LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Spectrum News 1 spoke one-on-one with Gov. Andy Beshear (D) on Wednesday, discussing several issues surrounding his first term in office, the coronavirus pandemic and what’s ahead in 2021.

Beshear was inaugurated Dec. 10, 2019, and he says the first few months started out strong after he restored voting rights to 170,000 non-violent felons, rescinded the previous administration's Medicaid waiver that would have included a work requirement for benefits, and completely revamping the Kentucky Board of Education.

But then the coronavirus hit and demanded everyone’s attention, including Beshear’s.

“My number one job right now is to defeat this virus, get us through it, and save lives,” Beshear said. “But at the same time, we’re going to be able to work even next year on building the new economy where we can be a leader in this country.”

Beshear and Spectrum News 1’s Joe Ragusa spoke about optimism for 2021 with multiple coronavirus vaccines on the horizon, but also the likely political fight between Beshear and Republican legislative leaders that control both the House and Senate with veto-proof supermajorities.

Lawmakers come back for session on Jan. 5 to start tackling issues including another one-year budget. GOP leaders have promised to reform the governor’s emergency powers as well.

Beshear also discussed the unemployment problems plaguing Kentucky during the pandemic and what he wishes he could have done differently to handle the rush of new applicants.

You can see the interview with Gov. Beshear in its entirety here.