FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 29, 2026) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided updates on economic development, Halloween safety tips, medical debt relief, voting information, disaster relief, Cancer Education and Prevention Month and a Kentucky State Police cadet class graduation. First Lady Britainy Beshear provided updates on human trafficking awareness and the Team Kentucky Food Drive. The Governor named young animal advocates and Oldham County students, Ava and Amelia Kellner, this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars. The Governor also wished Kentuckians a happy and safe Halloween and debuted his Halloween costume.
Economic Development
Once final, with today’s approvals, the Beshear administration has announced nearly 1,400 private-sector new-location and expansion projects totaling $55 billion in announced investments, creating more than 72,000 jobs to date.
The Governor highlighted a September economic development announcement, when he joined local officials and leaders from Medvantx, a leading pharmacy services company, to cut the ribbon on the company’s newly expanded, high-capacity distribution facility in Louisville. With a nearly $27 million investment, Medvantx is creating 122 new Kentucky jobs helping to distribute prescriptions across Kentucky and the rest of the United States and its territories. Today, Kurt Browning, CEO of Medvantx, joined the Team Kentucky Update to highlight this exciting project.
Gov.?Beshear highlighted continued growth of the state’s site development efforts?as a site in Caldwell County was approved through the Kentucky Product Development Initiative program. The project was approved by the Kentucky Economic Development Finance?Authority for over $350,000 in state funding in?addition to local support.
The Governor announced exciting new momentum within the state’s logistics and automotive industries, as Nissin International Transport U.S.A., a global logistics company specializing in air and ocean freight forwarding, customs brokerage and warehousing, announced plans to locate a new distribution center in Franklin County, a $14.3 million investment creating 30 quality jobs.
Gov. Beshear announced exciting momentum within the state’s manufacturing industry as Niagara Bottling, a leading private-label and branded beverage manufacturer, celebrated the grand opening of its new $141 million production facility in Kenton County, a project creating 60 new full-time jobs. The project, which was initially announced in September 2024, has exceeded the original investment amount by over $11 million.
Gov. Beshear announced continued site and building development efforts throughout the state, as 137 census tracts across 76 Kentucky counties were approved for Opportunity Zone (OZ) 2.0 designation. The OZ program seeks to spur long-term economic development and job creation in overlooked communities, and the Governor recommended the tracts for designation.
Halloween Safety Tips
Gov. Beshear encouraged all Kentuckians to celebrate Halloween safely this weekend and shared safety tips from the Kentucky State Police. Motorists are encouraged to stay alert for increased pedestrian traffic, be patient and slow down. Parents are encouraged to help their children stay visible by giving them flashlights or glowsticks, make sure children exit the vehicle on the curbside of the road if parents are driving, inspect candy before letting children eat it, and teach children how to dial 911 in case of an emergency.
Children are encouraged to only visit homes that have porchlights turned on, never enter a stranger’s home or vehicle, stay on the sidewalk, look both ways before crossing the street, and always listen to a trusted adult. As adults look forward to Halloween parties, the Governor reminded Kentuckians to be safe and drive sober. Plan a sober ride by having a designated driver or using a rideshare app.
The Governor also shared that due to safety concerns with ongoing construction at the state capitol, unfortunately, Team Kentucky will not host trick-or-treating at the Governor’s Mansion this year.
“More than anything else, we want everyone to enjoy a happy and safe Halloween.,” said Gov. Beshear. “This is such a fun time of year for so many. Happy Halloween, everyone.”
Human Trafficking Awareness Posters
The First Lady announced that Kentucky state office buildings will now display human trafficking awareness posters, in partnership with the First Lady’s Human Trafficking Awareness Coalition. This comes after another announcement by Mrs. Beshear earlier this month, that all nine of Kentucky’s racetracks will now display human trafficking awareness posters in line with signage seen at airports, hotels, convention centers and sports arenas.
The posters were developed by the First Lady’s Office and are available in both English and Spanish. The posters list indicators of human trafficking and contact information for the National Human Trafficking Hotline. The posters are part of an awareness campaign led by the Coalition to increase education on how to spot and report human trafficking. The First Lady shared a Good News update on this announcement.
“Information is our most valuable tool in the fight against human trafficking,” said Mrs. Beshear. “When people are aware of the warning signs, we can protect more lives. Human trafficking is a heinous crime, and I want to end it – in every awful form that it takes. With the progress we’re making here in Kentucky, I know we can make a difference.”
Team Kentucky Food Drive
The First Lady reminded Kentuckians that the Team Kentucky Food Drive will take place Nov. 1-18. There will be boxes in state office buildings throughout the commonwealth where state employees can donate non-perishable food items. Additionally, the public can drop off donations at 1239 Wilkinson Boulevard in Frankfort on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, Nov. 2-18, from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Donations will be distributed through Feeding Kentucky and its 900 partner pantries. During last year’s drive, more than 12,000 food items were collected.
“Across our commonwealth, 1 in 5 people are facing hunger. Even more heartbreaking, 1 in 4 children are struggling – and the President’s decision to cut SNAP benefits, which 1 in 8 Kentuckians rely on, is making life even harder,” said Mrs. Beshear. “So, if you’re looking for an opportunity to make a difference, I encourage you to donate. Through our first Team Kentucky Food Drive, we saw an overwhelming response to help those in need. I have faith that we can show up for our neighbors again this year.”
Second Round of Medical Debt Relief Complete
Gov. Beshear announced that a total of $153 million in medical debt has been erased for 67,000 Kentuckians as his administration makes progress toward the relief goal of $250 million through the Team Kentucky Medical Debt Relief Program. Established by the Governor through an executive order in September, the program is set to relieve medical debt for 130,000 eligible individuals across the commonwealth.
Voting Information
Ahead of the Nov. 3 elections in Kentucky, Gov. Beshear reminded Kentuckians that eligible registered voters without an acceptable form of identification, like a driver’s license, can get a Voter ID card at no cost at Driver Licensing Regional Offices. Offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Governor also reminded Kentuckians that under a new state law, the following forms of identification are no longer valid for voting: SNAP or EBT cards; social security cards; or credit cards. The Governor opposed the law that implemented these changes but wants to ensure Kentuckians are aware of new requirements. Kentuckians that previously used these forms of identification should get a Voter ID card at Driver Licensing Regional Offices.
No-excuse early voting is available to all eligible voters from Thursday, Oct. 29, to Saturday, Oct. 31. To find out where early voting is taking place in your community, visit govote.ky.gov.
In-person voting on election day will take place Tuesday, Nov. 3, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time. Visit govote.ky.gov for locations. Voters who requested an absentee ballot are reminded that their ballots must be returned to their county clerk by 6 p.m. local time on Nov. 3. Dropbox locations can be found at govote.ky gov.
Gov. Beshear also discussed the federal government’s decision to have the Department of Justice send federal election monitors to Louisville and Lexington polling locations. The Governor noted that this is not unique to Kentucky – it's happening across the United States. The Jefferson County and Fayette County Clerks denied consent to federal monitors being inside the polling places. This means federal monitors must remain outside of the polling location – at least 100 feet from the entrance at any polling place. The federal election monitors are not allowed to interfere with, stop, physically block or intimidate voters. Federal election monitors may speak with voters, but only if voters choose to talk to them.
If these federal election monitors go against any of these directives, voters are encouraged to call one of the following resources: the Kentucky Election Law Hotline, the Jefferson County Election Hotline, the National Nonpartisan Election Protection Hotline, or make a report to their local Kentucky State Police Post.
“I am committed to ensuring this is a fair and free election for Americans everywhere,” said Gov. Beshear. “And I encourage every eligible Kentuckian to exercise your right to vote, regardless of your party.”
U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Declaration for June 2026 Storms
Gov. Beshear announced that his request was approved for a disaster declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) following widespread flooding, tornadoes and severe weather that took place in June of this year. Now, eligible homeowners, businesses and nonprofit organizations in Adair, Bullitt, Clark, Clinton, Cumberland, Estill, Fayette, Garrard, Hardin, Jackson, Jefferson, Jessamine, Madison, Metcalfe, Monroe, Nelson, Rockcastle, Russell and Spencer counties can apply for an SBA disaster loan. The deadline to apply for a loan for physical damage is Dec. 28, 2026, while the deadline to apply for a loan for economic injury is July 26, 2027.
SBA business recovery centers are opening today in Bullitt County at St. Aloysius Church, 187 S. Plum St., Shepherdsville; and in Hardin County at West Point Independent School, 209 N. 13th St., West Point. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Both centers are closed Nov. 3 and Nov. 11 and close permanently at 5 p.m. Nov. 12. Schedule an appointment at appointment.sba.gov. Walk-ins are welcome. Assistance is limited to qualifying damage or economic injury directly related to the June storms. Visit a center to discuss your eligibility and application. Madison and Cumberland County centers will open next week; locations and hours will be announced later this week.
Cancer Education and Prevention Month
The Governor recognized October as Cancer Education and Prevention Month in Kentucky. The Beshear administration has prioritized fighting cancer by: supporting new cancer centers and hospitals with oncology specialists across the commonwealth; dedicating record funding to pediatric cancer research and family support; and prioritizing screening programs like the Kentucky Colon Cancer Screening & Prevention Program, Lung Cancer Screening Program and the Kentucky Women’s Cancer Screening Program. Dr. Michael Vanderford and Holly Burke with the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and Markey Cancer Center joined the Governor to accept the Cancer Education and Prevention Month proclamation.
“As your Governor, I won’t stop working until every Kentuckian has access to the screenings and treatment they need to beat this disease,” said Gov. Beshear. “I believe healthcare is a basic human right. While the federal government has cut funding for medical research and healthcare coverage, Team Kentucky has stepped up, providing more than $45 million in state funding during my administration for pediatric cancer research, and supporting screening programs that have screened thousands of Kentuckians and saved lives.”
Kentucky State Police Cadet Class 107 Graduation
The Governor shared that Kentucky State Police (KSP) Cadet Class 107 will graduate from the KSP Training Academy tomorrow, Oct. 30. The Governor will attend and speak at the graduation. Forty cadets will graduate and report to their posts to begin protecting their communities after receiving 24 weeks of intensive academic instruction and practical training designed to prepare them for the challenges of modern law enforcement.
Gov. Beshear also reminded Kentuckians that applications for Cadet Class 108 close tomorrow, Oct. 30. Any interested and eligible Kentuckian is encouraged to visit JoinKSP.com to apply.
“These soon-to-be troopers will join nearly 900 sworn colleagues and hundreds of civilian employees doing the important work of saving lives – work that has helped us see violent crime fall for two years in a row and overdose deaths decline for four straight years,” said Gov. Beshear. “We are so grateful to those who have stepped into these roles to protect our people and our commonwealth, and we will continue to pray for your safety every day.”
Team Kentucky All-Stars
The Governor named young animal advocates and Oldham County students, Ava and Amelia Kellner, this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars. Ava, 10, and Amelia, 8, donate food and blankets to the Humane Society of Oldham County once a month, using their allowance, or money from lemonade and snack stands. The two sisters wrote Gov. Beshear a letter, asking him to highlight the importance of helping local animal shelters. Today, as the holidays approach, the Governor encouraged Kentuckians to donate to their local food pantry or animal shelter, volunteer to spend time with pets who are waiting for their forever home, or – for those who are able – foster or adopt a pet.
Ava and Amelia joined the Team Kentucky update, and the Governor gave them each Team Kentucky Winnie coloring books and Governor’s challenge coins.
“These girls are proof that you’re never too young to step up for your community,” said Gov. Beshear. “Ava and Amelia are such great examples of being good neighbors. Thank you for making Kentucky a better place. You are this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.”
