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• Beshear Appoints New Member To Horse Racing Panel

  May 4, 2012 9:10 AM

  FRANKFORT (AP) - Gov. Steve Beshear has appointed Lexington horseman and attorney John Phillips to the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. Beshear announced the appointment on Thursday. Phillips, owner of Darby Dan Farms in Lexington, replaces John Ward, who was appointed in February as executive director of the horse racing panel.... more »

• Beshear To Call Special Legislative Session

  April 13, 2012 8:56 AM

  FRANKFORT (AP) - Gov. Steve Beshear will call lawmakers into a special legislative session Monday to consider a transportation budget that would provide funding needed for a $4.5 billion highway construction plan. Kentucky lawmakers adjourned this year's legislative session Thursday night without approving funding for the construction plan. Beshear, a... more »

• Kentucky's Smaller Airports To Get State Funding

  April 11, 2012 8:00 AM

  FRANKFORT (AP) - Gov. Steve Beshear has announced an initiative to help Kentucky's small airports leverage more funds from the Federal Aviation Administration. That will be done by putting up $425,000 in state funding to cover a required local match on federal grants. In all, 46 general aviation airports would... more »

• Beshear Calls For Lawmakers To Pass Budget

  March 28, 2012 1:20 PM

  FRANKFORT (AP) - Gov. Steve Beshear is calling for lawmakers to reach an agreement on competing budget proposals in the waning days of the legislative session so that he won't have to call them back to Frankfort later to finish their work. Negotiations have been underway since Monday between House... more »

• A Governor's Office Divided

  March 27, 2012 6:27 AM

  Saturday's matchup between Cats and Cards puts state politicians in a sticky situation. Diplomacy sometimes necessitates state officeholders hide their true colors. Politicians certainly want to avoid ruffling their constituents' feathers - or raising their fur. But Governor Steve Beshear and Lt. Governor Jerry Abramson let their colors... more »

• Groups Call On Beshear To Cancel Prayer Breakfast

  February 28, 2012 7:43 AM

  FRANKFORT (AP) - Americans United for the Separation of Church and State has joined in a call for Gov. Steve Beshear to cancel a prayer breakfast next week. The group sent a letter to Kentucky's chief executive on Monday, contending that the prayer breakfast constitutes an unconstitutional endorsement of religion.... more »

• Beshear Proposes 8.4 Percent Cuts In Most Agencies Play Video

  January 18, 2012 5:35 AM

  FRANKFORT (AP) - Declaring "the day of reckoning has come," Gov. Steve Beshear called Tuesday for 8.4 percent cuts to most government agencies. Only education, public safety and a handful of other programs would be spared to make up a $742 million deficit. He presented his proposal to a joint... more »

• Good News Not Expected In Beshear's Budget Address

  January 16, 2012 12:08 PM

  FRANKFORT (AP) - Gov. Steve Beshear is set to deliver a barebones budget proposal to a joint session of the House and Senate on Tuesday, triggering the start of what could be three months of financial wrangling in the Capitol. The second-term Democrat has already warned state agencies that they... more »

• State Agencies Warned To Get Ready For More Cuts

  January 5, 2012 8:54 AM

  FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - Gov. Steve Beshear's administration warned state agencies Wednesday that they should brace for substantial spending reductions in the next budget cycle. Beshear spokeswoman Kerri Richardson said Wednesday those reductions could be in the range of 7 to 9 percent below the current spending levels. Budget cuts... more »

• Beshear Pushes Gambling In Speech To Lawmakers

  January 5, 2012 8:18 AM

  FRANKFORT (AP) - Gov. Steve Beshear used his fifth state of the commonwealth speech Wednesday to again call on lawmakers to put a proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot so Kentucky voters can decide whether to legalize casino-style gambling. The second-term Democrat, speaking to a joint session of the House... more »

• Beshear To Speak To Joint Session Of Legislature

  January 4, 2012 8:44 AM

  FRANKFORT (AP) - Gov. Steve Beshear delivers the annual state of the commonwealth speech Wednesday to a joint session of the General Assembly. Start time for the speech that will be aired statewide on the public television station KET will be shortly after 7 p.m. EST. Since his re-election in... more »

• Beshear Rejects Proposed Hospital Merger

  December 30, 2011 12:11 PM

  FRANKFORT (AP) - Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear rejected a proposed merger of University Hospital in Louisville and two other hospital systems on Friday, saying it wouldn't be in the best interest of the state. The decision ends months of talks about joining University Hospital with Jewish Hospital & St. Mary's... more »

• Condemned Inmates Pursuing Funds For Clemency Bids

  December 30, 2011 9:07 AM

  LOUISVILLE (AP) - Two Kentucky death row inmates are hoping brain scans and mental tests will bolster their cases for a rare grant of executive clemency that would spare their lives. Ralph S. Baze Jr., condemned for killing a sheriff and deputy in eastern Kentucky in 1992, has asked a... more »

• Report: Governor Pledges Financial Help For Dems

  December 29, 2011 1:29 PM

  FRANKFORT (AP) - House Democrats say Gov. Steve Beshear told them he will give $1 million in next year's legislative races, according to a published report. Lawmakers who attended a luncheon last week with Beshear told the Lexington Herald-Leader that the governor said he would use the money to help... more »

• Beshear Sworn-In For 2nd Term Play Video

  December 13, 2011 5:22 AM

  FRANKFORT (AP) - Steve Beshear was sworn-in for a second term as Kentucky governor during a midnight ceremony a little more than a month after he was re-elected amid economic uncertainty and widespread unemployment that political foes had hoped would be his undoing. Surrounded by his family, about 300 friends... more »

• State Gets Funding To Clean Up Illegal Dumps

  November 15, 2011 6:56 AM

  FRANKFORT (AP) - Kentucky has received a financial boost in trying to clean up illegal dumps. Gov. Steve Beshear said Monday that about $2.1 million in grant funding has been awarded to clean up 171 illegal dumps in 29 Kentucky counties. The funding has been awarded by the Kentucky Pride... more »

• Beshear Announces $4M In Homeland Security Grants

  November 10, 2011 10:53 AM

  FRANKFORT (AP) - Gov. Steve Beshear has announced that 125 projects across Kentucky will be funded with $4.1 million in homeland security grants. The federal funding will support 911 systems, mobile computers and radios, bomb detection devices and first-responder training. Beshear says the projects will "strengthen the effectiveness of our... more »

• Kentucky Voters Have Their Say Play Video

  November 9, 2011 5:26 AM

  Kentucky voters went to the polls Tuesday and overwhelmingly elected to give Gov. Steve Beshear four more years in the governor's office. Beshear garnered 56 percent of the vote with Republican challenger David Williams getting just 35 percent. Independent Gatewood Galbraith came in with 9 percent. Voters also... more »

• Beshears Cast Their Votes Play Video

  November 8, 2011 10:54 AM

  Gov. Steve Beshear and First Lady Jane Beshear cast their votes at their precinct at the Mt. Zion Christian Church on Combs Ferry Rd. in Clark County Tuesday morning. Polls opened across the state at 6 a.m. local time. Elections officials say they expect low voter turnout for... more »

• Campaigns Moving Into Final Day

  November 7, 2011 5:54 AM

  (AP) - Riding high in the polls, Gov. Steve Beshear promoted the entire Democratic ticket Sunday as a team ready to tackle Kentucky's challenges as his party hopes for a possible sweep in Tuesday's election. Flanked by his party's full slate, with the exception of his running mate, former Louisville... more »

• Beshear Defends Jobs Record In First Debate

  October 12, 2011 6:00 AM

  RICHMOND (AP) - Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear defended his job creation efforts Tuesday against criticism from opponents in his first political debate of the general election season. Republican challenger David Williams and independent Gatewood Galbraith accused Beshear of failing to get Kentucky's economy on track in his nearly four years... more »

• Gubernatorial Candidates To Face Off In Richmond

  October 11, 2011 9:24 AM

  RICHMOND (AP) - Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear is scheduled to face both of his general election challengers in a debate at Eastern Kentucky University on Tuesday. With a huge lead in the polls, Beshear has avoided face-to-face meetings with Republican David Williams and independent Gatewood Galbraith. Beshear has agreed to... more »

• GOP Wants Expanded Review Of Beshear's Fundraising

  August 23, 2011 8:47 AM

  FRANKFORT (AP) - Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear's fundraising continued to draw criticism from the GOP on Monday, with a new complaint alleging improprieties in the way some of his $5 million-plus in campaign contributions were gathered. Republican Party Chairman Steve Robertson filed the latest complaint with the Executive Branch Ethics... more »

• Beshear Hires Former AP News Editor As Spokeswoman

  August 16, 2011 8:06 AM

  FRANKFORT (AP) - A former news editor for The Associated Press in Kentucky has been appointed a spokeswoman for Gov. Steve Beshear. Ann Gibson, a veteran journalist who led AP's coverage in Kentucky for more than a decade, is set to begin her new duties on Tuesday, serving under Communications... more »

• Photos Posted Of Beshear's Trip To Middle East

  August 9, 2011 9:39 AM

  FRANKFORT (AP) - Gov. Steve Beshear's staff has posted photographs of last week's visits with troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Beshear arrived back in Kentucky on Friday after a five-day trip arranged and paid for by the U.S. Defense Department in what was touted as the first time an... more »

• Beshear Appointee Contributes To Him, His Party

  August 8, 2011 9:18 AM

  FRANKFORT (AP) - The largest recent contributions to Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear's re-election campaign and the state Democratic Party have come from a Republican who Beshear appointed to office, according to a newspaper analysis. A study of campaign reports shows William C. Britton and his wife Diana gave Beshear's re-election... more »

• Beshear Says Debt Ceiling Impasse Threatens State

  July 29, 2011 8:55 AM

  FRANKFORT (AP) - Concerned about potential effects on the state budget, Gov. Steve Beshear on Thursday called for Washington political leaders to step up efforts to resolve the impasse in raising the federal debt ceiling. Beshear said Kentucky, like every other state, is anxiously watching congressional negotiations while hoping for... more »

• Obama Gave Beshear Cold Shoulder

  July 27, 2011 8:48 AM

  FRANKFORT (AP) - Gov. Steve Beshear was accused of snubbing President Barack Obama by not going along when he visited Fort Campbell earlier this year to meet with the Navy SEAL team that killed Osama bin Laden. But internal emails obtained by The Associated Press show that Beshear was the... more »

• Beshear Requests Disaster Declaration For Eastern Counties

  July 13, 2011 3:51 PM

  On Wednesday, Gov. Steve Beshear requested a major disaster declaration from President Barack Obama for those parts of eastern Kentucky damaged by flooding, high winds and tornadoes caused by last month's severe storms. Beshear requested Individual Assistance, Disaster Unemployment Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Public Assistance, Hazard Mitigation and Small Business... more »

• Flags Ordered To Half-Staff To Honor Firefighter

  July 13, 2011 1:30 PM

  Gov. Steve Beshear has ordered flags at all state office buildings lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Thursday, July 14, in honor of Deputy State Fire Marshal Charles Sparks. Sparks suffered a heart attack while battling an Adair County blaze last month. He later died at the... more »

• Beshear Focusing On New Federal Grant

  July 13, 2011 12:33 PM

  FRANKFORT (AP) - Gov. Steve Beshear is making a new federal grant program for early childhood education funds a priority for his administration. Beshear signed an executive order in Frankfort on Tuesday that created the Early Childhood Advisory Council. The 26-member bipartisan panel of education experts will be part of... more »

• Beshear Says Parking Biggest Factor In Speedway Mess

  July 12, 2011 12:58 PM

  FRANKFORT (AP) - Gov. Steve Beshear is offering an assessment of the massive traffic jam that marred Kentucky's long-awaited entry into NASCAR's top series. The governor said Tuesday that parking problems were a big contributor to the traffic backups last Saturday night that prevented some fans from reaching Kentucky... more »

• Allconnect Opens Sales And Customer Care Center In Lexington

  July 11, 2011 10:30 AM

  Governor Steve Beshear on Monday joined community leaders and company officials from Allconnect Inc., a leading consumer services company, to celebrate the opening of the company's new in-bound sales and customer care center in Lexington. The company announced its decision to locate the new facility in the Coldstream Research... more »

• Beshear Announces Assistance Grants To Short Line Railroads

  May 12, 2011 3:35 PM

  Gov. Steve Beshear announced Thursday that the state will invest more than $3.1 million in 2011 for needed improvements to short line railroads in a dozen Kentucky counties. Improvements include replacement or rehabilitation of rails, rail beds and railroad crossings. "This is an investment in Kentucky's economy because... more »

• Money Flooding Into Beshear's Re-Election Campaign

  May 9, 2011 1:28 PM

  FRANKFORT (AP) - Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear has banked another $222,484 in the final two weeks of April, bringing his total raised to $5 million. Beshear campaign manager Bill Hyers released the latest fundraising total on Monday, boasting that Beshear has received nearly three times the amount raised by potential... more »

• Beshear Says There Will Be A 6th Furlough Day

  May 9, 2011 8:59 AM

  FRANKFORT (AP) - Despite a nearly $70 million surplus, Gov. Steve Beshear says he will implement a sixth planned furlough day for executive branch employees. Beshear confirmed the furlough day will still be held during the Governor's Derby Breakfast on Saturday morning in Frankfort. The Democratic governor implemented the furlough... more »

• Rain Ends, Leaves Flooding In Its Wake Play Video

  May 4, 2011 6:23 AM

  The rain finally stopped falling across central Kentucky Tuesday afternoon, bringing waterlogged Kentuckians a little relief. Franklin County received more than 4 inches of rain in 24 hours, flooding many roads, washing others away. Floodwaters covered both entrances to the Two Creeks subdivision, leaving residents stranded for more than... more »

• UPDATE: Beshear Headed Back To Western Kentucky As Flooding Worsens

  May 3, 2011 10:01 AM

  PADUCAH, Ky. (AP) - As flooding intensifies in western Kentucky, the commonwealth has opened a Regional Emergency Coordination Center at the Benton Armory in Marshall County. The center is assisting local emergency response efforts, allowing local, state, and federal officials to coordinate broad emergency responses across the region. ... more »

• Beshear Plans To Head Back To Flooded Western Kentucky

  May 3, 2011 7:04 AM

  PADUCAH (AP) - As flooding intensifies in western Kentucky, the commonwealth has opened a Regional Emergency Coordination Center at the Benton Armory in Marshall County. The center assists local emergency response efforts, allowing local, state, and federal officials to coordinate broad emergency responses across the region. Gov. Steve Beshear is... more »

• Beshear Requests Major Disaster Declaration From President Play Video

  April 28, 2011 11:06 AM

  In the wake of severe weather and damaging floods throughout the Commonwealth, particularly in western Kentucky, Gov. Steve Beshear on Thursday requested a major disaster declaration from President Barack Obama. Beshear is requesting Individual Assistance, Disaster Unemployment Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Public Assistance, Hazard Mitigation and Small Business Administration disaster... more »

• Beshear Issues Executive Order Activating Price Gouging Statute

  April 26, 2011 4:28 PM

  After days of severe storms which caused threats of historic flooding across the state, Gov. Steve Beshear Tuesday signed a consumer protection executive order at the request of Attorney General Jack Conway to implement Kentucky's price-gouging laws statewide as of Monday. The executive order will allow for investigation into... more »

• Governor Beshear Declares State of Emergency Play Video

  April 25, 2011 5:06 PM

  Governor Steve Beshear declared a State of Emergency Monday due to the severe storms and flooding that have impacted the state beginning last week. Heavy rains and multiple rounds of severe weather occurred over much of Kentucky, Southwest Missouri, Southern Illinois and Southern Indiana over the weekend. This weather... more »

• Beshear Hands Out Ceremonial Farm Checks

  April 20, 2011 9:30 AM

  FRANKFORT (AP) - Gov. Steve Beshear is promoting the benefits of the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund that has pumped more than $340 million into the state's rural economy. Beshear, who is seeking re-election this year, was in northern Kentucky on Tuesday handing out ceremonial checks from the fund to the... more »

• Gov. Beshear Releases Tax Return

  April 19, 2011 1:55 PM

  Governor Steve Beshear and First Lady Jane Beshear released their 2010 state and federal income tax returns to the public today, as they have done for the past several years. Their returns show a total joint gross income of $166,224 and a total joint taxable income of $107,259, a capital... more »

• Beshear To Brief Congress On Kentucky's Drug Issues

  April 14, 2011 7:23 AM

  FRANKFORT (AP) - Gov. Steve Beshear is going to be in Washington on Thursday to brief a congressional panel on Kentucky's problems with prescription drug abuse. Kentucky officials have been pressing for a national crackdown on prescription pills that are being diverted for illegal use by addicts looking for... more »

• Beshear Inks Deal With India Firm For New Elizabethtown Plant

  April 13, 2011 3:20 PM

  FRANKFORT (AP) - After a speedy trip to India, Gov. Steve Beshear said Wednesday that he has inked a deal with a New Delhi company that will build a $150 million factory in Elizabethtown that could employ up to 250 people within three years. Beshear said Uflex Ltd., which... more »

• Hoover Wants To Override Gubernatorial Vetoes

  March 29, 2011 8:54 AM

  FRANKFORT (AP) - The House minority floor leader called Monday for lawmakers to reconvene on April 6 to override some provisions that Gov. Steve Beshear vetoed in a Medicaid budget bill passed last week. Rep. Jeff Hoover said in a statement that he and other Republican lawmakers are concerned about... more »

• Beshear Urges Florida Governor To Reconsider Prescription Drug Monitoring System

  February 22, 2011 10:21 AM

  Governor Steve Beshear sent a letter to Florida Governor Rick Scott Tuesday asking him to reconsider his decision to not implement a state prescription drug monitoring system that could help end the illegal prescription drug pipeline between Kentucky and Florida. In his letter to Gov. Scott, Gov. Beshear wrote:... more »

• Mountaintop Removal Mining Protesters End Four-Day Sit-In At Beshear's Office Play Video

  February 14, 2011 12:34 PM

  Fourteen protesters ended their four-day occupation of the Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear's office in protest of mountaintop removal mining before a crowd estimated at several hundred people on the steps of the state Capitol. In a statement delivered before the supporters, internationally-known writer Wendell Berry explained, "We came because... more »

• State OKs Tax Incentives For Kentucky Speedway

  December 20, 2010 9:51 PM

  FRANFORT. (AP) - The Kentucky Tourism Development Finance Authority has approved incentives for the Kentucky Speedway ahead of a much anticipated NASCAR Sprint Cup race in July. The action makes Kentucky Speedway, which is undergoing an $82 million expansion, eligible for up to $20.5 million in tax rebates over a... more »

• Governor Encouraging Local Shopping

  November 24, 2010 8:47 AM

  FRANKFORT (AP) - Kentucky is joining in a national movement to encourage holiday shoppers to think local. Gov. Steve Beshear has declared Saturday as "Small Business Saturday" in Kentucky to coincide with a national day also encouraging shoppers to patronize local businesses. Beshear says in a news release... more »

• Beshear Declares State Of Emergency Due To Drought

  November 4, 2010 10:10 PM

  FRANKFORT. (AP) - Gov. Steve Beshear has declared a state of emergency because of drought conditions, a move that lifts restrictions on truckers hauling relief supplies into Kentucky. Beshear issued an executive order on Thursday, citing "severe to extreme" conditions in most of the state. Also Thursday, U.S.... more »

• Governor Beshear To Visit India Beginning Friday

  October 14, 2010 1:51 PM

  FRANKFORT (AP) - Gov. Steve Beshear is heading to India on an economic development trip, making him the first sitting Kentucky governor to visit that country. A news release from Beshear's office says the seven-day trip is set to begin Friday. First lady Jane Beshear and Larry Hayes,... more »

• Beshear Directs Quick Action To Widen Roadway

  October 11, 2010 2:25 PM

  Gov. Steve Beshear announced Monday that he has directed the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to proceed as quickly as possible to bid letting for a project to widen a section of KY 480 - heavily traveled Cedar Grove Road - in Shepherdsville. "This will keep a commitment made years ago... more »

• Dorman Products to Expand Distribution Center In Gallatin County

  October 8, 2010 3:44 PM

  Gov. Steve Beshear joined community leaders and company officials from Dorman Products in Warsaw on Friday to announce the company will expand, investing nearly $9.3 million to add 177,800 square feet of space to its existing distribution center. The expansion will also result in the creation of 80 new full-time... more »

• Kentucky Governor Exceeds $3 million In Campaign Donations

  October 5, 2010 5:24 PM

  LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear has accumulated more than $3 million in contributions for his re-election campaign, even though his name won't be on the ballot until next year. Beshear's campaign said Tuesday that the governor and running mate Jerry Abramson raised more than $505,000 in the... more »

• Beshear Submits Request For $135 Million Federal Education Grant

  September 9, 2010 10:42 AM

  Governor Steve Beshear announced Thursday that he has submitted the state’s application for nearly $135 million in federal money to support education and teacher hiring. President Obama signed the Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act in mid August, which includes $10 billion to support teacher hiring and retention and other... more »

• Kentucky To Receive $1.3 Million Stimulus Funds For More Computer Access Public Libraries

  August 20, 2010 2:25 PM

  Gov. Steve Beshear announced Friday that Kentucky has been awarded more than $1.3 million as part of the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives (KDLA). The funding will be used to expand the number... more »

• Beshear's Chief Of Staff Edelen To Resign

  August 11, 2010 5:46 PM

  Governor Steve Beshear announced Wednesday that Chief of Staff Adam Edelen would resign from his position and return to the private sector. Edelen has served as Chief of Staff since July 2008. “As my Chief of Staff, Adam continually demonstrated strong leadership skills and a passion for Kentucky,” Beshear said.... more »

• Governor Announces Federal Mortgage Help For Active Job Seekers

  August 11, 2010 1:06 PM

  Gov. Steve Beshear, along with Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) Chief Executive Officer Richard L. McQuady, announced Wednesday that Kentucky will share $2 billion in federal assistance to help unemployed and underemployed homeowners pay their mortgages as they seek work, along with 16 other states and the District of Columbia. Kentucky... more »

• Beshear Announces Road Expansion To Support Industrial Park; 125 New Jobs Created

  August 4, 2010 10:15 AM

  Gov. Steve Beshear on Wednesday joined community and company officials in Morehead to announce a multi-county coal severance grant to expand mobility and access within the John Will Stacy Menifee-Morgan-Rowan County (MMRC) Regional Business Park. The $170,165 in funding awarded to the MMRC Regional Industrial Development Authority has enabled repairs... more »

• Beshear Orders Flags To Half-Staff To Honor Kentucky Native Soldier Killed In Afghanistan

  August 3, 2010 10:35 AM

  Gov. Steve Beshear has directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff on Wednesday in honor of a Kentucky native and Fort Campbell soldier who died in June in Afghanistan. According to the Department of Defense, Sgt. 1st Class Kristopher D. Chapleau, 33, of LaGrange, Ky.,... more »

• Beshear Announces Emergency Grants To Eliminate Dumps In 6 Counties With July Flood Damage

  August 2, 2010 3:24 PM

  Gov. Steve Beshear announced Monday that approximately $250,000 is being awarded in emergency grants to help six flood-damaged counties clean up solid waste generated by flooding. The eligible counties are those that declared a state of emergency because of the major flood event earlier in July. “After flood waters recede... more »

• Governor Beshear Announces nGimat Opening Lab Facility In Lexington

  July 29, 2010 2:01 PM

  Gov. Steve Beshear and Cabinet for Economic Development Secretary Larry Hayes announced Thursday that nGimat LLC, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based nGimat Co., is establishing a new lab facility in Lexington. The company plans to initially invest more than $740,000 and will create 18 new high-tech jobs over three years, paying... more »

• Beshear Orders Flags To Half-Staff To Honor Ft. Campbell Soldier Killed In Afghanistan

  July 29, 2010 1:41 PM

  Gov. Steve Beshear has directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff on Friday in honor of a Fort Campbell soldier who died earlier this month in Afghanistan. According to the Department of Defense, Pfc. James J. O’Quin, 20, of El Paso, Texas, died July 23... more »

• President Grants Disaster Declaration Requested By Governor Beshear For Pike County

  July 23, 2010 9:29 PM

  FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 23, 2010) - Governor Steve Beshear was notified today that President Barack Obama has approved Gov. Beshear's request for a major disaster declaration for Pike County. Severe storms and flooding hit on Saturday, July 17, causing two fatalities and severe damage across the county. Gov. Beshear saw... more »

• Beshear Tours Area Near Where Elderly Woman Was Swept Away By Flash Flooding

  July 22, 2010 2:56 PM

  Governor Steve Beshear went to Carter County Thursday, where searchers are still looking for an elderly woman who was swept away with her mobile home in flash flood waters Wednesday morning. Mary Llittleton, 72, went missing after authorities fear she was in her home when it washed away. Governor Beshear... more »

• Beshear Orders Flags To Half-Staff To Honor Kentucky Soldier Killed In Afghanistan

  July 22, 2010 11:03 AM

  Gov. Steve Beshear has directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff on Friday in honor of a Kentucky native and Fort Campbell soldier who died earlier this month in Afghanistan. According to the Department of Defense, Pfc. Nathaniel D. Garvin, 20, of Radcliff, Ky., died... more »

• Beshear Meets With Pike County Officials Following Flooding Play Video

  July 19, 2010 3:42 PM

  Governor Steve Beshear visited areas of Pike County Monday following weekend storms that caused severe flooding and mudslides. The storms are blamed for two deaths in Pike County. “I have seen startling and significant damage in Pike County today,” said Beshear. “My administration, from Emergency Management to the Transportation Cabinet... more »

• Beshear Touring Pike County Flooding Play Video

  July 19, 2010 10:24 AM

  RACCOON, Ky. (AP) - Gov. Steve Beshear is traveling to eastern Kentucky to visit flood-damaged areas as thousands remained without electricity or running water Monday. Heavy rains and flooding inundated a central portion of Pike County on Saturday, turning over cars and lifting homes off their foundations. Brandon Roberts, a... more »

• Beshear Orders Flags To Half-Staff Tuesday To Honor Fallen Ft. Campbell Soldiers

  July 19, 2010 10:06 AM

  Gov. Steve Beshear has directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff on Tuesday in honor of two Fort Campbell soldiers who died in Afghanistan earlier this month and last month. According to the Department of Defense, Pfc. Anthony W. Simmons, 25, of Tallahassee, Fla., died... more »

• Beshear Announces Expansion Of A. Raymond Tinnerman In Flemingsburg

  July 13, 2010 10:35 AM

  Gov. Steve Beshear Tuesday joined Fleming County officials and company representatives to announce the expansion of A. Raymond Tinnerman Manufacturing Flemingsburg. The company, which currently supplies products primarily to the automotive industry, will add 28 new jobs to its employment base of 38 and invest approximately $515,000 as a result... more »

• Beshear Makes $4 Million In Emergency Cooling Program Funds Available

  July 9, 2010 11:56 AM

  Governor Steve Beshear announced Friday that $4 million in federal funding will be made available beginning Monday, July 12, for summer cooling assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), administered by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. LIHEAP services are provided locally by the 23 Community... more »

• Congressional Impasse Could Hit Out-Of-Work Kentuckians Hard

  June 28, 2010 4:42 PM

  FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - Gov. Steve Beshear warned Monday that more than 8,000 Kentuckians will stop receiving jobless benefits unless Congress resolves an impasse that is holding up an additional round of federal funding to financially strapped states. Kentucky lawmakers had counted on additional federal funds to help pay for... more »

• Beshear Orders Flags To Half-Staff In Honor Of Sen. Robert Byrd

  June 28, 2010 12:54 PM

  Gov. Steve Beshear has directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff until sunset on Tuesdayin honor of long-time U.S. Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia, who died early Monday morning. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Byrd family as we mourn the passing... more »

• Corvette Selected As Ky.'s Official Sports Car

  June 26, 2010 1:16 PM

  BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (AP) - Some 29 years after the first Corvette rolled off the assembly line in Kentucky, the vehicle is taking its place as the state's official sports car. The Bowling Green Daily News reports Gov. Steve Beshear signed a bill Tuesday that makes the distinction official. That... more »

• 2 Kentucky Lawmakers Return Wages For Special Session

  June 23, 2010 9:34 PM

  FRANKFORT. (AP) - Two Kentucky lawmakers have returned more than $2,500 to the state treasury, refusing to be paid for a weeklong special legislative session held last month. Gov. Steve Beshear called lawmakers back to Frankfort in May to pass a state budget after they failed to do so during... more »

• Beshear Announces Location Of Certified Flux Solutions, Expansion of Corvac Composites in Butler County

  June 22, 2010 12:47 PM

  Gov. Steve Beshear on Tuesday visited Morgantown to announce Certified Flux Solutions (CFS) will locate a new light industrial manufacturing facility in Butler County. Additionally, Corvac Composites, an automotive supplier, will undergo a major expansion of its Butler County facility. The two economic development projects will create a combined 87... more »

• Beshear Orders Flags To Half Staff Saturday For Fallen Ft. Campbell Soldier

  June 18, 2010 12:43 PM

  Gov. Steve Beshear has directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff on Saturday in honor of a Fort Campbell soldier who died in Afghanistan earlier this month. According to the Department of Defense, Spc. Matthew R. Catlett, 23, of Houston, Texas died of wounds suffered... more »

• Beshear Signs Bill To Repair Unemployment Insurance System

  June 15, 2010 11:56 AM

  Gov. Steve Beshear on Tueseday signed House Bill 5, a measure aimed to restore stability to an unbalanced unemployment insurance (UI) system and to shore up the state’s depleted UI Trust Fund. The legislation is based on recommendations by a task force of Kentucky business and labor representatives and lawmakers... more »

• Northern Kentucky Manufacturers Announce 400 New Jobs

  June 10, 2010 2:29 PM

  FLORENCE, Ky. (AP) - Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear is attending a red-carpet pep rally of sorts honoring seven manufacturing companies that are bringing a combined 404 new jobs to the northern Kentucky region. With the song "Celebration" playing over the loud speakers, Beshear and several corporate leaders walked down a... more »

• Beshear Signs Colon Cancer Prevention Bill

  May 24, 2010 2:10 PM

  Governor Steve Beshear held a ceremonial signing of House Bill 72 Monday, a measure adding to a 2008 statute that established the colon cancer screening and referral program for uninsured individuals. “Colorectal cancer is second only to lung cancer as a cause of cancer-related death in the United States, but... more »

• Death Row Inmate Baze Asks Governor For Delay In Execution Date

  May 21, 2010 3:31 PM

  LOUISVILLE (AP) - A Kentucky inmate condemned to death for the shootings of a sheriff and deputy has asked the governor to delay setting his execution date as his attorneys prepare for a death warrant to be signed. Attorneys for Ralph S. Baze filed a letter with Gov. Steve Beshear,... more »

• Beshear Announces Emergency Grants to Eliminate Dumps in 84 Counties With Flood Damage

  May 21, 2010 1:17 PM

  Governor Steven Beshear announced Friday that approximately $1.6 million is being awarded in emergency grants to help flood-damaged counties clean up solid waste generated by floodwaters. The eligible counties are those that declared a state of emergency because of the major flood event earlier this month. Participating counties may elect... more »

• Beshear Expands Special Session Agenda

  May 20, 2010 2:35 PM

  (AP) - Gov. Steve Beshear has expanded the agenda for the upcoming special legislative session to include unemployment insurance along with an issue important to Kentucky's bourbon industry. The main issue awaiting lawmakers for the session that begins next Monday is passing a two-year state budget. A House-Senate impasse kept... more »

• Beshear Undecided On Session Agenda

  May 20, 2010 8:29 AM

  FRANKFORT (AP) - Gov. Steve Beshear says he will issue the agenda for the upcoming special session by the end of the week. Beshear said Wednesday that he has not yet decided whether anything other than voting on a two-year budget will be on the agenda. The Lexington Herald-Leader reports... more »

• Beshear Orders Flags To Half-Staff Tuesday To Honor Fallen Fort Campbell Soldier Play Video

  May 17, 2010 10:55 AM

  Gov. Steve Beshear has directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff on Tuesday in honor of a Fort Campbell soldier who died earlier this month in Afghanistan. According to the Department of Defense, Spc. Jeremy L. Brown, 20, of McMinnville, Tenn., died May 9 at... more »

• Beshear Announces Firm To Locate Software Testing Facility in Lexington Play Video

  May 14, 2010 3:00 PM

  Gov. Steve Beshear Friday joined community officials and company representatives from Galmont Consulting on the University of Kentucky campus in Lexington to announce the location of a new software testing center. Galmont Consulting will hire 90 new, full-time employees in Lexington and plans to form a partnership with the... more »

• Beshear Expected To Announce New Jobs Coming To Lexington Play Video

  May 14, 2010 10:21 AM

  Governor Steve Beshear will hold a press conference Friday afternoon where he is expected to announce an economic development that will bring jobs to Lexington. Lexington Mayor Jim Newberry, Bob Quick, president & CEO, Commerce Lexington and Dr. Kumble Subbaswamy, provost, University of Kentucky are all expected to be at... more »

• Beshear Calls For Special Legislative Session May 24

  May 12, 2010 2:11 PM

  FRANKFORT (AP) - Gov. Steve Beshear will call lawmakers back to Frankfort for a special legislative session May 24 to try again to enact a budget. Beshear made the announcement Wednesday afternoon. Lawmakers concluded their regular session last month without passing a budget, despite lengthy negotiations between House and Senate... more »

• Gov. Beshear Requests USDA Disaster Declaration On Behalf Of Kentucky Farmers Play Video

  May 5, 2010 10:38 AM

  Gov. Steve Beshear on Wednesday requested on behalf of Kentucky’s farm families a disaster declaration from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, as a result of severe storms and flooding that occurred this past weekend. “Preliminary reports indicate that Kentucky farmers have lost crops, livestock and incurred damage to buildings and infrastructure,”... more »

• Beshear Says Four Deaths Attributed To Flooding In State Play Video

  May 4, 2010 5:32 PM

  Gov. Steve Beshear on Tuesday announced that flood waters from recent historic rains have attributed to four deaths. Dozens of people have been rescued over the past three days. As water levels in the major rivers continue to rise, thousands of Kentuckians are being evacuated from homes being threatened by... more »

• President Calls Governors Beshear, Bredesen

  May 3, 2010 9:38 PM

  Monday, President Obama made calls to Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear and Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen. The President expressed his deepest condolences for the tragic loss of life and suffering caused by flooding in their states. President Obama also pledged that the federal government will respond quickly to requests for support... more »