Latest news with #TeamKentucky
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
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Gov. Beshear says special session likely to respond to recent natural disasters
FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) — After back-to-back natural disasters, Gov. Andy Beshear said on Thursday that there is a strong possibility he will call a special session of the General Assembly but added that there is still a conversation that needs to be had with legislative leaders. 'We just need firm numbers. Our budget office is working on those now,' Gov. Beshear said at a Team Kentucky briefing on Thursday, May 29. The decision is not set in stone, but the costs associated with storm cleanup from the deadly tornadoes this month and even possibly April's flooding could require lawmakers to return to Frankfort to create a 'SAFE fund.' Deputies investigating deadly 3-vehicle Scott County crash on I-64 West Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park a refuge for London tornado victims working towards rebuilding Gov. Beshear says special session likely to respond to recent natural disasters 'What the SAFE fund does is help those counties. Help them with the dollars they have to put out until they get the FEMA reimbursement, whichever level it's going to be, because counties hit by major natural disasters simply can't afford it,' Beshear said. The governor said it's still going to be a few weeks before his office has hard numbers to present to lawmakers of the overall ask for a SAFE fund, and he said he's also likely to request access to more money in emergency funding, something the legislature increased to $100 million in the most recent session after Beshear voiced concern. 'Those dollars can't be used to help counties with their fiscal liquidity issues,' Beshear explained. Beshear said he expects to reach that funding cap. Senate President Robert Stivers shared this statement with FOX 56 on the governor's possible request. 'When the executive and legislative branches work together in good faith, state government is better equipped to serve our constituents. During the last session, we doubled the Governor's emergency funding authority to $100 million and made it immediately accessible. If additional funding is needed, the General Assembly stands ready to act when appropriately engaged, whether during the upcoming session on January 6 or sooner through a constitutionally called special session. FDA reports rodent infestation at Louisville food distributor The legislature has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to act quickly when there is a legitimate and urgent need. A targeted relief package could be passed in as little as three days if that need is demonstrated and communicated.' 'I don't have any set date. And certainly, before we would set any date, we'd talk to the General Assembly. I'm not going to call a special session unless leadership is for it. I want to make sure that if we do it, it's successful. And that they feel like they have enough information to be confident in it,' Beshear said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
First medical cannabis safety compliance facility breaks ground in KY
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – Team Kentucky announced it broke ground on the first medical cannabis safety compliance facility in the state. Officials say State38 LLC, with a roughly $1 million investment, will employ around a dozen Kentuckians. The new safety compliance facility will be one of seven in the state dedicated to ensuring the safety and quality of medical cannabis products. Owensboro Health commits $200K to community projects 'Team Kentucky is dedicated to ensuring every Kentuckian with a qualifying condition has safe access to quality medical cannabis,' said Gov. Andy Beshear. 'I'm excited to see this new industry take root here in Graves County, because I believe health care is a basic human right.' Officials say on April 17, 2024, Gov. Beshear signed House Bill 829 into law, which moved up the timeline for medical cannabis licensing in Kentucky by six months. The Kentucky Office of Medical Cannabis began accepting applications from prospective businesses on July 1, 2024. Officials with Gov. Beshear's office say last month, Team Kentucky broke ground on the first medical cannabis business in the state, Centaurus Farms KY LLC, a Tier II cultivator in Wayne County. A ribbon-cutting was also held for a Tier III cultivator facility in Clark County managed by Cresco Labs. Two arrested after Hopkins County chase 'I'm proud to see the progress that's been made so far, and I look forward to the day when we say that all our safety compliance facilities, cultivators and dispensaries are open for business,' added Gov. Beshear. Gov. Beshear says on March 31, 2023, Gov. Beshear signed Senate Bill 47 into law, legalizing medical cannabis for Kentuckians beginning January 1, 2025. To date, more than 15,000 Kentuckians have received a written certification, and over 10,000 have successfully applied for and received a medical cannabis card. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Gov. Beshear provides tornado recovery update: ‘We will rebuild'
KENTUCKY (FOX 56) — In Thursday's regular Team Kentucky update, Gov. Andy Beshear addressed the ongoing tornado recovery efforts in Laurel, Russell, and Pulaski Counties. 'To those affected by this weekend's severe weather, our promise to you is the same one we've made to each and every family impacted by natural disasters these past few years,' Beshear said. 'We will rebuild every home and every life. We will keep showing up over and over. We will walk this road of recovery together.' Fallen Scott County sheriff's deputy remembered on second anniversary of passing Mt. Vernon, London music organizations band together to support grieving musicians Gov. Beshear provides tornado recovery update: 'We will rebuild' In a May 20 letter to President Donald Trump, Beshear requested a major disaster declaration and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) individual and public assistance. Upon approval, individual assistance would be available for eight counties and public assistance in 22. The governor's office said it's likely that additional counties will be added. As of May 22, the president has not yet approved the disaster declaration request. The death toll in connection with the southeastern Kentucky tornadoes remains at 19, including 17 in Laurel County, a Pulaski County woman, and an Indiana woman killed in Russell County. Eight people injured in the deadly storms are still at the University of Kentucky Medical Center. The governor's office reported that three remain in critical condition, one serious, and four are expected to recover. Beshear said that no one is considered missing at this time in relation to the severe weather. Read more of the latest Kentucky news At the time of the governor's briefing, about 1,201 customers were without power, down from peak outages at 172,711. Hundreds of Kentuckians have been displaced. Beshear said that 31 people are taking shelter at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, 14 by the Red Cross, 40 at Airbnbs, and 65 households by Praxel. However, many are taking shelter, funded by volunteer organizations or on their own. Team Kentucky is reportedly working to obtain 100 travel trailers at Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park. U.S. Highway 27 has also reopened following extensive cleanup and emergency repairs. However, crews remain at work, and the Parkers Mill Road intersection is still blocked for signal repairs. Barricades and detours will be fluid as crews work to clean and repair roadways and power sources across the southeast region affected. Who are the 19 southeastern Kentucky tornado victims? 'Visit before traveling to make sure your route is not affected by road closures,' the governor's office emphasized. Beshear also urged Kentuckians who are willing and able to give to the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund. The fund supports survivors and hopes to assist with funeral expenses for those lost in the May storms. So far, Kentuckians have raised $1.3 million in donations from 5,735 donors, per Beshear's office. Click here for more information. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Want to help Kentucky residents impacted by deadly tornadoes? Here are ways to assist
After tornadoes and other severe storms devastated Kentucky on May 16 and 17, several organizations have opened disaster relief funds and volunteering opportunities for those willing to provide a helping hand. In southeastern Kentucky, where at least 18 people are dead from the storms and others are displaced from their homes, volunteers can assist with debris cleanup and meal preparation. Donations are also being accepted. Here's how you can help Kentuckians in the aftermath of the deadly storms. The Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund established by Gov. Andy Beshear is accepting donations for those impacted by severe storms in 2025. All donations to the fund are tax-deductible, and donors will receive a receipt for tax purposes after donating. Those interested in donating to the fund can do so online or by mail. If sending a check, include "Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund" in the memo line and mail to: Public Protection Cabinet, 500 Mero Street, 218 NC, Frankfort, KY 40601. Donate online at United Way of Laurel County's long-term disaster relief fund is the official fund for the City of London and Laurel County government, city officials stated in a Facebook post. Those who are interested in donating to United Way's fund can do so online, by mail and in person at the London Community Center or any Community Trust Bank location. Checks can be made payable to United Way of Laurel County and can be mailed to PO Box 5004, London, KY 40743. In the memo line, write "Tornado Relief." Donate online at Laurel County residents looking to receive United Way funds should apply in person at a disaster relief site, London city officials stated. Members of the Salvation Army are providing hot meals, beverages, snacks, and emotional and spiritual care to Laurel and Pulaski residents impacted by the tornadoes, Eric Short, public information officer for the organization, stated in a news release. A Danville-based mobile kitchen unit stationed in Somerset is providing meals to first responders and residents displaced due to the recent storms there, Short said. A truckload of food and catering supplies from Louisville was bound for London on May 18. Short said the Salvation Army's emergency response services in southeastern Kentucky are made possible through public donations. "Financial contributions are the most effective way to support disaster response, ensuring that resources can be quickly allocated to areas of greatest need," he said. Donations to the Salvation Army can be made: Online: By phone: 1-800-725-2769 By mail: Checks can be sent to: The Salvation ArmyPO Box 436437Louisville, Kentucky 40253Include "May 2025 KY Tornadoes" in the memo line Samaritan's Purse, a Christian humanitarian aid organization, is deploying volunteers to Laurel County from May 19 through June 7, according to a job posting online. Volunteers are needed for debris cleanup, tree work and roof tarping, among other things. Volunteers who are coming to stay in Laurel County overnight are expected to serve at least three days and can assist with recovery efforts for a maximum of two weeks, according to the post. The typical work schedule is Monday through Saturday, and limited work hours on Sundays may be needed. Meals, tools and sleeping quarters are provided to overnight volunteers, though they will need to bring their own air mattress or cot, towels and personal hygiene items. Volunteers can serve one day only if they wish. They would need to select the "day" option on their application. The base of operations for the disaster relief unit is at Calvary Baptist Church, 111 N. McWhorter St. in London, Kentucky. More: At least 18 dead in Kentucky tornadoes. What we know as cleanup, storm surveys continue Reach reporter Leo Bertucci at lbertucci@ or @leober2chee on X, formerly known as Twitter This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky tornadoes: How to help residents affected by storm damages
