FRANKFORT, Ky – On Feb 9th, Gov. Andy Beshear updated Kentuckians on economic growth; apprenticeship programs; the Better Internet Initiative Listening Tour; a week of events at the Capitol; recovery and rebuilding efforts in Eastern and Western Kentucky; the Department for Juvenile Justice; and public health.

First Lady Britainy Beshear announced this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars – the volunteers and shoppers who work to make the annual Shop & Share event possible.

Economic Development Update
Last Friday, the Governor joined leaders from Bluegrass Distillers LLC to break ground on the craft distiller’s new $8 million operation on the historic Elkwood Farm property in Midway that will create 22 full-time jobs for local residents.

Gov. Beshear also highlighted Kentucky’s continued investment in workforce training initiatives as he announced nearly $830,000 in funding and credits to assist with the training of over 2,100 Kentucky workers.

Apprenticeship Opportunities Increasing
The Governor said that in 2022, there were 4,800 active apprentices earning a paycheck while getting hands-on learning and direct work experience throughout Kentucky. That number increased by 400 in one year, up from 4,400 in 2021.

Kentucky’s number of registered apprentices increased 105% between 2013 and 2021, which is 17 percentage points higher than the national rate increase over the same time period.

“World-class companies are betting their futures on Kentucky because of our world-class workforce,” Gov. Beshear said. “To keep that momentum going, we have to keep investing in apprenticeships and on-the-job training. Congratulations to all the folks working in these critical areas and supporting our job growth as well as our communities.”

Kentucky’s apprentices are also becoming more diverse, with more women, people of color and people under age 24 taking advantage of these opportunities. To learn more visit kystats.ky.gov.

To further support Kentucky’s workforce, the Governor also expanded Medicaid to include vision, hearing and dental care; launched a program to help employers guide their workers to addiction services when in need; established Recovery Ready Communities; announced new programs aimed at transitioning people from incarceration to employment; launched a statewide project that provides transportation to former inmates so they have access to addiction treatment, job interviews, education and employment; invested $245 million in Kentucky’s career and technical centers (see release on first installment); and once again pushed for universal pre-K through his Education First Plan so young parents have the opportunity to rejoin the workforce sooner.

Better Internet Initiative Listening Tour
Last week, Gov. Beshear announced a 14-stop listening tour, beginning Tuesday, Feb. 14, in Hopkinsville, as part of the ongoing Better Internet Initiative. The tour will be led by the Office of Broadband Development to create a statewide plan ensuring the best use of investments.

Representatives from the Education and Labor Cabinet will also join the tour to hear directly from citizens and businesses across the commonwealth as they develop a digital equity plan to close the gap in internet access.

To review the full list of listening tour stops and register to attend, visit broadband.ky.gov.

Advocacy Week
This week, Gov. Beshear took part in numerous advocacy events at the Capitol. On Tuesday, the Governor joined the Legislative Black History Celebration to honor African-American leaders of the past, present and future. Also Tuesday, the Governor met with families and children affected by congenital heart defects and proclaimed this week as Congenital Heart Defects Awareness Week in Kentucky.

On Wednesday, Gov. Beshear joined the Kentucky Youth Advocates for their Rally for Kentucky’s Kids event to promote investment in the children of the commonwealth. Also Wednesday, the Governor emceed a Recovery Advocacy Day event at the Capitol to raise awareness around addiction and to push for more recovery resources. Finally, on Feb 9th, the Governor met with Kentucky union members and proclaimed Feb. 6 as United Steelworkers Lobby Day to promote unions, which raise the standard of living and quality of life for workers.

“This was a busy and exciting week here in our Capitol,” said Gov. Beshear. “I got to meet so many amazing Kentuckians and discuss the issues that matter to our families. Together, we are moving our commonwealth not left, not right, but forward, with faith in our future and faith in our people.”

Eastern Kentucky Flood Update
Gov. Beshear provided an update on Eastern Kentucky’s recovery and rebuilding efforts.

Currently, 218 families are housed in travel trailers. The Governor announced good news that the state no longer has families pending, waiting on a travel trailer. Kentucky State Parks are now housing 24 people, down from the 360 people sheltered on Sept. 1, 2022.

As of this week, there is almost $9 million in awards approved for the buy-out program. The awards account for 51 properties from Perry County, the City of Jackson and Breathitt County. Homeowners wishing to learn more about the program are encouraged to contact their local judge/executive or emergency management office for more information.

If flood victims need help, they should call FEMA directly or visit a Multi-Agency Resource Center. Visit governor.ky.gov/FloodResources for more information. FEMA is still approving claims and actively working to help flood victims.

The Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund has raised over $13.1 million from more than 41,500 donors. To contribute, click here.

Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund
Gov. Beshear also provided an update on the Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund. To date, the fund has received over $52.3 million from more than 150,000 individuals and organizations.

The Governor provided a full list of distributions and pledges, including:

• $810,000 in funeral expenses to families of the deceased;
• Over $9.6 million in assistance to insured and uninsured homeowners and renters;
• Over $3.9 million in assistance to local farmers;
• $16 million pledged to build 300 homes through the help of Homes and Hope for Kentucky, Habitat for Humanity and the Fuller Center on Housing;
• $12 million pledged for individuals for unmet needs and life essentials in cooperation with local long-term recovery groups; and
• Over $10 million in $1,000 checks to survivors approved for any amount of FEMA assistance and insured homeowners.

Gov. Beshear also provided a full breakdown of the $1,000 checks that were issued. All check recipients were identified as tornado victims who made claims by private insurance companies or FEMA. The recipients were identified by FEMA and insurance companies as having been verified through their systems and having received payments through those entities. No checks were sent to anyone who was not on a FEMA or private insurance list.

“We ensured these measures were in place to make sure every single dollar went directly to survivors,” said Gov. Beshear.

Department of Juvenile Justice Update
On Feb 9th, Governor Beshear provided an update on more efforts to support critical staffing needs at Department of Juvenile Justice facilities.

As of Monday, Kentucky State Police have assigned two uniformed troopers to high-security male facilities in Adair, Fayette and Warren counties 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They are there to intervene in the event of a serious emergency.

More than 30 correctional officers and probation and parole officers from the Department of Corrections have volunteered to assist the Campbell Regional Juvenile Detention Center until they are fully staffed. Additionally, a few detention center staff members from the Boyd Juvenile Detention Center will also be assisting in Campbell County as needed.

“Thank you to our Kentucky State Police and corrections officers for answering the call and stepping in to protect our youth, and also our juvenile justice staff members,” Gov. Beshear said. “We’re committed to making progress for these youth and our employees.”

These changes are in addition to previous announcements the Governor has made to improve Department of Juvenile Justice youth and staff safety. At last week’s Team Kentucky Update, Gov. Beshear called on state legislators to support these safety improvements. The General Assembly has yet to file a bill to support these needed changes.

Public Health Update  
Although influenza activity remains elevated in Kentucky, it continues to decline. In some years, influenza has had a second surge, so Kentuckians should still take precautions. Vaccination against the flu is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older. Locations and appointments can be found on vaccines.gov.

“It is not too late to get vaccinated now. Even if you’ve already had the flu, getting your flu shot could stop you from getting infected again,” Gov. Beshear said.

COVID-19 remains stable in Kentucky. The Governor continues to recommend that individuals who have not received the bivalent booster be vaccinated to lower their risk of developing severe disease from COVID-19.

Team Kentucky All-Stars
First Lady Britainy Beshear named the volunteers, grocery store staff and shoppers who work to make the Shop & Share event possible as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars. Shop & Share is a one-day, statewide donation drive benefitting the 15 member programs of the Kentucky Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

During the event, Kentuckians are asked to shop for what they need and also to purchase items to share with local domestic violence survivors. Locations include various Kroger, Food City, IGA, Save-A-Lot and Super Dollar stores across Kentucky. The Governor and First Lady encourage Kentuckians to shop this Saturday, Feb. 11, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., for the event.

Donations from Shop & Share go to support the pantries of local domestic violence shelters and the lives of the clients and children who receive their services. Visit FirstLady.ky.gov for more information.

“Kentucky, this is an easy and fantastic way to support survivors of domestic violence in our communities. We’ve seen your kindness through the pandemic. We’ve seen the outpouring of support you’ve shown through two Christmas Toy Drives after devastating natural disasters in our state,” said Mrs. Beshear. “I ask you to join me once again in sharing that generosity with your neighbors through Shop & Share.”