FRANKFORT, KY - On Jan. 30, 2025, Gov. Andy Beshear provided an update on economic development, highway safety and medical cannabis.

At the beginning of the press conference, the Governor acknowledged the tragic plane crash above the Potomac River outside of Washington, D.C., that occurred last night. The Governor also named the first responders responding to this tragic scene as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.

Economic Development
Gov. Beshear highlighted exciting momentum within the state’s surging manufacturing sector as Murakami Manufacturing USA, a supplier of side-view exterior mirrors and automotive components, announced plans to expand the company’s operation in Taylor County with a $3.4 million investment.

The Governor announced continued momentum within the state’s manufacturing industry as Letica Corp., a subsidiary company of Berry Global, announced plans to expand its operation in Fulton County with a $27.8 million investment creating 15 new Kentucky jobs.

Gov. Beshear also noted that UniFirst Corp. – a North American leader in providing customized business uniform programs, facility service products and first aid and safety services – will expand its existing facility in Owensboro with a nearly $28 million investment.

Gov. Beshear recapped his recent trip to Davos, Switzerland, for the World Economic Forum. During the forum, the Governor attended 25 meetings with company executives. Ten were with foreign-owned companies that already employ over 8,750 Kentuckians, and the other meetings were with potential investors from multiple continents that have announced plans to invest in the United States.

“This event provided us so much opportunity,” said Gov. Beshear. “It allowed us to reintroduce our New Kentucky Home on the global stage. We showed everyone that Kentucky is open for business – and we do what it takes to ensure everyone succeeds.”

Highway Safety
The Governor announced that 2024 had the lowest number of highway fatalities on record in nine years based on preliminary reports. Deaths in highway crashes dropped 14% compared with 2023.

“We want to keep this trend up, and that is why I’m asking Kentuckians to keep doing their part – because your simple choices save lives: like buckling up, putting the phone down, driving sober and following the speed limit,” said Gov. Beshear. “Because in Our New Kentucky Home, we want to ensure all our families are safe when they commute to work, school, the grocery store or church. And we want to get that fatality number to zero.”

Medical Cannabis
The Governor reported that Team Kentucky has approved more than 2,200 medical cannabis cards for Kentuckians with qualifying conditions. During the Team Kentucky Update, Gov. Beshear and Office of Medical Cannabis Executive Director Sam Flynn issued Kentucky’s first two medical cannabis cards to Dr. Ryan Grell and Merissa Khumalo.

At this time, only 66 applications have been denied, 51 of which were due to technical issues, and those Kentuckians will be able to re-apply.

Currently, any law-abiding citizen who elects to participate in any state-legalized medical cannabis program – like Kentucky’s – is prohibited by federal law from exercising his or her Second Amendment rights to purchase or possess a firearm. On Jan. 29, the Governor sent a letter to Kentucky’s congressional delegation urging them to address this issue and take decisive action to protect the constitutional rights of law-abiding medical cannabis patients.

“Our goal is to provide health care access to Kentuckians – especially access that ensures our most vulnerable the freedom to choose medical cannabis as an alternative to dangerous and addictive opioids,” said Gov. Beshear. “As this program grows, I will continue to put our people first. That’s not about moving things to the right or to the left. It’s about moving Kentucky and America forward.”

Team Kentucky All-Stars
The Governor named first responders responding to the tragic plane crash above the Potomac River outside of Washington, D.C., last night as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.

“Britainy and I are praying for the families and loved ones of those affected. Our hearts are with the brave first responders on the scene,” said Gov. Beshear. “Remember, life is short, so our job is to do good things and to be kind to each other. We need a little more love out there, and there’s a lot of people hurting today, so try to give the best you can.”