Sponsored by State Senator Jason Petrie, Governor Andy Beshear signed House Joint Resolution 76 into law Thursday afternoon — codifying and confirming considerable funding efforts from the budget to Kentucky’s State Parks System.
Specifically, the bill moves $40 million toward campground upgrades, $20 million toward utility upgrades and $6 million toward broadband and Wi-fi upgrades, and it’s all set for dispersal across the Commonwealth.
However, Beshear is asking for more in this short session, including $40 million in building systems improvements, $22 million in accommodation upgrades and $22 million in recreational amenity upgrades.
The targets, among many: Jenny Wiley State Park in Floyd County, and Lake Barkley State Resort Park in Trigg County. Both locations, Beshear said, need fiscal assistance.
Over the last four years, a number of the state’s facilities have served in unique capacities — first housing COVID-19 quarantines before providing triage and housing amenities for both tornado and flood victims on both sides of the state.
State Parks Commissioner Russ Meyer noted that state parks have become more than just tourist attractions for recreation and leisure, but also serve as warm meals and lodges for their local communities.
Still, Meyer said tourism must return to these areas in east and west Kentucky.
Meyer added that Kentucky’s parks “do so much,” by providing jobs for the state, build tax revenues and “contribute to the Commonwealth’s cultural legacy.”
Beshear issued that without more “vital funding,” Kentucky State Parks will be “unable to make crucial infrastructure, accommodation and recreational improvements,” which he said “could result” in Jenny Wiley State Park shutting down entirely.
State parks are just one of many issues taken during this “short session.” Beshear signed House Bill 544 into law, which brings regulation to Delta 8 products in Kentucky.
The THC product contains lower levels than typical marijuana implements, and it can now be safely sold and purchased. It’s not a controlled substance under state and federal law, and courts have already ruled on its legality in Kentucky.
Representative Rebecca Raymer, of Morgantown, said HB 544 does require one be 21 or older for the purchase, and also mandates it be located behind the counter or in a secure cabinet with specific labeling and required batch testing for “dangerous residuals” left behind in the production process.
And finally, HB 146 requires the Office of Unemployment Insurance change the number of benefit weeks from 12 to 16. It also requires these offices to advise approved claimants about additional benefits, training opportunities and available financial aid resources.
In 2022, Beshear vetoed House Bill 4, which would’ve cut weeks of unemployment for workers who may have spent more than a decade in a career, only to be laid off from their post.
Kentucky currently owns its lowest-ever unemployment at 3.9%, yet is one of only a few states that fails to offer up to 26 weeks.
