Gov. Beshear, Lt. Gov. Coleman provide Team Kentucky update

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Gov. Andy Beshear and Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman spoke today on this week’s Team Kentucky update, where they discussed vehicle property tax and state sales tax updates, the state’s latest advancements in agritech, the Cleaner Water Program and the Commonwealth Sheltering Program.

The Governor confirmed that Kentuckians will not see an increase in their vehicle property tax for the next two years due to an executive order he signed yesterday. He added that he is working with House Democratic Caucus Whip Angie Hatton of Whitesburg to provide more relief from inflation by supporting a temporary 1% state sales tax cut over the next fiscal year.

“Right now, we can keep our economy moving, make historic investments in education, health care and the jobs of the future, all while we provide our families and small businesses relief,” Gov. Beshear said.

Gov. Beshear was joined by Dutch Consul General Bart Twaalfhoven to announce that nine new members are being added to an agritech partnership between governments, universities and companies in Kentucky and the Netherlands. The new members will include the Kentucky Horticulture Council, Kentucky State University, Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands,  Kentucky-based companies AppleAtcha and Kentucky Fresh Harvest and Dutch companies Arcadis, Delphy, HortiTech and Royal Brinkman.

“The commitment of renowned Dutch organizations like Wageningen University and strong Dutch companies like Arcadis, along with the entrepreneurial spirit of new Kentucky businesses like AppleAtcha and Kentucky Fresh Harvest, sends a clear signal to the rest of the United States and the world: Kentucky means business.”

Lt. Gov. Coleman and Gov. Beshear announced $13.75 million in Cleaner Water Program funding within the last week.

“Investing in high-speed internet, clean water, roads and bridges helps build a solid foundation for tomorrow’s economy, today,” said Lt. Gov. Coleman. “These systems can make the difference for business leaders looking to invest in Kentucky and they also make a huge difference for our families.”

The Cleaner Water Program and grants for high-speed internet expansion, school facility upgrades and vocational education center renovations are part of Gov. Beshear’s Better Kentucky Plan.

Lt. Gov. Coleman recently visited Mayfield to give keys for travel trailers to five families who lost their homes in December’s tornadoes. After the storm, the state purchased 200 travel trailers to serve as medium-term housing solutions. Lt. Gov. Coleman reminded storm survivors to be eligible for continued sheltering they have to register with FEMA.

For today’s Team Kentucky All-Star, the Governor recognized WoodSongs for their tornado relief efforts to get 1,000 free instruments to tornado victims.

Many Western Kentucky families lost their instruments due to the damage of these tornadoes. If you are one of those families, you can receive a free replacement instrument through WoodSongs on March 18 in Mayfield or March 19 in Dawson Springs or Owensboro while supplies last. No one will be turned away, but FEMA and Red Cross cardholders will be given priority. Those needing a replacement should email WFPA@woodsongs.com or visit the Woodsongs.com/tornado for more information.