Kentucky Governor Beshear on May Unemployment Rate

June 18, 2009 -- FRANKFORT, Ky. -- “Kentucky’s unemployment rate today is 10.6 percent – the highest rate since 1983. That sobering fact should dramatically underscore the need for all of us — in the Governor’s office and in the legislature — to find every way possible to save jobs and create new ones.

"We need to act — and act now — on the measures under consideration in this special session. We need to lead — and lead now — on these measures.

"Our economic incentives bill will create jobs and stimulate hundreds of millions in investment for our Commonwealth. Our budget proposal continues funding for education and key areas of health care and public safety. The bridges’ bill would help projects worth billions of dollars move forward.

"And the proposal before the legislature on limited gaming at racetracks would help save 100,000 jobs, $4 billion in investment, while investing in Kentucky’s future: our children.

"We have the information we need. We have the authority. The question is: do we have the will?”

Source: Kentucky Governor