Gov. Beshear Provides Team Kentucky Update

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 7, 2026) - Today, Gov. Andy Beshear made announcements that will expand early education and childcare for nearly 700 children across the commonwealth. The Governor also provided updates on economic development, the independent review from the Office of the Inspector General on the Office of Medical Cannabis, the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative, Public Service Recognition Week, Correctional Officers and Employees Week, Nurses Week, and the Menifee County Senior Center. First Lady Britainy Beshear recapped recent legislation signed to support mental healthcare. Dr. Steven Stack, secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, provided an update on the Our Healthy Kentucky Home initiative. The Governor named everyone involved in making the 152nd Kentucky Derby possible as this week's Team Kentucky All-Stars.

Pre-K for All Pilot Program and Childcare Expansion Efforts To Benefit 700 Children
Today, Gov. Beshear signed an executive order to launch the Team Kentucky Pre-K for All Pilot Program in Robertson and Rockcastle counties. The Governor also announced the opening date for the Team Kentucky Early Learning Center and awarded $850,000 to expand daycare services in Daviess County. Combined, these efforts will expand early education and childcare for nearly 700 children across the commonwealth. The Governor was joined by Mary Elizabeth Bailey, secretary of the Personnel Cabinet; Dr. Carrie Ballinger, superintendent for Rockcastle County Schools; Dr. Sanford Holbrook, superintendent for Robertson County Schools; and children who will be enrolled in the full-day pilot program. For more information, see the full release.

Economic Development
Gov. Beshear highlighted an exciting new project for Kentucky's manufacturing industry as ARMOR-IIMAK announced plans to expand its Boone County facility. The nearly $6 million investment will create 44 Kentucky jobs, and 65 total jobs, further strengthening the commonwealth's record-setting economic growth over the past six years.

The Governor announced even more momentum within the state's manufacturing sector as Poland-based Displate Manufacturing unveiled plans to locate its first Kentucky operation in Louisville with a $9.5 million investment, creating 79 quality, full-time jobs.

Gov. Beshear highlighted continued development in the state's distribution and logistics sector as Averitt, one of the nation's leading transportation and supply chain management providers, announced it will build a new regional campus in Bullitt County.

The Governor congratulated AKFA Aluminum Solutions, a division of Uzbekistan's AKFA Group, as the company begins work on its new Bowling Green manufacturing facility.

Independent Review of Office of Medical Cannabis
Today, the Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet's Office of the Inspector General published findings from an independent review of the Office of Medical Cannabis (OMC). The report showed OMC has created an "effective program that was fully transparent and fair to all licensure applicants." For more information, see the report.

Funding for Sexual Assault Kit Initiative
Gov. Beshear announced the Kentucky State Police received more than $172,000 in federal grant funding to continue the commonwealth's ongoing work to provide justice to survivors and victims of sexual offenses through the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative.

Public Service Recognition Week
The Governor recognized May 3-9 as Public Service Recognition Week in the commonwealth.

"Our state employees make a difference every day," said Gov. Beshear. "Through their work, we've been able to build our New Kentucky Home, where folks can find a good job, drive on safe roads and bridges, send their kids to good schools, and feel safe in their communities. I'm proud to serve on Team Kentucky with all of our dedicated public servants."

Correctional Officers and Employees Week
Gov. Beshear also recognized May 3-9 as Correctional Officers and Employees Week in the commonwealth.

"In Kentucky, 1,788 correctional officers serve daily to keep our state prisons safe and secure while 310 officers do the same in our Juvenile Justice detention centers," said Gov. Beshear. "I want to thank each of these folks who do these important jobs. Second chances are possible in the commonwealth because of the work you do, and we are proud to have you on Team Kentucky."

Legislation To Improve Mental Healthcare
The First Lady highlighted recent legislation signed by the Governor to enhance mental healthcare coverage. In April, Gov. Beshear signed House Bill 169, which requires health plans to cover the costs associated with the diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders, and House Bill 178, which seeks to provide reimbursement and coverage for mental health treatments.

"May is Mental Health Awareness Month," said Mrs. Beshear. "Mental health is just as important as physical health - and cost should never be a barrier to receiving care. Every person who takes the brave step to seek help should have access and be accepted with open arms. This legislation is a step in the right direction."

Our Healthy Kentucky Home
Dr. Stack provided an update on Our Healthy Kentucky Home, an initiative to promote simple, positive and attainable goals to inspire and motivate Kentuckians on a journey to health and wellness. Over the next few months, the initiative is focusing on teen and young adult health. Dr. Stack highlighted resources such as Take Charge of Your Health: A Guide for Teenagers, developed by the National Institutes of Health; MyLifeMyQuit, which offers straightforward facts about tobacco risks along with practical tools to support healthier choices; and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Public Health Nurse Appreciation Month and Nurses Week
The Governor was joined by healthcare workers to recognize May as Public Health Nurse Appreciation Month and May 6-12 as Nurses Week in the commonwealth.

"Nurses are the heroes that make our healthcare system work," said Gov. Beshear. "Whether it be during times of crisis or for day-to-day services, our nurses step up to make sure families receive the care they need. Thank you to all our nurses across the commonwealth and the country."

Menifee County Senior Center
Gov. Beshear highlighted a project in Menifee County where Team Kentucky provided over $1 million to renovate and expand the Senior Center Kitchen, which prepares food for the five senior centers throughout the Gateway Region. Recently completed renovations have allowed the kitchen to double its capacity from serving 500 seniors each month to now serving 1,000 seniors each month.

Click here for a Good News update on this project.

Team Kentucky All-Stars
The Governor named everyone involved in making the 152nd Kentucky Derby possible as this week's Team Kentucky All-Stars.

"This is one of the biggest weekends of the year in Kentucky - and when people come here, we show them the best of our people and our commonwealth," said Gov. Beshear. "Thank you to everyone who helps put on this world-class event. Derby 152 is in the history books now, and it wouldn't have happened without the work of so many Kentuckians."

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