is closed to the public. The lodge and dining room are open and operating during regular hours. Campgrounds will be open for campers this weekend.
DOCJT Basic Training Graduation
Gov. Beshear said that this month, the Department of Criminal Justice Training, the state agency that trains local law enforcement agencies, graduated 30 new officers from agencies across the state. This graduating class included eight women, which is one of the largest number of women to graduate from a single basic training class. The new officers join 1,115 Kentuckians who have completed their basic training since December 2019.
“To the recruits who just graduated – the commonwealth is lucky to have public servants of your caliber. We thank you for your diligence toward creating safer communities,” said Gov. Beshear. “Team Kentucky wishes you a safe and fulfilling career.”
March Storms and Eastern Kentucky Flood Update
Gov. Beshear said the state is finalizing joint damage assessments in over a dozen counties for localized storms that took place on March 3. Kentucky Emergency Management will request that 10 counties be added to the 76 included in the federal declaration President Joe Biden approved on April 10. The counties include Boyle, Clinton, Fayette, Henderson, McCreary, Mercer, Pulaski, Russell, Wayne and Woodford. The counties will be added to the declaration if approved for public assistance.
The Governor also provided an update on recovery and rebuilding efforts in Eastern Kentucky.
Currently, 141 families are housed in travel trailers, and Kentucky State Parks are now housing 16 people, down from the 360 people sheltered on Sept. 1, 2022.
FEMA has approved more than $104.9 million in Individual Assistance grants. Since April 13, an additional five applicants have received the max grant of $37,900, bringing the total Housing Assistance max grants to $26 million for 702 survivors.
If you need help, please call FEMA directly or visit a Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC). MARC locations can be found at governor.ky.gov/flood-
The Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund has raised over $13.2 million from more than 41,500 donors. To contribute, click here. Visit governor.ky.gov/FloodResources for more information.
Governor’s Derby Celebration Poster
Today, the Governor presented this year’s Governor’s Derby Celebration poster. The artist for this year’s poster, Richard Sullivan, is a Louisville native and former pro baseball player with the Atlanta Braves. Prints of the poster can be purchased at tah.ky.gov.
“Richard’s talents extend far beyond the baseball diamond. His widely collected artwork is informed by his deep connection to the sporting world, with images that radiate energy and excitement,” said Gov. Beshear. “The work he has created for the Derby Celebration poster captures the power, joy and celebration of experiencing the race firsthand.”
“This is such a special project for me because my mom’s family has been farming in our county since the 1820s. Horses and Kentucky are deeply ingrained in my blood. It is such an honor,” said Sullivan. “I hope the people of Kentucky really enjoy the poster and take time to appreciate what a special tradition this is in our state.”
Public Health
The Governor said that COVID-19 activity remains stable, and all but one Kentucky county has low COVID-19 community levels. This week, the FDA approved a second omicron booster for immunocompromised people and people over the age of 65. He also reminded Kentuckians that the National Public Health Emergency declaration for COVID-19 will end on May 11, 2023.
Gov. Beshear said that the memorial honoring the lives lost during the COVID-19 pandemic is being installed at the Capitol. This memorial is from artist Amanda Matthews and was selected through a committee made up of families who lost someone to the virus, health care heroes and other Kentuckians impacted by the pandemic. A ceremony will be held once the memorial is complete.
Team Kentucky All-Stars
Gov. Beshear named writer Silas House as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Star. Yesterday, the Governor announced that the Laurel County native and award-winning author was named the 2023-24 Kentucky Poet Laureate. House is a nationally bestselling author of several novels. Among his many awards are the Nautilus Award, an E.B. White Award, Appalachian Book of the Year, the New York Public Library and NAV Foundation’s Storyline Prize and the Lee Smith Award.
“Congratulations, Silas. We are proud to have you on Team Kentucky,” said Gov. Beshear.
