Beshear delivers State of the Commonwealth Address

FRANKFORT, Ky. – In his State of the Commonwealth Address last night, Gov. Andy Beshear said the commonwealth has a bright future ahead for 2023.

“2023 provides a special opportunity for the state and for this legislative session to change everything for the better,” Beshear said. “To be the generation that puts aside partisanship and ushers Kentucky into a new era of prosperity.”

The governor said his office will be there for those affected by natural disasters “every step of the way” and that they “remain committed” as communities rebuild.

Throughout his address, he recognized challenges from the pandemic, natural disasters and rebuilding communities, as well as the enormous success Kentucky has seen, according to a release by the governor’s office. Beshear says this includes the best two-year period for economic development and job creation, record-high budget surpluses and the longest period of the lowest unemployment rate in state history.

The governor also discussed legislative proposals for the coming year. He said he aims to file bills that will lead to economic growth and lift up Kentuckians for generations to come.

The Education First Plan law would provide a 5% pay raise for public school educators to tackle the 11,000 teacher vacancies and fully fund universal pre-K, allowing parents to work while ensuring children are kindergarten-ready, according to Beshear.

Beshear also encouraged lawmakers to legalize medical cannabis, which would build on his executive order allowing Kentucky residents with specific severe illnesses, who meet certain requirements, to possess and use small amounts of legally purchased medical cannabis for treatment.

In addition, the governor asked lawmakers to consider legalizing sports betting and proposed a raise for all state workers, following last year’s commitment by the governor and lawmakers to do so, according to Beshear.

The governor says he is also filing legislation to provide retirees with a 1.5% increase in their pension payment, and he is further seeking changes in the juvenile justice system with higher salaries, facility updates and state law changes.

“If we double down right now. Lead with our values and put politics aside – there is nothing that we cannot achieve. Our future is brighter than it’s ever been,” Beshear said.