KENTUCKY (WEHT) – Governor Beshear held his weekly Team Kentucky update on April 27, to discuss topics including the state’s economic development, human trafficking prevention and early voting.
Here are some of the topics that were discussed during the Team Kentucky update:
Economic development
Governor Beshear announced continued growth in Jefferson County with Congo, an employee service company that works with brands like Alani Nu and Prime Hydration, set to expand its Louisville headquarters presence with an $8.25 million project that is expected to create 500 full-time jobs in the Louisville area.
Beshear also highlighted growth in Kentucky in Kentucky’s electric vehicle sector with Rivian, a designer, developer and manufacturer of electric trucks, set to establish a $10 million remanufacturing facility in Bullitt County to create 218 full-time jobs in the area. Beshear announced new growth in the commonwealth’s manufacturing and distribution and logistics sectors with Castellini Co., a third-party logistics company, expanding its Wilder facility to provide warehousing, co-packing and transportation services for the food industry with a nearly $16.6 million investment that is expected to create 180 new jobs with 128 of those being Kentucky resident positions in the area.
Beshear also highlighted continued site and building development as Kentucky Product Development Initiative projects in Adair, Allen, Breckinridge, Johnson, Rowan, Russell and Simpson counties, as well as a regional project in southeastern Kentucky, moved through approvals in the program’s initial round. The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority approved eight projects Thursday for over $4.6 million in state funding.
Human trafficking prevention
Governor Beshear and First Lady Britainy Beshear joined human trafficking prevention advocates to raise awareness about human trafficking in the commonwealth and remind Kentuckians how to report sex and labor trafficking.
The First Lady encouraged Kentuckians to use the National Human Trafficking Hotline by calling 888-373-7888, texting 233733 or visiting its website.
“As a mom, as First Lady and as a member of the National Coalition for the Prevention of Human Sex Trafficking, it is my duty to remind everyone to recognize the signs of human trafficking, which can occur more around larger events, like the Kentucky Derby,” said Mrs. Beshear. “I want everyone to know that Human trafficking is a terrible crime, and it is unfortunately a crime that no community is immune to at any time of the year.”
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Governor Beshear reported that since launching the 988 mental health crisis hotline, Kentucky based calls have increased by 23%. Additionally, the governor reports there has been a 15% drop in abandoned calls since activating 988.
According to data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the average speed at which calls are answered across the country is 35 seconds. In Kentucky, the average rate at which calls are answered is 25 seconds, according to a release from the governor’s office.
“I want to thank all of our partners and mental health advocates across the state and beyond who have worked so hard to make this possible,” said Gov. Beshear. “This administration will always support Kentuckians as they seek health care, whether that’s physical or mental health care, and we will keep working to make both even more accessible.”
2023 Primary Election
The 2023 Primary Election will take place on May 16 in Kentucky from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m..
During the Team Kentucky update, Beshear reminded voters the last day to request a mail-in absentee ballot is May 2. The last day to apply for a military-overseas ballot is May 9.
Kentucky voters can also take advantage of in-person, no-excuse voting at local county clerk’s offices and other designated areas from May 11 through May 13. For more information on how to apply for a ballot, or where you can find your nearest polling location, you can visit govoteky.com.
Natural disasters
According to Governor Beshear, 128 families impacted by the eastern Kentucky floods are being housed in travel trailers, and Kentucky State Parks are now housing 14 people, down from the 360 people sheltered on September 1, 2022.
FEMA has approved more than $105.3 million in Individual Assistance Grants. Since April 20, an additional five applicants have received the max grant of $37,900, bringing the total Housing Assistance max grants to $26 million for 707 survivors.
As of this week, the governor reports over $27.4 million in awards approved for the buy-out program. 38 bridges have been replaced and 32 bridges have been repaired.
The Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund has raised over $13.2 million from more than 41,500 donors.
Team Kentucky All-Star
Governor Beshear wished the Capitol’s dog, Winnie Beshear, a happy fourth birthday and named her this week’s Team Kentucky All-Star.
“It’s Winnie’s fourth birthday! She has been a great dog for us, and she’s been a great dog for our kids,” said Governor Beshear.
