Andy Beshear in 2024 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Budget & Economy:
Clean drinking water is a basic human right
I've seen the difference the Cleaner Water Program makes. It's life-changing, and it's something we owe to all our people. That's why I'm proposing we invest another $500 million dollars in grants to our counties and local governments to continue this
vital work. Folks, this is not a partisan issue. Clean drinking water is a basic human right, and this program is building on what we created together.
Source: 2024 State of the State Address to the Kentucky legislature
Jan 3, 2024
On Crime:
Requests $35M for body armor for police, first responders
That is why my budget increases the pay once again of our Kentucky State Police troopers and officers. I am further requesting $35 million dollars to fund grants for body armor to better protect our law enforcement and first responders on those days
when they are required to run toward danger. Let's make sure every single law enforcement officer has the very best protection.
Source: 2024 State of the State Address to the Kentucky legislature
Jan 3, 2024
On Education:
It's time to pass universal pre-K for all our 4-year-olds
Our educators are difference-makers every day. Let's show them that we appreciate what they do by funding an 11% raise for every public school employee. See, we have fallen behind--Kentucky ranks 44th in starting teacher pay and 40th in average
teacher pay. That is unacceptable, and it is hard to understand why we have not been able to come together and get this done for our educators, especially when our neighbors are figuring it out.
As for our youngest learners, it's time to pass universal pre-K for all our 4-year-olds. We are rightfully concerned about learning loss. So, we should address it where it begins.
In the last academic year, only 46% of kindergartners were considered kindergarten-ready. Instituting universal pre-K the right way … means investing in both pre-K and our child-care providers.
Source: 2024 State of the State Address to the Kentucky legislature
Jan 3, 2024
On Energy & Oil:
Kentucky is the EV battery production capital of the US
Because of our work--because of all of our work--the eyes of the world are on Kentucky and what we are doing. Ford and its partner, SK On, are building the two largest electric vehicle battery plants on planet Earth in Glendale, Kentucky--that is the
largest single economic development project in our state's history. It has cemented our status as the EV battery production capital of the United States and it ensures our future as an automotive leader with the chance to be the automotive leader.
Source: 2024 State of the State Address to the Kentucky legislature
Jan 3, 2024
On Health Care:
Continue to expand access to quality health care for all
Tonight, let's commit to moving forward together on our people's mental and physical health. To do that, we need to fully fund Medicaid to make sure we're continuing to care for more than 1.5 million Kentuckians. Because we're seeing more opportunity
for our people than at any time during my life. We need all of our people healthy enough to be a part of this future and the prosperity it will bring. So, let's continue to expand access to quality health care for all of our people.
Source: 2024 State of the State Address to the Kentucky legislature
Jan 3, 2024
On Principles & Values:
My faith teaches me to love my neighbor as myself
Over the past four years, we have gotten through so many hard times together. And now, we are getting to the good times together. We have arrived here by leading with kindness, compassion and empathy for one another.
That is what my faith teaches me--to love my neighbor as myself. It is that Golden Rule and the parable of the Good Samaritan that have guided and should guide us.
Source: 2024 State of the State Address to the Kentucky legislature
Jan 3, 2024
Page last updated: Sep 29, 2024