FRANKFORT, Ky. — Less than a week into his second term, Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., has unveiled his budget proposal for the upcoming legislative session.
Beshear’s proposal totals $136.6 billion, up about $30 billion from the budget passed by lawmakers in 2022. It does not dip into the state’s rainy day fund.
Included in his plan are two major campaign promises: increasing teacher pay and universal pre-K.
“I believe these two pieces are wildly popular around Kentucky, and they will benefit every single Kentuckian in one way or another,” Beshear said during a news conference ahead of his address.
His plan would give an across-the-board 11% pay raise to all school employees. It also fully funds teacher pensions and increases SEEK funding by 18%.
All 4-year-olds in the state would also have access to pre-K, costing the state $172 million yearly. The state believes this would provide 34,000 children care.
His plan also calls for an additional $100 million investment in the state’s career and technical education centers, which help students become better prepared for the workforce after high school graduation.
“Let me give credit; I mean, the career and technical education renovations came from the Senate and the very first investment that was made, and that was a great addition at the perfect time,” Beshear said.
The budget would also invest heavily in the Department of Juvenile Justice.
Beshear’s plan calls for the construction of two female-only facilities. One would be near Lexington, and the other would be in western Kentucky.
Nearly $8 million is earmarked to increase the number of juvenile offenders that can be put in alternative disciplinary programs, rather than jail time.
Kentucky State Police troopers would also get another raise. They would receive an additional $2,500 in 2025 and a cost-of-living adjustment raise the year after. The budget would also fund the hiring of an additional 150 troopers.
The proposed budget would also fully fund Medicaid with state dollars, establish a Cabinet for Economic Development presence in South Korea and sets aside millions for major transportation projects.
Two years ago, House Republicans broke tradition by presenting their budget plan before the governor. Beshear believes it was the first time in state history that has happened.
“I don't think that is good procedure," Beshear said. "It wasn't what the law requires, but more than that, it was the result that concerns me the most. Their budget left out a lot of really important things like Kentucky State Trooper raises [and] our product development initiative that invests in our counties and helps create jobs."
Lawmakers will begin the 2024 legislative session Jan. 2. During even-numbered years, they approve a new budget. Republicans hold a supermajority in both the House and Senate, meaning they have the power to override the governor’s veto.