Latest news with #Pre-KforAll
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Gov. Beshear builds on pre-K promise, Kentucky Republicans still have questions
FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) — Governor Andy Beshear is launching a new effort to bring universal pre-K to Kentucky. 'I don't ever want to lose a company to another state that's able to look at that company and say, well, we have pre-K for all of our four-year-olds, meaning you're going to have a larger workforce, meaning your employees are going to have fewer costs,' Beshear said at Thursday's Team Kentucky briefing. RELATED l Gov. Beshear's Pre-K for All initiative aims to close achievement gap, boost workforce It's an issue Beshear has brought to lawmakers in his past two budgets, most recently at a projected cost of $172 million in his 2024 proposal. However, universal pre-k is not an issue that's gained traction among Kentucky Republicans, who have proceeded with their own budget proposal in recent years. 'That's a school-year, school-based type of resolution. It doesn't take care of the second shift or the weekend person who has that shift where there isn't daycare,' Senate President Robert Stivers told FOX 56 in an interview following the 2024 budget session. On Wednesday, Beshear announced he had signed an executive order to form a 28-person advisory committee that's going to be hosting five town halls across the state this summer, getting input on the issue. They will be held in: Frankfort, June 25th Northern Kentucky, July 8th Bowling Green, July 23rd Morehead, August 5th The Kentucky State Fair, TBD Interested individuals can find more information about the town halls and fill out a lawmaker contact form on a newly launched website accompanying the initiative: 'Right now. Childcare, especially for all of those years, is just too expensive. And that's if you can find it, because 79 of 120 of Kentucky's counties, nearly two-thirds, don't have enough child care options,' Beshear said. Trapped sewer worker rescued by Louisville crews after nearly 25-foot fall New parents share the spotlight at Railbird with help from Wyatt Flores Beshear: May tornado claims 20th victim from McCracken County Republican lawmakers still have some questions. Senate Education Chair Steve West told FOX 56 in a statement: Supporting Kentucky's youngest learners has been a top priority for the General Assembly. Over the last two budget cycles, we've increased education funding by more than $1 billion, including full-day kindergarten, early literacy and numeracy initiatives, and other foundational supports to help students succeed from the start. We understand the Governor has appointed a group of stakeholders to explore early childhood education initiatives and the potential expansion of pre-K, and we recognize the value of gathering input from a broad range of perspectives. That said, many details remain unclear. As chair of the Senate Education Committee, I look forward to continued conversations about how best to expand access while ensuring any future proposals are effective, sustainable, and responsible for families, schools, and Kentucky taxpayers. Senate Education Chair Steve West Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
Allegedly impaired driver reportedly crashes vehicle with two juveniles
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – The Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office reports a man was arrested after two juveniles were involved in a wreck involving railroad tracks. VCSO says on June 3, around 10:29 p.m., deputies responded to a report of suspicious circumstances in the 2700 block of Dixie Flyer Road south of Broadway Avenue. The report indicated that a vehicle had become stuck on the railroad tracks and that multiple individuals were outside the vehicle say upon arrival, deputies located a gray mid-size car with heavy front-end damage, deflated tires and deployed airbags resting on the railroad tracks. The vehicle's operator, later identified as Randall W. Drury, 27, of Evansville, was found walking near the scene while speaking on his phone. Deputies say they observed clear signs of intoxication, including slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, the odor of alcohol and unsteady balance. Governor Beshear launches 'Pre-K for All' initiative Law enforcement officials say Drury admitted to consuming multiple alcoholic beverages several hours prior. Two teenage juveniles, who were passengers in the vehicle, were also located at the scene. Fortunately, no injuries were says a preliminary investigation determined that Drury had been speeding, failed to turn, and drove the vehicle onto the tracks, causing 'substantial damage' to the railroad infrastructure. Deputies also learned from a witness that Drury and the juveniles attempted to hide alcohol containers following the say Drury agreed to perform sobriety tests but failed the administered tests. Deputies say Drury became increasingly uncooperative and argumentative with deputies during the investigation. When informed that he was under arrest, Drury allegedly resisted being handcuffed but was eventually taken into custody without injury. While in a patrol vehicle, he reportedly continued to act aggressively, yelling and headbutting the window. Drury was taken to the emergency room as a precaution, but allegedly caused a disturbance there as well. Man convicted of 1996 Indiana murder dies in prison The VCSO says the juveniles, who were found to be under the influence of alcohol, were released to the custody of a parent and guardian. Juvenile referrals were completed for minor say Drury was transported to the Vanderburgh County Jail, where he submitted to a certified chemical breath test indicating a blood alcohol content of .160%, which is twice the legal limit. Further investigation revealed that Drury has a prior conviction for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and has never held a valid Indiana driver's license. Sheriff Noah Robinson stated, 'Our Office is working with CSX as they assess the damage to their equipment and tracks. One of their rail yard control switches was struck during the crash.' Wabash County juvenile dies from helium balloon suffocation Law enforcement officials say Drury remains in custody at the Vanderburgh County Jail without bond, pending his initial court appearance scheduled for Thursday afternoon. The VCSO says these are his charges: Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated – Endangering Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated with a BAC of .15 or Higher Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated with a Prior Conviction Neglect of a Dependent Operating a Vehicle Without Ever Receiving a License Criminal Recklessness Resisting Law Enforcement Disorderly Conduct Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor 'Eyewitness News. Everywhere you are.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Democrat Beshear renews push for universal preschool in Kentucky
Gov. Andy Beshear appeared before a joint session of the House and Senate on Jan. 8, 2025 to deliver his State of the Commonwealth address. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Arden Barnes) Gov. Andy Beshear has signed an executive order to establish an advisory committee to explore support for universal pre-kindergarten programs in Kentucky. Beshear, a Democrat, has long supported implementing universal pre-K statewide. He again called on Republicans in the state legislature supermajority to fund such initiatives in his State of the Commonwealth Address earlier this year. However, top Republicans said their caucuses don't have a consensus on the matter. The executive order creates the Team Kentucky Pre-K for All Advisory Committee with 28 members representing experience in business, workforce development and education. Jamie Link, the secretary of the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet is the chair of the committee. Other members include Education Commissioner Robbie Fletcher, Council on Postsecondary Education President Aaron Thompson and former state lawmakers, both Democratic and Republican. Beshear announced the 'Pre-K for All' initiative with local leaders in Louisville Wednesday. The city launched a five-year plan for universal pre-K last year. The governor emphasized a need to offer all Kentucky 4-year-olds pre-K programs to increase kindergarten readiness. ''We are here, not as Democrats or Republicans, not as part of the right or the left,' Beshear said in a statement. 'Instead, we are here as parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, educators and business leaders. We are here because we want the best for our Kentucky kids, the best for our Kentucky parents and caregivers, and we want to build and maintain the best workforce in America.' The Kentucky Center for Statistics says that 53.8% of Kentucky children are not prepared for kindergarten on the first day of school. Beshear also said that 18 states, including Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia and West Virginia, offer pre-K access to 4-year-olds — further underscoring that he views the issue as nonpartisan. The advisory committee will hold public meetings throughout Kentucky and create a report on feedback heard by Oct. 15. That's a few weeks ahead of the beginning of the 2026 legislative session, which is when lawmakers will begin debating the next two-year state budget. Beshear, Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman and senior adviser Rocky Adkins will travel across the state in the coming days to highlight the 'Pre-K for All' initiative.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Governor Beshear launches 'Pre-K for All' initiative
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – Governor Andy Beshear and other officials launched the 'Pre-K for All' initiative in Louisville. 'We must provide pre-K to every Kentucky child to ensure that they are prepared for Kindergarten and that they don't feel behind from day one,' First Lady Britainy Beshear said. 'When our kids start school feeling excited and ready to learn, they have the confidence to speak up in class, challenge themselves, ask questions and connect with their peers. That strong beginning has a long-term impact, and it will help them succeed and build the life they dream of.' 1 dead and several injured when storm rips through Kentucky community, authorities say Gov. Beshear noted that according to KY Stats, more than half of Kentucky's children – 53.8% – are unprepared when they show up for their first day of kindergarten. Gov. Beshear said that in addition to increasing educational opportunities for the state's youngest learners, Pre-K for All will also help put money back in the pockets of parents and caregivers and grow the commonwealth's workforce. Gov. Beshear said, 'Before they even step through the door, they are behind. This creates an achievement gap that is nearly impossible to close. To increase kindergarten-readiness, we need to offer pre-K for every four-year-old across the state of Kentucky. American families are struggling to pay the bills, and one of the key drivers is a lack of child care. Pre-K for All can ease the financial burden facing our hard-working families and make paying the bills a little easier.' First medical cannabis safety compliance facility breaks ground in KY Officials say a long-term study from Yale found that providing pre-K increased the earnings of parents and caregivers by nearly $9,000 annually, a trend that held for at least six years. This amounts to $54,000 for Kentucky families as their kids grow. Officials add this is also good for Kentucky's business and economy. According to estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, over time, Pre-K for All is projected to grow Kentucky's workforce by up to 70,000 people. In addition, a study from Yale shows that every $1 invested in pre-K generates $10 that cycles through the state economy. As part of the initiative, Gov. Beshear issued an executive order creating the Team Kentucky Pre-K for All Advisory Committee, comprising 28 leaders from across the commonwealth. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Gov. Beshear's Pre-K for All initiative aims to close achievement gap, boost workforce
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56) — State leaders met in Louisville on Wednesday to celebrate the launch of an initiative that aims to advance the commonwealth's public education system and economy. According to a news release, the Pre-K for All initiative is projected to grow Kentucky's workforce by up to 70,000 people while providing a higher quality education for future generations. State statistics showed that during the 2023 academic year, 53.8% of Kentucky's children were unprepared when they showed up for their first day of kindergarten. Kentucky AG: Fayette County Public Schools violated law in attempted tax hike 'Before they even step through the door, they are behind. This creates an achievement gap that is nearly impossible to close,' Gov. Beshear said. 'To increase kindergarten-readiness, we need to offer pre-K for every 4-year-old across the state of Kentucky.' Beshear noted during Wednesday's event in Louisville that 18 states, including Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, and West Virginia, offer pre-K access for all 4-year-olds. The governor reportedly issued an executive order on Wednesday creating the Team Kentucky Pre-K for All Advisory Committee, consisting of 28 members from across the state with 'a broad range of experience in business, workforce development, and education.' Kentucky considers new area code as 502 nears exhaustion Corbin woman accused of shooting into air across state highway, parking lot Nicholasville police investigating overnight 'armed robbery' near Shun Pike Beshear said that data from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services shows that of Kentucky's 120 counties, nearly two-thirds don't have access to enough child care to serve each family who needs it, with the majority of those located in eastern Kentucky. More information about Beshear's June 4 executive order, including those appointed to the PreK for All Advisory Committee, can be found here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
