Gov. Beshear Provides Team Kentucky Update

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 25, 2025) - Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided updates on economic development; the Kentucky State Police Sexual Assault Kit Initiative team; reentry services; the Department of Juvenile Justice; grants to fight the drug epidemic; progress on orphan well capping; and RISING, a documentary from Team Kentucky. Dr. Steven Stack, secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, joined the Governor to provide an update on Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant funding. The Governor named Erin Overcash, a Kentuckian selected as part of NASA's 24th astronaut class, this week's Team Kentucky All-Star.

Economic Development
Gov. Beshear announced exciting new momentum within the state's manufacturing industry as Union Coating & Chemical Industries will establish its first operation in the United States with a new facility in Barren County, investing nearly $12 million and creating 60 Kentucky jobs.

The Governor highlighted further investment in Kentucky's speed-to-market efforts as nearly $6 million in state funding was approved to support site and building development projects in Carroll, Henderson and McCracken counties.

Yesterday, Gov. Beshear joined local leaders in Erlanger and executives from the United States Playing Card Co. to celebrate the 140th anniversary of Bicycle brand playing cards and to cut the ribbon on its new expanded facility, which created 10 new jobs.

Gov. Beshear highlighted continued momentum within the state's technology sector as TrinDocs, a software company specializing in accounts payable automation and procurement solutions, will expand its Lexington operation with a $636,000 investment, creating 20 Kentucky jobs.

The Governor recognized leaders of several Northern Kentucky organizations who gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the new OneNKY Center in Covington. The center brings together Northern Kentucky groups focused on business development, tourism, innovation and community support.

Gov. Beshear highlighted progress within the state's speed-to-market and site development efforts as he announced two new Build-Ready sites in Pulaski County, bringing the total number of available sites to three and positioning the community and surrounding areas for future investment and job creation.

Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Team Solves Cold Case
The Governor announced that justice has been delivered and a conviction secured in a 20-year-old Jefferson County rape case thanks to a partnership between the Kentucky State Police Sexual Assault Kit Initiative team, the Lexington Police Department, the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet and the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General. For more, see the full release.

Reentry Services
Gov. Beshear provided an update on steps his administration is taking to support reentry, further reduce recidivism, support job growth and create safer communities following his February announcement that nearly 70% of people released from state custody over the past two years have not been re-incarcerated.

In less than a year, Team Kentucky has added 14 different technical education courses in prisons across the commonwealth. By the end of the year, 26 courses will be available for inmates to prepare for employment upon release. The Governor also shared that since launching a pre-apprenticeship program with Ironworkers Local Union 70 in February, 45 inmates have graduated from the program.

To continue this progress, Gov. Beshear announced that the Department of Corrections is currently seeking qualified instructors to train inmates in welding, HVAC, electric work, plumbing, auto tech and collision repair, as well as those preparing to become linemen and barbers. Learn more at secondchance.ky.gov.

"When an inmate is able to secure a stable, good-paying job once released, they are less likely to reoffend. That's why I truly believe there is power in second chances," said Gov. Beshear. "It's important that we continue to invest in second chances, because successful reentry builds safer communities. It prevents crimes from happening in the first place. And it boosts our economy."

Department of Juvenile Justice
Gov. Beshear provided an update on his administration's aggressive plan to implement systemwide improvements in Kentucky's juvenile justice system. Two emergency regulations signed today focus on enhanced mental health outcomes through proper use of restrictive housing policies. The Beshear administration's updates are the first in 20 years, with strategies focused on enhancing safety at Department of Juvenile Justice facilities and producing positive outcomes for second chances.

Justice Assistance Grants
Gov. Beshear announced more than $1.4 million in federal grant funding to nine state and local agencies to fight drug trafficking and addiction.

Orphan Well Capping
The Governor provided an update on progress being made to cap orphan wells across the commonwealth. This week, the Department of the Interior awarded Kentucky $35 million to plug orphan wells. Additionally, the Methane Emissions Reduction Program will invest nearly $13 million to cap 150 wells throughout Kentucky.

In 2022, Team Kentucky received a $25 million grant, which has since been utilized to cap 635 wells in 27 counties. In 2024, the commonwealth received a second $25 million grant which has so far secured the plugging of 17 orphaned wells. Team Kentucky is working this week to plug wells in Menifee and Butler counties. 140 more projects are underway for Grayson, Henderson, Rockcastle, Floyd, Barren, Hart, Jackson and other counties. Since 2022, this program has created around 100 jobs for Kentuckians.

"We'll keep making sure our land, water, air, and most importantly, our families are protected from the effects of these abandoned wells," said Gov. Beshear.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
Dr. Stack shared on update on the Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (KTAP), the monetary assistance program established using federal funds from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. Following faster-than-expected growth of participation in the KTAP program, as well as rising costs of foster care, KTAP cash benefits and transportation supports are being reduced.

Dr. Stack encouraged those who are affected by this change to call 855-306-8959 or visit their local Department for Community Based Services office to apply for other benefits or find community resources.

RISING Documentary
Gov. Beshear announced a second opportunity for Kentuckians to view RISING, a documentary from Team Kentucky. There will be a special screening on Sept. 26 at the Grand Theatre in Frankfort, with a roundtable discussion to follow. Tickets for the screening event are limited, and guests are encouraged to RSVP here.

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 earlier this month, and the official premiere took place on Sept. 18 at the Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg.

Team Kentucky All-Star
The Governor named Erin Overcash, a Kentuckian from Oldham County who was selected as part of NASA's 24th astronaut class, this week's Team Kentucky All-Star. Overcash was one of ten astronaut recruits selected from more than 8,000 applicants.

"Congratulations, Erin," said Gov. Beshear. "We're proud of you. Thanks for making Kentucky look good - and taking Kentucky to space! We're honored to name you this week's Team Kentucky All-Star."

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