Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear's Press Conference on SNAP Funding, Pre-K, and Public Safety

Economic Development and Job Creation

• 🚀 Kentucky's economy continues to break records with over 1,200 private sector projects announced, totaling $43 billion in investment and creating more than 63,600 jobs.
• 📈 Recent approvals include seven new projects across five counties, bringing $76.9 million in state investment and 317 jobs.
• ✨ Kametrics celebrated a $4 million expansion in Lexington, creating 12 jobs and supporting the growing EV sector.

Protecting Children and Online Safety

• 🛡️ Team Kentucky is partnering with Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky to release a series of 10 videos offering parents tips on online safety for children.
• 🚔 Since 2019, Kentucky State Police have arrested 474 online predators for crimes against children, including child pornography and exploitation.
• ⚠️ Recent arrests in Logan, Clark, and Pike counties highlight ongoing efforts to combat internet crimes against children.

Infrastructure and Community Development

• 💧 Mazeville will receive $1.2 million to replace 40,000 ft of water line, improving water pressure.
• 🏗️ Mason County is receiving over $1 million for a new water tank to increase storage capacity and support future development.
• 🏭 Montgomery County will receive $700,000 to help RIP Technologies purchase equipment, supporting nearly 30 local jobs.

Pre-K for All Initiative

• 📚 The PreK for All advisory committee has submitted its report with recommendations to expand access to preschool for all four-year-olds in Kentucky.
• 📊 Key findings indicate that Kentucky's early care system is fragmented and inadequate, with only 27% of four-year-olds currently having access to pre-K.
• 📈 Successful programs in other states show improved kindergarten readiness, long-term academic success, and significant economic returns.
• 🏫 Recommendations include phased expansion, local flexibility, mixed-delivery services, prioritizing quality, regulatory flexibility, and a unified data collection system.

Mental Health and Public Safety

• 🧠 The number of licensed mental health professionals in Kentucky has nearly doubled since 2019, from just over 10,000 to nearly 20,000.
• ☎️ Initiatives like the 988 mental health crisis lifeline and findhelpnowky.org are expanding access to care.
• 📉 Drug overdose deaths in Kentucky have decreased for three consecutive years.

SNAP Funding Crisis and Community Support

• ⚠️ SNAP benefits are set to lapse on November 1st due to a federal government shutdown, affecting nearly 600,000 Kentuckians.
• ⚖️ Kentucky has joined a lawsuit with 24 other states to compel the federal government to fund SNAP benefits.
• 🤝 Team Kentucky is launching a food drive to collect non-perishable items for distribution through established charities.
• 🌟 Food pantries, their volunteers, and donors are recognized as Team Kentucky Allstars for their efforts in fighting hunger.

Halloween Safety and Public Service Opportunities

• 🎃 Safety tips for motorists, parents, homeowners, and trick-or-treaters are provided to ensure a safe Halloween.
• 💼 The Team Kentucky internship program is accepting applications for paid internships in public service for college students, with applications closing December 31st.
• ⚖️ Regarding the Ronald Exantis case, the Governor stated that the parole board voted against parole, and he supports the board continuing to do what it has always done.