Kentucky

Governor Beshear proposed $159 million for mandatory educator raises (nearly 7% increase in take-home pay), increased per-pupil education funding, and added $560 million to teachers' retirements. His signature education proposal was Pre-K for All, which he said would increase kindergarten readiness, boost parents' earnings by nearly $9,000 per year, and grow the workforce by up to 70,000. He described himself as 'unapologetically a 100% pro-public education Governor.'

Governor Beshear reported three straight years of declining overdose deaths, expanded Medicaid dental/vision/hearing coverage for 284,556 Kentuckians, and doubled mental health professionals. He warned about federal Medicaid cuts, proposing $100 million to lower exchange costs on kynect, a $125 million rural hospital fund, and $25 million for nursing student loan forgiveness. He also highlighted new hospital construction including the first hospital in West Louisville in 150 years.

Governor Beshear reported more than doubling Kentucky's previous investment record with over $45 billion in new investment and 68,000 new jobs, marking the first, second, third, and fifth-biggest years for economic development on record. His budget includes $70 million for site development, $100 million for infrastructure to support large projects, and $25 million for a rural economic development fund.

Governor Beshear highlighted replacing or repairing 660 state and local bridges and completing or making progress on 20,000 miles of road improvements since 2020. He noted completing the U.S. 460 Corridor in Pike County, the I-69 Ohio River Crossing approach, and beginning construction on the final stretch of the Mountain Parkway Expansion, stating he is the first governor where every portion of four-laning the Mountain Parkway is complete or under construction.

Governor Beshear highlighted boosting Kentucky State Police to 1,896 members and local law enforcement to over 8,000, along with over 474 online predator arrests since 2019. He noted record-low recidivism rates and announced partnerships with KCTCS President Ryan Quarles for a reentry campus. He also proposed $80 million for the Memphis Safe Task Force partnership and continued focus on public safety as integral to the American Dream.

Governor Beshear proposed a $75 million fund to help at-risk Kentuckians pay utility bills, reflecting concern about energy affordability amid rising costs from tariffs and national uncertainty.

Governor Beshear highlighted Kentucky's recognition as one of the best states for home affordability. He noted 254 homes being built for tornado survivors in Western Kentucky and announced the single largest affordable housing investment in Kentucky history with $223 million going toward 953 rental units. He proposed a game-changing $150 million investment in Kentucky's Affordable Housing Trust Fund, which combined with private funding would create $1 billion in new housing.

Governor Beshear's budget proposal included $70 million for site development, $100 million for infrastructure, $25 million for rural economic development, $150 million for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, $100 million for health exchange subsidies, $159 million for mandatory educator raises, $50 million for food banks, and $75 million for utility assistance. He emphasized pushing back against federal cuts while maintaining fiscal discipline and investing in Pre-K for All.

Governor Beshear's address (delivered as a press release) did not extensively address technology policy but mentioned ongoing economic development and infrastructure investments that include technology components.

Governor Beshear proposed $25 million for a rural economic development fund and noted that the state's economic development efforts include bringing jobs to every part of the commonwealth. He highlighted concerns about tariffs and federal uncertainty affecting Kentucky families, including agricultural producers.

Governor Beshear highlighted Kentucky State Police growth to 1,896 team members and local law enforcement exceeding 8,000 officers. He emphasized second chances through new vocational programs in prisons and partnerships with KCTCS President Ryan Quarles for a reentry campus. He honored first responders including the Okolona Fire Department for their response to the UPS plane crash.

Governor Beshear proposed a game-changing $150 million investment in Kentucky's Affordable Housing Trust Fund, projected to create $1 billion in new housing combined with private funding. He highlighted expanding Medicaid dental, vision, and hearing coverage reaching 284,556 Kentuckians, three straight years of declining overdose deaths, and proposed Pre-K for All as his top legislative priority, projecting it would boost parents' earnings by $9,000 per year. He also proposed $50 million for food banks and $75 million for utility bill assistance.

Governor Beshear framed affordability through the American Dream lens, proposing a $150 million investment in the Affordable Housing Trust Fund (leveraging $1 billion with private funding), $100 million to lower health insurance exchange costs threatened by federal subsidy cuts, $50 million for food banks, and a $75 million fund for at-risk utility bill assistance. He noted Kentucky scored as one of the best states for home affordability and warned of tariff impacts on working families.