Governor Andy Beshear delivered his State of the Commonwealth Wednesday evening and touted the state’s economic growth in 2022 along with the road map of bills that have been filed to keep the state moving forward.
The governor started out his address by talking about the rough year in 2022 — pointing out that it was just one year ago when he gave his State of the Commonwealth that it came on the heels of the deadliest tornado to hit Kentucky. Then another tragedy — the flooding in eastern Kentucky.
The governor also shared the story of Kara McKnight and her family who he met one year ago after the tornado struck Dawson Springs and are now in their own home.
click to download audioThe governor then shifted to the promise of a better future in Kentucky, saying it has never been brighter after posting the best 2 year period of economic growth in the state’s history.
click to download audioDuring his administration, he added they have announced more than 800 new private sector locations, totaling more than $24 billion dollars that created 42,800 new jobs.
Gov. Beshear listed all of the new companies making investments in Kentucky and the number of jobs being created, including Legacy Metals in Christian County which created 100 jobs.
A big part of the state’s economic story and the future economy is tied to the electric vehicle revolution, according to Beshear. He noted the biggest economic development project for 2022 and the second largest economic development project in the state’s history is being constructed in Bowling Green — a $2 billion dollar investment, creating a 2,000-job battery facility.
Because of this company’s investment, Beshear said, Kentucky is already seeing other large EV investments, including Ascend Elements in Christian County – the single largest investment in western Kentucky.
click to download audioHe added that this project is also personal to him because it’s near a community he loves and can help families in Dawson Springs.
click to download audioGov. Beshear also touched on the success of the bourbon industry, healthcare, the state’s unemployment records that were set in 2022 along with the state’s “strong fiscal house.”
click to download audioHe said Kentucky has led the country in job growth and in order to stay on top it takes work and it takes investment. He added that bills were filed Wednesday that should serve as a road map to where we need to go and a blueprint on how to continue to build.
The first bill, Beshear said, contains an Education First Plan that begins with a 5% pay raise for every public school educator. He said the passage of this bill is necessary and vital to address a shortage of 11,000 educators.
click to download audioThe second bill is Universal Pre-K.
click to download audioBeshear also said other legislation that has been filed includes the legalization of medical cannabis, sports betting, a raise for state employees, and a 1.5% increase for retirees’ pension payments.
Governor Beshear’s State of the Commonwealth was broadcast live from the state capitol in Frankfort on KET and his YouTube channel.
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