Gov. Beshear Provides Team Kentucky Update

FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 30, 2026) - Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that overdose deaths in the commonwealth decreased for the fourth year in a row and celebrated the best four-month start in history for economic investment. The Governor also provided updates on tourism funding, a new law enforcement training facility, a new reentry campus and Apprenticeship Week. First Lady Britainy Beshear provided an update on the First Lady's Human Trafficking Awareness Coalition and recognized Month of the Military Child. Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman provided updates on funding to support victims of crime and railway infrastructure. The Governor named two Kentucky leaders who recently passed away as this week's Team Kentucky All-Stars: longtime civil rights leader P.G. Peeples and Crittenden County Sheriff's Deputy Rick Coyle.

Overdose Deaths Decrease in Kentucky
Gov. Beshear announced that overdose deaths in the commonwealth decreased for the fourth year in a row, with a 22.9% decrease in 2025 compared with the previous year and a 50.8% decrease from 2021. Van Ingram, executive director of the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy, joined the Governor to help make the announcement.

"Last year we saw the lowest number of overdose deaths recorded in the commonwealth since 2014. This means that our efforts are paying off as we expand access to addiction treatment," said Gov. Beshear. "While we take pride in the progress we've made, we also mourn the 1,110 Kentuckians who lost their lives last year to a drug overdose. In honor of those lost, we must keep working every day for the inches that become miles of progress."

Economic Development
The Governor announced that 2026 marked the best first four months for economic investment of any year in Kentucky history, with over $7 billion in announced and approved investment. Since the beginning of his administration, Gov. Beshear has announced more than 1,300 private-sector new-location and expansion projects totaling over $50 billion in announced investments, creating more than 70,000 jobs.

The Governor also provided an update on the former BlueOval SK On facilities in Glendale. In December 2025, Ford announced it was ending its joint venture with SK On for their U.S. battery factories due to changes in public policy related to the electric vehicle industry, trade policy issues and changing dynamics in the marketplace. Since then, the Beshear administration has been focused on protecting taxpayers, supporting affected employees and creating new jobs.

Over the past several weeks, Team Kentucky has laid out that Ford would assume all obligations under the original transaction and confirm, as previously announced, a new $2 billion investment in the facility, creating at least 2,100 full-time jobs to manufacture energy storage systems in Hardin County. Today, the Governor announced that Ford agreed to the updated terms and the company and state are moving forward together.

"This is great news for Ford, great news for Hardin County and great news for all of Kentucky," said Gov. Beshear. "Ford has been a great employer and corporate partner in our state for more than a century, and our winning partnership will continue well into the future."

Gov. Beshear highlighted a new project for the state's manufacturing sector in Eastern Kentucky as Toothsure, a provider of oral hygiene products designed for patients who face barriers to standard dental care, announced plans to establish a new operation in Perry County with a $7.3 million investment, creating 60 new, full-time jobs at a wage of $55.25 per hour, including benefits.

The Governor highlighted the commonwealth's growing technology sector as Global Business Solutions announced plans to expand its Northern Kentucky operations. The $6.8 million investment will allow the company to locate in a historic Covington building and retain 57 highly technical positions.

Gov. Beshear announced further momentum within the state's speed-to-market and site development initiatives as 11 projects supporting future job growth and investment across 11 counties were approved for $12.98 million in state funding to improve Kentucky's available sites. The counties seeing new site development projects include Caldwell, Fleming, Floyd, Graves, Hardin, Johnson, Lyon, Marion, McCreary, Mercer and Pendleton counties.

Funding To Boost Kentucky's Tourism Industry
Gov. Beshear announced that 94 tourism marketing organizations across 82 counties have received $2 million through Team Kentucky's Regional Marketing and Matching Funds Program.

New Law Enforcement Training Facility
Yesterday, Team Kentucky broke ground on the Department of Criminal Justice Training's new law enforcement training facility in Madisonville. The Governor said the groundbreaking is a testament to the administration's pledge to make Kentucky a national leader in public safety while ensuring those who protect the commonwealth have the tools and resources needed to stay safe.

Kentucky's First Reentry Campus
This week, the Governor recognized Second Chance Month in the commonwealth by ceremonially signing House Bill 5, which provides the framework to create Kentucky's first reentry campus, focused on increasing public safety and boosting the state's workforce. For more, see the full release.

Human Trafficking Awareness
As chair of the First Lady's Human Trafficking Awareness Coalition, Mrs. Beshear shared some of the warning signs associated with human trafficking ahead of the Kentucky Derby. Human trafficking is a crime that affects people of all ages and backgrounds, and big events with large crowds can be a hot spot.

Traffickers often use tactics like threats of violence, recruitment and coercion, isolation and holding on to a person's money or ID. People who have been trafficked may seem malnourished or nervous or have signs of physical or emotional abuse. They may avoid making eye contact, stay silent or look afraid to speak or someone else may be coaching them on what to say. Visit humantraffickinghotline.org to learn more about the signs.

"The more we understand trafficking, the more action we can take to help our neighbors. Together we can spread awareness and stop these crimes from happening," said the First Lady. "If you see something, say something. I look forward to sharing more work from the Human Trafficking Awareness Coalition soon, as we work to empower Kentuckians across the state to get involved. Be safe, everyone, and look out for each other."

Month of the Military Child
The First Lady recognized April as Month of the Military Child. On April 27, Mrs. Beshear visited with military children at Fort Knox.

"Kentucky has many amazing military families at Fort Knox, Fort Campbell, in our National Guard and more," said the First Lady. "While their parents wear the uniform, these kids serve, too, making sacrifices well beyond their years so their family member can protect our country. To every military kid across our commonwealth and country: We see you. Your sacrifices don't go unnoticed. Team Kentucky is proud of you - and your whole country is proud of you."

Funding To Support Crime Victims in Kentucky
Lt. Gov. Coleman announced that the Beshear-Coleman administration awarded $16 million in federal grant funding to 88 agencies and organizations across the commonwealth that provide direct services to victims of crime and their families through the Victims of Crime Act grant program.

Support for Railway Infrastructure Projects
The Lieutenant Governor also announced a $3.1 million investment to fund seven infrastructure projects that will enhance railroad lines and industrial access sites. Awarded from the Kentucky Industrial Access and Safety Improvement program and the Kentucky Short Line Infrastructure Preservation program, the grants will help fund safety monitoring systems, scale installations, the establishment of two new transloading locations for freight transfer, a railcar repair facility, erosion control and more.

Apprenticeship Week
The Governor recognized April 27-May 1, 2026, as Apprenticeship Week in Kentucky, along with LeeSa Page, executive director of Team Kentucky's Office of Industry and Apprenticeship Services. Kentucky's apprenticeship program has grown by 45% since 2020. Learn more about registered apprenticeships at KYWorks.Ky.Gov.

"One of the best ways we can get folks into great jobs is through an apprenticeship," said Gov. Beshear. "We're investing in our workforce to help connect our employers with skilled talent - and to help more Kentuckians build the future they want for themselves and their family."

Team Kentucky All-Stars
The Governor named two Kentucky leaders who recently passed away as this week's Team Kentucky All-Stars: longtime civil rights leader P.G Peeples and Crittenden County Sheriff's Deputy Rick Coyle. Peeples led the Lexington Urban League for five decades and championed civil rights, education, affordable housing and more. Deputy Coyle was a brave law enforcement officer who succumbed to his injuries after being shot in the line of duty in early April.

"Please join Britainy and me as we pray for the families of these incredible Kentuckians during this difficult time," said Gov. Beshear. "Both men left amazing legacies, and Kentucky is a better place because of their work. It's a reminder that life is short, and we need to do good things, and be kind to one another."

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