In his Team Kentucky Update Thursday morning, Governor Andy Beshear addressed the tragic commercial airliner and military helicopter crash from Wednesday night and provided updates on Kentucky’s highway fatalities and medical cannabis.
Governor Beshear announced that reports indicate there are no survivors from the American Airlines and Blackhawk helicopter crash over the Potomac River near Washington, DC, resulting in the loss of 67 lives.
click to download audioHe reminded everyone to cherish their loved ones and remember that life is short, as tragic incidents can unexpectedly take away the important people in our lives.
During the news conference, the governor stated that Team Kentucky’s efforts to improve road safety—through investments in road and bridge upgrades, innovative intersections, wrong-way crash technology, and law enforcement funding—have paid off. He said that the preliminary 2024 report showed a reduction of 14% in highway fatalities compared to 2023.
click to download audioTurning to medical cannabis, Governor Beshear reported that 2,200 medical cannabis cards have been issued as of Thursday, with only 66 applications denied.
click to download audioFurthermore, Governor Beshear said he sent a letter to the state’s congressional delegation on Wednesday urging them to protect the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding medical cannabis users.
click to download audioHe emphasized that his goal when he ran for governor was to provide healthcare access to Kentuckians that ensures the vulnerable the freedom to choose medical cannabis as an alternative to dangerous and addictive opioids.
