KENTUCKY (WEHT) – Governor Beshear held a Team Kentucky update on Thursday. During the conference, Beshear discussed the following topics:
Here are some of the highlights for the November 10 Team Kentucky update.
Economic development
Governor Beshear highlighted an economic development project expected to create 35 full-time jobs representing $30 million in new investment.
On Tuesday, Governor Beshear announced 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. On Thursday Beshear announced further investment in the commonwealth’s workforce initiatives, with approval of $1.88 million in funds with credits toward training efforts for 8,432 Kentucky-resident employees.
General Fund
Governor Beshear said Kentucky’s economic momentum continues as State Budget Director John Hicks reported 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. With more than $1.3 billion in revenue surplus estimated for the fiscal year 2023, Governor Beshear said the state can afford his Education First Plan which will give educators pay raises and fund universal Pre-K.
Disaster recovery
Beshear announced more than $86.8 million in grants have been approved under the Federal Emergency Management Agency Individuals and Households Programs for 8,442 households as part of the stabilization and rebuilding efforts following July’s historic flooding in eastern Kentucky. Beshear also said over $55.5 million has been approved under the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The governor said Kentucky State Parks are now housing 224 people, down from the 360 people sheltered on September 1. Currently 645 individuals are being housed in travel trailers.
Wildfires
Governor Beshear said the U.S. National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for eastern Kentucky. A Red Flag Warning means there is an increased risk of fire danger because of dry conditions, warm temperatures, low humidity and strong winds.
As of Thursday morning, Kentucky has 52 active fires across the state in 28 counties, covering over 6,000 acres. According to the governor’s office, 30 of those fires are still burning but are contained. The other 20 are in the process of being contained.
COVID-19
Governor Beshear said the most recent COVID-19 data continues to be encouraging, with fewer Kentuckians hospitalized for COVID-10 then at nearly any point during the past two years, and more counties showing as green on the COVID-19 community levels map.
The governor said the spread of influenza in Kentucky is widespread. The flu vaccine has been updated this year and is expected to perform well against the current strain.
Nettie Depp statue
The governor announce that he will join Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman, First Lady Britainy Beshear and members of the Monumental Women of Kentucky Committee to officially unveil the statue of Nettie Depp in the Kentucky State Capitol. Beshear said the installation of Depp’s statue marks the first large-scale monument to honor a Kentucky woman.
Team Kentucky All-Stars
Governor Beshear named Kentucky’s veterans this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars. Beshear said his administration is dedicated to supporting veterans, highlighting cuts to state taxes on military retirement pay and simplifying 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.”
