Andy Beshear in 2020 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Budget & Economy:
Fully supports legalized sports betting
A commitment to the future also requires that we create new revenue to meet the growing needs of our state. Right now we are watching more than $500 million dollars in gaming revenue go across the border to states like Indiana, Ohio and Illinois.
It's time to stop that flow. To use that money for our needs. Representative Adam Koenig has filed a sports betting bill. I fully support it, and we should pass it.
Source: 2020 Kentucky State of the State address
Jan 14, 2020
On Civil Rights:
Restore voting rights to non-violent offenders
In our first month in office, my administration took immediate action: I restored voting rights to more than 140,000 Kentuckians that had committed nonviolent felonies.
It's time to pass a constitutional amendment that automatically restores voting rights to non-violent offenders that complete their sentences.
Source: 2020 Kentucky State of the State address
Jan 14, 2020
On Civil Rights:
Diversity isn't a buzz word; it's a value
And I have been intentional about building an inclusive cabinet that reflects the people of Kentucky and who will represent their interests.
Diversity isn't a buzz word or a metric. It's a value. It makes us a better government and makes our state more attractive to investment.
Source: 2020 Kentucky State of the State address
Jan 14, 2020
On Education:
Waive GED testing fee for those who can't afford it
The Lt Governor and I announced that we would waive the GED testing fee for anyone who couldn't afford it.
Already, we are seeing major response from those that realize a high school degree or GED can change their life and the next generations of their family.
Source: 2020 Kentucky State of the State address
Jan 14, 2020
On Education:
Teachers deserve a living wage, teacher shortage is a threat
Teachers deserve a raise. We face a teacher shortage that threatens the education of our children. This body has spoken to the need of more engineers and more nurses in this state. But how can that happen if we lack full-time science and math teachers.
We've figured out how to give tax incentives to corporations--so I know we can figure out how to pay a living wage to the men and women who get up at the crack of dawn every morning so our Kentucky children have every opportunity.
Source: 2020 Kentucky State of the State address
Jan 14, 2020
On Education:
End historic cuts to universities, community colleges
A commitment to breaking cycles of poverty must also include higher education. In this state, we need more of every option. More graduates with a four-year college degree and more workers with technical degrees and certifications for skilled trades.
To do that, we must end our historic cuts to our universities and community colleges.
Source: 2020 Kentucky State of the State address
Jan 14, 2020
On Health Care:
Pass state law protecting people with preexisting conditions
I believe in a bigger brighter future. That requires that our Kentucky families don't have to worry about losing health care coverage because of a preexisting condition.
I hear members of both parties say those very words. So this session, let's pass a state law ensuring no one can lose coverage in this state, ever again, based on a preexisting condition.
There are far too many Kentuckians who are rationing insulin or deciding between a prescription drug expense or healthy food, rent or school supplies. In fact, a member of this chamber has talked about having to ration insulin himself. Most
bottles of insulin cost just $7 to produce & yet big pharma is charging our people upwards of $300 a vial. It is wrong. It is cruel. We must fight back. There are a number of bills in the legislature right now to curb the costs of insulin. Let's pass it.
Source: 2020 Kentucky State of the State address
Jan 14, 2020
On Health Care:
Rescinded Medicaid waiver, stopped managed care contracts
I rescinded the Medicaid waiver that would have kicked more than a hundred thousand Kentuckians off of their health care. Access to health care is a basic human right and it will be protected during my administration.
We can't expect to create the work force of the future if our people aren't healthy. My administration further stopped $8 billion in managed care contracts that were rushed through just days before I took office.
Source: 2020 Kentucky State of the State address
Jan 14, 2020
On Jobs:
It's time equal work results in equal pay
It means our economic approach must be grounded in creating good-paying, family-supporting jobs across our commonwealth, and not just increasing corporate profits.
And that those good jobs must pay a woman the same as they would a man. In 2020, it's time equal work results in equal pay.
Source: 2020 Kentucky State of the State address
Jan 14, 2020
On Principles & Values:
With great power comes great responsibility
We are each here blessed to be able to serve. But that comes with a special responsibility. That responsibility has been laid out everywhere from the bible to pop culture. Luke 12:48 it states: "For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much
required," Similarly, the wisdom from Uncle Ben that launched a superhero franchise is "With great power comes great responsibility." And the power to govern, to change laws and to change lives, is a great power, which comes with great responsibility.
Source: 2020 Kentucky State of the State address
Jan 14, 2020
On Technology:
We must focus on completing important infrastructure
On infrastructure, we must focus on completing important projects for families across our commonwealth. It means I'm committed to speeding up the Mountain Parkway project in Eastern Kentucky and building the I-69 bridge to open up western Kentucky.
It also means ensuring that every area of Kentucky has clean drinking water. Because our families deserve it and new business demands it. And it means coming together to chart our future to ensure every area of the state has high-speed internet.
Source: 2020 Kentucky State of the State address
Jan 14, 2020
Page last updated: Dec 01, 2021