"To view the Governor’s Team Kentucky Update, ""click here" [ [link removed] ]". "

Kentucky State Seal

OFFICE OF GOVERNOR ANDY BESHEAR








*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*




*Contact:  *

 

*Scottie Ellis
502-401-6933*
"[email protected]" <[email protected]>






Gov. Beshear Provides Team Kentucky Update
  

*FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 4, 2025)* – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided updates on economic development, revenue estimates, steps taken to restore AmeriCorps grant funding, new EV charging stations, recovery housing for those struggling with addiction and new homes for tornado survivors. Dr. Steven Stack, secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, joined the Governor to provide an update on the Our Healthy Kentucky Home initiative. The Governor named Good Samaritans in Muhlenberg County this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.

*Economic Development*
Gov. Beshear highlighted [ [link removed] ] new and exciting momentum in the state’s technology sector as Caza Innovations, a high-growth research and technology firm specializing in commercial applications of advanced materials, biotechnology and data systems, announced plans to relocate its corporate headquarters to Bowling Green and launch a strategic research and development partnership with Western Kentucky University. The nearly $270,000 investment will create 15 high-wage Kentucky jobs.

The Governor announced [ [link removed] ] over $700,000 in state funding was approved to support site and building development projects in Breckinridge, Washington, Kenton and Todd counties.

*Consensus Forecasting Group To Meet on Revenue Estimates*
Gov. Beshear updated Kentuckians on a projected shortfall in state revenue this year. The Governor said there are two reasons for this projected shortfall. First, federal tariffs are directly impacting spending and economic activity. Second, the income tax rate reduction cut $359 million for this fiscal year, representing one-half of the annual value. The rate cut is effective January 2026. With this in mind, the Governor asked State Budget Director John Hicks to convene the Consensus Forecasting Group on Sept. 16 to make an official revision in the current year’s revenue estimates for both the General Fund and the Road Fund.

“Since I took office, I have been committed to making Kentucky fiscally responsible, and that means balancing a budget. Together, we’ve celebrated the three largest budget surpluses in Kentucky’s history,” said Gov. Beshear. “I’ve been receiving regular updates on our revenues and our projections for this year, and there is concern there will be a shortfall in total revenue collected. Some of this may be due to uncertainty surrounding federal tariffs and the choice we made to cut Kentucky’s income tax rate. That was a choice we made in order to keep more money in the pockets of Kentuckians during tough and uncertain times. The Consensus Forecasting Group will let us know if we will have a shortfall, and if so, we can begin taking steps to address it.”

*AmeriCorps Grant Funding Restored*
The Governor recapped his announcement [ [link removed] ] that he, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, 22 state attorneys general and the District of Columbia successfully secured all of the AmeriCorps funding the Trump administration tried to halt in dismantling the nation’s public service agency. The win will restore the rest of the more than $9 million in funds appropriated by Congress to support Kentucky’s AmeriCorps service commission, Serve Kentucky, which focuses on housing development, the fight against hunger, family support, education, disaster relief and more.

*EV Charging Stations*
The Governor provided an update on another program for which he is fighting to ensure Kentucky receives the funding it was promised. Kentucky was appropriated more $69 million by Congress through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program to build a network of EV charging stations across the commonwealth. The Trump administration is threatening $32 million of these funds. On Aug. 6, the Governor announced [ [link removed] ] he was joining 19 other states and the District of Columbia to challenge the Trump administration over its unlawful decision to freeze funding for NEVI.

Despite this unlawful freeze, Kentucky is still moving forward with its plan to build reliable charging stations for travelers. Last week, two new stations opened at Love’s Travel Stops in Grayson and Sparta. This brings the total number of stations to five, with previously announced stations in Richmond, Berea and Hazard. Eventually, Kentucky will have 46 stations supporting long-distance travel for EV drivers.

“We’re going to keep fighting for these funds – and we’re going to see through this promise to ensure our EV infrastructure is strong,” said Gov. Beshear.

*Our Healthy Kentucky Home*
Dr. Stack provided an update on Our Healthy Kentucky Home [ [link removed] ], a one-year initiative to promote simple, positive and attainable goals to inspire and motivate Kentuckians on a journey to health and wellness. For August, the initiative is focusing on fighting obesity in the commonwealth. Along with diet, regular physical activity is essential for maintaining a healthy weight and can help reduce the risk of obesity-related conditions such as heart disease, stroke and Type 2 diabetes. To learn how to create a healthy meal plan that works for you, visit myplate.gov [ [link removed] ]. Make a goal to exercise at least 30 minutes, three times per week. Dr. Stack also highlighted the importance of surrounding yourself with supportive friends and family to help you stay accountable and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

*Recovery Housing Program*
The Governor provided an update on Kentucky’s Recovery Housing Program. In 2023, Team Kentucky awarded over $300,000 in funding from this program to The Haven Ministries, operating a recovery home in the Portland neighborhood of West Louisville. Esther Lyon Blankenship, executive director of The Haven Ministries, shared how this funding has supported women who are recovering from addiction. The Governor shared this update ahead of tomorrow’s Recovery Rally, where he will present a proclamation declaring September to be “Recovery Month” in the commonwealth.

*Two New Homes for Western Kentucky Tornado Survivors *
On Tuesday, Gov. Beshear joined [ [link removed] ] local officials and representatives from The Hope Initiative to present two families keys to new homes in Princeton and Mayfield following the 2021 tornadoes. The homes dedicated in Princeton and Mayfield were constructed by The Hope Initiative, a nonprofit partner that has helped construct 55 new homes for tornado survivors. Funding was made available through the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund, which has committed over $23.1 million to help build 250 homes for tornado survivors in the region.

*Team Kentucky All-Stars*
The Governor named Good Samaritans in Muhlenberg County, who gifted a veteran a new bike, as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars. Scott Johnson, a veteran, was traveling across the country by motorized bike when his bike broke down in Muhlenberg County. Crystal Chappell gathered the community and facilitated 29 donors, raising over $1,000 dollars to buy Scott a brand-new bike.

“This is truly what Team Kentucky is all about: our communities, our neighbors, taking care of each other and being kind,” said Gov. Beshear. “And especially taking care of our veterans, who have sacrificed so much to keep us safe. So, thank you to Crystal and everyone in Muhlenberg County who pitched in to make this happen. You are this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars. And Scott, we wish you all the best as you continue your journey.”

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