Gov. Beshear Provides Team Kentucky Update
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 18, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided updates on economic development; his upcoming State of the Commonwealth address; the state budget; declining highway fatalities; and Kentucky Emergency Management warming centers. The Governor named Santa Claus, along with everyone else working to make Christmas special this year, as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Star.
Economic Development
Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that 2025 was the second-best year on record for economic investment with 185 new location and expansion projects announced, totaling $10.5 billion in announced investments and creating nearly 9,600 full-time jobs.
Since the beginning of his administration, Gov. Beshear has announced more than 1,200 private-sector new-location and expansion projects totaling over $45 billion in announced investments, creating over 68,000 jobs. This is the highest investment figure secured during the tenure of any governor in the commonwealth’s history and $24 billion more than the next highest total.
Gov. Beshear highlighted exciting momentum within the state’s surging manufacturing sector as Anthro Energy Inc., an advanced materials and battery developer, announced plans to locate a new manufacturing facility in Louisville, investing over $42 million and creating 110 new, full-time quality jobs in addition to 390 construction jobs.
The Governor highlighted a historic milestone for the state’s manufacturing industry, as AKFA Aluminum Solutions, a division of Uzbekistan’s AKFA Group, announced plans to become the first Uzbekistani company to establish a manufacturing operation in the United States, making a significant investment to locate a new facility in Bowling Green, creating 331 Kentucky jobs.
Gov. Beshear announced further momentum in Kentucky’s distribution and logistics sector, as Stord announced plans to expand its existing Hebron facility with a more-than-$40 million investment over the next several years that will create over 500 well-paying jobs and launch a new warehouse location. Sean Henry, Stord CEO and co-founder, joined the news conference to highlight this announcement.
Gov. Andy Beshear announced another significant investment in Kentucky’s manufacturing industry as Midwest Equipment Manufacturing Inc. shared plans to invest $15 million to expand its operations in Maysville and create 66 new, skilled jobs.
Upcoming State of the Commonwealth Address
The Governor announced that he will deliver his seventh State of the Commonwealth Address and his final budget address on Jan. 7 at 5:30 p.m. EST. There will be many options for Kentuckians to watch, including on his official Facebook page and YouTube channel. More viewing options will be shared in the coming weeks via the Governor’s social channels.
Budget
Today, after three strong months, Gov. Beshear announced the Consensus Forecasting Group reduced the projected revenue shortfall from $305 million to $156 million. Kentucky law still requires a plan to address the shortfall, which the Governor shared today through a preliminary plan.
The plan includes reducing General Fund appropriations by $77.7 million. For many agencies, that is a 3% reduction to their enacted budget. Other parts of the plan include the use of an unbudgeted balance of $28.2 million.
The budget for the Governor’s and Lieutenant Governor’s offices will be reduced by 3%. The legislature gave other constitutional officers the option to participate in the budget reduction. The Auditor of Public Accounts and the Treasurer have declined participation. The Attorney General, the Commissioner of Agriculture and the Unified Prosecutorial System have not submitted any plans as requested.
“We are going to be able to manage this shortfall and still provide necessary services to Kentuckians, with priorities including education funding, Medicaid, pension funding for educators and state employees and public safety,” said Gov. Beshear. “Folks, we’re going to be okay. And we’re going to keep doing what we do best: working together for that brighter future.”
Declining Highway Fatalities
Gov. Beshear announced that, compared to last year, Kentucky has seen a nearly 7% decrease in highway fatalities in 2025. The commonwealth has also seen a 2% reduction in injuries related to highway crashes. So far, 636 Kentuckians have been lost to crashes on Kentucky highways and 2,647 highway injuries have been reported in 2025.
“We still need to build on this progress to prevent all crashes from happening, but it’s important to acknowledge the positive trend we’re seeing,” said Gov. Beshear. “We’ve been focused on making Kentuckians’ commutes safer with new pavement and updated intersections, new designs and more. These efforts are making a difference. But the real drivers of this success are you: Kentuckians. Drive the speed limit. Buckle up. Put your phone down. Let’s keep doing our part – because simple choices save lives.”
Warming Centers
Over the past week, Kentucky has seen dangerously cold temperatures. Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM) has set up warming centers across the commonwealth. In Campbellsville, KYEM delivered 25 cots and bedding to the Campbellsville Upper Room Church, which is operating as a warming center.
Click here to see a map of warming centers.
“This work is truly a team effort – and these folks always go above and beyond to help their neighbors,” said Gov. Beshear. “These warming centers are there for our people in their greatest time of need.”
Team Kentucky All-Star
The Governor named Santa Claus, along with everyone else working to make Christmas special this year, as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Star.
“For this week’s Team Kentucky All-Star, we wanted to recognize someone who truly embodies the spirit of giving: Santa,” said Gov. Beshear. “Santa brings so much joy to our kids, not just with gifts, but with hope, kindness and even a little magic. Merry Christmas, Kentucky. We wish everyone a happy, healthy and safe celebration with those you love.”
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