Gov. Beshear Provides Team Kentucky Update

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 8, 2026) - Today, Gov. Andy Beshear recapped last night's State of the Commonwealth and Budget Address and shared updates on leadership at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet; Kentucky State Parks; funding to support railroads; medical cannabis; and kynect open enrollment. The Governor was joined by Ray Perry, secretary of the Public Protection Cabinet, who announced a statewide carbon monoxide safety initiative, and the Governor's chief of staff, La Tasha Buckner, who shared an update on the new Mobile ID option in Kentucky.

Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman highlighted new funding available through the Victims of Crime Act and reminded Kentuckians of an upcoming showing of RISING, a documentary from Team Kentucky. First Lady Britainy Beshear recognized Human Trafficking Awareness Day, updated Kentuckians on an urgent need for blood donors and named all those donating blood as this week's Team Kentucky All-Stars.

State of the Commonwealth
Yesterday, Gov. Beshear delivered his seventh State of the Commonwealth and final Budget Address to Kentucky families, reporting that the "state of the commonwealth remains strong; but our people, our commonwealth and our country are facing serious new challenges, and it's our job to meet this moment."

Read the Governor's full address here.

Statewide Carbon Monoxide Safety Initiative
Secretary Perry announced a new statewide initiative focused on carbon monoxide safety, including proactive inspections of aging buildings. These inspections will begin with schools, followed by daycares and senior living facilities.

Kentucky Mobile ID
In keeping with Team Kentucky's commitment to prevent identity theft and deliver modern licensing services, the Governor's chief of staff, La Tasha Buckner, highlighted Gov. Beshear's announcement that Kentuckians can download Kentucky Mobile ID - a secure and convenient digital version of a standard or REAL ID driver's license or ID accepted for air travel at more than 250 airports. REAL IDs on the app are accepted at Transportation Security Administration checkpoints to verify a user's identity. The app does not replace a physical ID or driver's license, which should still be carried at all times. To learn more about Mobile ID or how to verify a Mobile ID, visit drive.ky.gov/mobile-id.

Leadership at Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
The Governor announced that he has appointed Jeremy Slinker to deputy secretary for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, working alongside Secretary Jim Gray and Deputy Secretary Mike Hancock. Slinker previously served as director of Kentucky Emergency Management. Slinker's main focus will be improving processes at Driver Licensing Regional Offices.

"I'm honored and humbled to continue serving the Commonwealth of Kentucky in this new role," said Slinker. "There's been significant process made in driver licensing processes, but we can always be better, and I'm dedicated to continuously improving. We'll continue to deliver strong results by being innovative."

In 2025, following new legislation requiring vision screenings for all license and permit renewals, Real ID enforcement, and legislation that made 15-year-olds eligible for driver's permits, Driver Licensing Regional Offices faced higher demand for in-person appointments and walk-in visits for licensing services.

To meet this new demand, Team Kentucky hired 125 new, contracted full-time team members at these offices, launched a new line-management and text check-in system, opened a fifth location in Louisville and continued hosting popup events in counties without a regional office.

From April through December of 2025, average walk-in customer wait times fell from 49 minutes to 11 minutes, and average appointment wait times dropped from 25 minutes to 11 minutes. Last year, more than 1.3 million state credentials were issued, including more than 21,000 permits to 15-year-olds. Team Kentucky also recorded its highest issuance month on record, issuing more than 130,000 credentials in May 2025. These are efforts Slinker will continue and expand upon.

Kentucky State Parks
Gov. Beshear announced that Kentucky State Parks achieved record improvements in guest experience in 2025, driven by visitor feedback and a strong commitment to improving visitor experience. Last year, a record-breaking 60,970 guest surveys were collected, a 392% increase from 2024, resulting in higher overall satisfaction. In 2025, Kentucky State Parks introduced new digital tools to enhance the guest experience, including real-time guest messaging and an outdoor recreational mobile app, making it easier for visitors to plan and enjoy their stay.

Additionally, the Governor announced a major step forward in guest safety, with the installation of new security cameras at front desks of state parks across the commonwealth. Installations have been completed at 15 state parks, with work underway at three more.

Funding To Support Railroads
The Governor awarded nearly $3 million in grant funds to railroads and local governments to finance nine projects for industrial access and railway infrastructure improvement in seven counties across Kentucky. Projects will address rail line expansion and access road construction, as well as signal and lighting upgrades at public crossings, all of which will boost safety for motorists, attract new business and support economic activity.

Medical Cannabis
Gov. Beshear announced that Team Kentucky has approved the first medical cannabis processer in the commonwealth, Bison Infused in Dayton. This will result in multiple products being available in coming weeks for eligible Kentuckians. The Post Dispensary in Beaver Dam was Kentucky's first fully approved and licensed medical cannabis dispensary and had its official opening last month.

Gov. Beshear also said that Team Kentucky expects the Speakeasy, a dispensary in Lexington, to open this month. Team Kentucky has also approved Bluegrass Cannacare, a dispensary in Boone County, to operate. Bluegrass Cannacare will open once additional product becomes available.

So far, more than 17,309 Kentuckians have been approved for medical cannabis cards. Over 509 practitioners are registered to issue certifications, and they have already issued nearly 26,000 electronic certifications.

kynect Open Enrollment
The Governor provided an update on kynect, the state-based marketplace for health coverage. To combat the impacts of Congress's decision not to extend tax credits for affordable health care, the Governor's proposed budget fully funds Medicaid and provides $100 million to lower the cost of coverage on kynect.

Members of Team Kentucky are also stepping up to help keep Kentuckians covered. Since Nov. 1, kynectors at the Kentucky-based Marketplace Contact Center have answered more than 85,000 inbound calls. They also made over 12,700 outbound calls to households that are facing monthly premium increases of $100 or more. Team Kentucky members helped connect Kentuckians with an independent, licensed insurance agent to help review plan options for 2026. Local kynectors have also hosted more than 1,600 outreach and enrollment events across Kentucky.

The Governor said that, so far, 88,000 Kentuckians have enrolled in a Qualified Health Plan for 2026. Kentuckians have until Jan. 15 to enroll for 2026 health insurance coverage. Visit kynect.ky.gov or call 855-459-6328 to learn about your insurance options.

"At a time when rising costs for everyday needs are hurting Kentuckians and all Americans, I believe we should be expanding health-care access, not making it more difficult to afford," said Gov. Beshear. "I am so proud of these folks who are going above and beyond to help our fellow Kentuckians during this stressful time. Health care is a basic human right - and this team is working to make sure everyone can access coverage."

Victims of Crime Act Grant Applications Open
Lt Gov. Coleman announced that applications will open on Jan. 12 for organizations and agencies across the commonwealth that provide direct services to victims of crime and their families to apply for $4.8 million in federal grant funding.

Upcoming Showing of RISING Documentary
The Lieutenant Governor reminded Kentuckians of an upcoming opportunity to view RISING, a documentary from Team Kentucky. There will be a screening in Louisville at the Kentucky Center - Bomhard Theater on Jan. 15 at 7 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit RISING.ky.gov.

RISING tells the story of the strength and resilience of Eastern Kentuckians as they undertake the most ambitious rebuilding effort in the nation following the historic 2022 floods. The Governor announced the documentary in September, and the official premiere took place on Sept. 18 at the Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg.

Human Trafficking Awareness Day
The First Lady reminded Kentuckians that Jan. 11 is Human Trafficking Awareness Day in the commonwealth.

"One of my top priorities as Kentucky's First Lady is helping end human trafficking in every awful form that it takes," said Mrs. Beshear. "We can do this by learning the signs and having the confidence to report when something doesn't feel right - and by making sure every survivor has the resources they need to heal."

The First Lady highlighted resources available to Kentuckians, including the Human Trafficking Hotline.

Urgent Need for Blood Donors
The First Lady highlighted that the Kentucky Blood Center has reported a blood shortage following the holiday season. The Governor and First Lady will host their annual blood drive Feb. 12, and there are plenty of other opportunities before then at kybloodcenter.org and redcross.org.

Team Kentucky All-Stars
In light of the recent blood shortage, the First Lady named all those donating blood as this week's Team Kentucky All-Stars.

"Donating blood only takes a few minutes, and it can truly save lives. To everyone who has donated or is making plans: Thank you. We are grateful and proud to celebrate your efforts on Team Kentucky," said the First Lady. "Let's end this shortage to start the new year right, together. And thank you to all the All-Stars out there making a difference."

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