FRANKFORT, Ky. — Speaking before members of the Kentucky General Assembly Wednesday night, Gov. Andy Beshear said the third State of the Commonwealth address of his term was both the “toughest” and “most exciting.” 

What You Need To Know

  • Gov. Andy Beshear delivered his third State of the Commonwealth address

  • Beshear reflected on the year bookended by natural disasters

  • Beshear called on all Kentuckians to get vaccinaged

  • He previewed his budget which he said would include money for education and raises for state workers

"Even through these trials and the pain that we carry from them, I am here to report that the state of the Commonwealth is strong,” he said. "We come into this new year with excitement and optimism with an economy booming like never before, but at the same time, we are all processing grief and sadness."

Beshear reflected on a year he said was bookended by natural disasters —  ice storms and flooding at the start, and a tornado outbreak in December that killed 77 people in Western Kentucky. 

He said he is working on fast-track legislation with lawmakers to send $150 million to help communities rebuild, with another $50 million for schools in the impacted region. 

"I want every family and community touched by these storms to know that I am with you, the General Assembly is with you, the Commonwealth of Kentucky is with you today, tomorrow, however long it takes, we will rebuild every structure and every life,” he said. 

Beshear gave his address on a day Kentucky saw the highest number of new COVID-19 cases — nearly 10,000, with a positivity rate of over 22%.

He called on Kentuckians to get vaccinated. 

"Yet, even with these concerns, I remain convinced that we can and we will beat COVID,” he said.  

Saying the commonwealth has attracted more than $11 billion in private sector investment, Beshear declared Kentucky as “the destination,” not a "flyover state.” 

"In September, we landed the largest single investment the state has ever seen. At nearly $6 billion and 5,000 new jobs, Ford Motor Company and its partner SK Innovation are going to build the nation’s largest electric battery plants right here in Kentucky,” said Beshear. 

After the address, House Speaker David Osborne (R, Prospect) said the economy may not be as strong as Beshear described it.  

"Revenues are good, but does that mean the economy is good?” Osborne asked. "If you’re a small business owner looking for people to work right now or can’t open your doors because you can’t find a sufficient workforce — the lowest workforce participation rate we’ve had since 1972 — the economy may not be so good."

Beshear also shared some of what will be in the budget he plans to unveil later this month, including investments in education and raises for state workers. 

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