Kentucky Governor's Team Kentucky Update: Bourbon, Pre-K, Disaster Relief, and More

Economic Development and Bourbon Industry

• 📈 Kentucky's economy has seen over $35 billion in new private sector investment and 60,500 new jobs since the beginning of the administration.
• 🥃 The state's bourbon industry has attracted over $4.4 billion in new investment and created 1,870 jobs, with Jackson Purchase Distillery celebrating its 100,000th barrel.

Cost of Living and Pre-K for All

• ⛽ The state gas tax will decrease by 1.4 cents per gallon starting July 1st, contributing to a 12% decrease over two years.
• 📚 Kentucky has launched the "PreK for All" initiative, making pre-kindergarten available to every four-year-old in the state.
• 💰 This initiative is projected to grow Kentucky's workforce by up to 70,000 people and increase average family earnings by $54,000 over time.
• 🤝 A Team Kentucky PreK Advisory Committee has been formed, including business and education leaders, to gather public input through town halls.

Infrastructure and Community Development

• ⚡ Over $6 million is being invested in four public power utilities to enhance grid resilience and improve outage detection and response times.
• 🏗️ More than $6 million is allocated to six communities for brownfield redevelopment, including projects in Frankfort and Ballard County.

Driver's Licensing and Disaster Recovery

• 🚗 Updates on driver's licensing include accommodating 15-year-olds with new permits and adding over 100 contracted staff to regional offices.
• ⚠️ Four disaster recovery centers are open for those impacted by recent tornadoes, with FEMA approving over $1 million in individual assistance for the May tornado event.
• 🏠 The state is providing intermediate housing through a travel trailer program for disaster victims, with 158 individuals currently sheltered.
• 🍎 Six Kentucky counties affected by severe weather are eligible for disaster food benefits, with application deadlines approaching.

Health and Safety Initiatives

• 🩺 June is Men's Health Month, with a focus on promoting healthy habits, nutrition, and regular exercise to reduce risks of chronic diseases.
• 🧡 Kentucky is recognizing Gun Violence Awareness Day and Wear Orange Weekend to honor victims and survivors, advocating for conversations about safety measures.

Sports and Community Recognition

• ⚾ The University of Louisville and Murray State University are advancing to the NCAA Division 1 Baseball Super Regional Round, marking a historic year for Kentucky sports.
• ⭐ The "Team Kentucky Allstars" recognize the achievements of players, coaches, and staff in various sports.