Gov. Beshear Provides Team Kentucky Update

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 19, 2026) - Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided updates on Pre-K for All, the state budget, weather, a new health clinic in Mount Sterling, the Safe Teen Driving Challenge, the Earn and Learn Program and Team Kentucky's Easter celebration. The Governor named the Kentucky State Parks Ranger Division as this week's Team Kentucky All-Stars.

Pre-K for All
This week, the Governor announced that more than 170 business owners from across the commonwealth sent a letter to the General Assembly urging them to fund Pre-K for All in the 2026-2027 budget session. The letter stated that Pre-K for All is not just an education policy; it's an economic development investment that will grow Kentucky's workforce.

Last month, members of the House Appropriations and Revenue Committee requested that Team Kentucky gather data on how many school districts could immediately implement pre-K if the General Assembly were to fund the Beshear administration's proposal. After compiling data from over 100 school districts, today, Gov. Beshear announced that 74 of Kentucky's school districts could expand preschool access in the next two years if the General Assembly supports Pre-K for All. Additionally, 48 school districts indicated that they could implement this expansion as soon as this fall.

"Dozens of these districts already have identified classroom space and teaching staff. Some are already making preparations," said Gov. Beshear. "Folks, Pre-K for All is possible - and it shouldn't be political. As I've said, 4-year-olds aren't registered; they can't vote. They just deserve our investment. The facts are clear: Kentuckians and businesses want Pre-K for All. And now we also know that Kentucky school districts are ready to get to work."

Budget
Yesterday, the Kentucky Senate passed its proposed budget. Gov. Beshear noted areas where the budget stands in stark contrast to his proposal and will ultimately hurt Kentucky families. The Governor's proposed budget fully funds Medicaid, whereas the Senate's budget will cut Medicaid by $2.7 billion over two years. Cuts may be as large as 10% in July 2026, with another 10% in July 2027. This could fuel across-the-board pay cuts to hospitals, doctors and clinics and cause service lines to be cut, including local maternity wards. Rates will be cut, including a 10% annual rate cut to all Medicaid waiver services. It also may completely eliminate services like vision, dental and hearing, hospice coverage, mental health services and more.

The Senate's budget also includes $76 million less than the Governor's budget for the Department of Community Based Services. This agency handles Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and more. The budget cuts may result in a reduction of hundreds of social worker positions. It could also reduce rates paid to foster parents and foster home facilities.

"We should be expanding health care access to protect the lives of Kentuckians. And we should be supporting our social workers and programs that help our families. But sadly, these cuts are doing the exact opposite," said Gov. Beshear. "These cuts are just cruel - plain and simple. And they get worse. So I hope you'll use your voice and speak out. Call, write and email your representatives, because you deserve better."

Weather
The Governor provided an update on recent weather and a new Team Kentucky member from the National Weather Service (NWS). Severe weather moved across the commonwealth March 15-16. Winds were forecast up to 75 mph, and after conducting a survey of affected areas, the NWS confirmed an EF-1 tornado touched down and travelled more than 43 miles across Grayson, Hardin and Meade counties. The tornado was estimated to have winds of 110 mph. This tornado and the storms caused damage across multiple counties, including downed trees, structural damage to barns and roofs, and power outages that reached 38,600 at the highest point. There were no reported injuries.

Gov. Beshear noted that prior to and during this weather event, the NWS team worked to keep Kentuckians updated so they could stay safe. Today, the Governor announced that Kentucky Emergency Management has a new team member: NWS meteorologist Jon Wilson. Wilson will work to conduct special weather briefings for state agencies and provide additional support on weather-related events.

"This is one more way we can ensure we are prepared and have the most up-to-date information when it comes to weather events," said Gov. Beshear. "I'm glad to be welcoming Jon to the team, and I am looking forward to working with him."

New Health Clinic in Mount Sterling
The Governor announced that the new Post Clinic building in Mount Sterling is now open. In 2022, Team Kentucky provided $1 million to support this project. This clinic provides free dental and primary medical care to uninsured and underinsured Kentuckians across 23 counties.

Click here for a Good News update on this project.

Safe Teen Driving Challenge
Gov. Beshear announced today that registration is open for Team Kentucky's second Safe Teen Driving Challenge, which encourages safe driving behaviors to keep our highways safe while also giving teen drivers the chance to earn one of five cash prizes, worth a total of $10,000.

Earn and Learn Program
The Governor provided an update on the commonwealth's Earn and Learn program, where current and former foster children can earn weekly wages while earning their GED and completing a career and technical education program through the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. Since the program's launch in 2020, foster youth have earned nearly 100 vocational credentials in several fields. This includes automotive repair, welding and Emergency Medical Technician credentials.

"This program sets our foster children up for bright futures. Every participant also has access to a college advisor and a success coach," said Gov. Beshear. "If there are two things we can all agree on, it's that every child deserves a chance to succeed and that more skilled workers getting good-paying jobs is good for Kentucky."

Easter Celebration
The Governor invited Kentuckians to celebrate Easter with Team Kentucky on Saturday, March 28, at 2 p.m. on the Old State Capitol Lawn. The event will include family activities such as an Easter egg hunt, crafts, food trucks and a visit from the Easter Bunny. The egg hunt starts shortly after the event begins at 2 p.m., so families are encouraged to arrive early.

Team Kentucky All-Stars
The Governor named the Kentucky State Parks Ranger Division as this week's Team Kentucky All-Stars, following the division's recognition with the President's Award at the 2026 Parks Law Enforcement Association annual conference.

"The award highlighted the Ranger Division's emergency response efforts during last year's tornado in May and flooding in February and April," said Gov. Beshear. "They worked around the clock, partnering with Kentucky Emergency Management, FEMA, the American Red Cross, the National Guard, and our state and local partners to keep people safe and get them to shelter. So, this week, I am proud to make our Kentucky State Parks Rangers our Team Kentucky All-Stars."

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