Often, the words of the governor do little to reach western Kentucky — much less, make mention of it.
During Wednesday night’s joint session of the House and Senate in Frankfort, however, Andy Beshear referred to the region on four distinct occasions in his “State of the Commonwealth” year-in-review address, in what was a full reflection of 2023, with a quick look to what’s next.
Before diving in, however, he found a laugh.
Beshear has often touted Kentucky’s “red-hot” economy, and did so again — citing sector growth in all parts of the state under his first term.
The Kentucky Product Development Initiative, a healthy budget and bipartisan legislation played a large part in this economic surge post COVID-19, and the governor naturally hopes it continues under his suggested biennium plan.
The Commonwealth, he added, continues its rebuild following the tornadic devastation in the west, the flood disaster in the east, and a wretched ice storm in between.
Behind emphatic efforts from the House and Senate, as well as the Western and Eastern relief funds, Beshear said 2024 will be another chapter of growth and prosperity for those most needing it — including the construction and repair of roads, bridges, homes and businesses.
Staying on budget discussion, Beshear recounted an early trip he’d made to Muhlenberg County and Bremen — one of many communities wracked with damage after the December 2021 storms.
Walking down the road assessing the damage, he saw a man driving a large pickup truck, and struck up a conversation.
What’s more, Beshear added, is that both parents are working two jobs to support their family.
And, finally, Beshear asked for a moment of silence — centered around the fallen soldiers and law enforcement agents over the last 18 months.
Many of those came from this area.
According to KET’s Renee Shaw, Republican leadership has yet to release its full look at budget priorities.
