Kentucky

Proposal uses limited gaming, a recurring revenue, to balance

January 19, 2010 -- FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear presented a balanced budget proposal to the General Assembly tonight – one that does not raise taxes, cuts many agencies an additional two percent, and includes projected revenues from gaming in order to protect core priorities, including SEEK – the primary classroom funding formula; Medicaid – the health care program for our most vulnerable; and certain public safety and job creation programs.

Kentucky Will Compete for $200 Million in Federal Funds for Schools

January 14, 2010 -- FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Surrounded by educators and legislators from both parties, Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear today ceremonially signed HB176, an education bill that allows the state to compete for up to $200 million in federal stimulus dollars to improve schools. The Governor commended state legislators on their bipartisan efforts to quickly pass the bill – the first legislation to emerge from this session.

December 15, 2009 -- FRANKFORT, Ky. – As the Commonwealth faces an 11.2 percent unemployment rate, Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear today sent a letter to members of Kentucky’s Congressional delegation urging them to back any measure designed to further provide a temporary extension of certain unemployment benefits.

“It is critical that Congress immediately address this issue as many Kentuckians are exhausting their benefits and struggling to put food on the table and pay their bills,” said Gov. Beshear.

Kentucky Governor Beshear, Mayor Abramson Announce GE to Bring a Second New Production Line to Louisville’s Appliance Park

December 14, 2009 -- LOUISVILLE, Ky. – In his fight to create new jobs for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear today joined Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson and company officials at General Electric (GE) to announce the company’s plans to implement high-end, energy-efficient front load washer and dryer manufacturing at the Louisville Appliance Park. More than 430 new jobs would be created and an investment of over $80 million would be made by GE to bring the new product line to Kentucky.

Reaches Settlement with the Kentucky Attorney General

December 7, 2009 -- CINCINNATI -- Duke Energy Kentucky announced today it has reached a settlement agreement with the Commonwealth’s Attorney General in its natural gas rate case.

Under the agreement, Duke Energy is asking the Kentucky Public Service Commission to approve the negotiated rate increase for natural gas delivery service of approximately $13 million, or 10.4 percent on total gas revenues, to be effective in early 2010. The original request was for $17.5 million, or a 14 percent increase.

For an average residential customer using 70 ccf (ccf is 100 cubic feet, the standard unit of measure) of natural gas per month, a typical bill of $82.21 will increase by $11.52 per month to $93.73.

WASHINGTON -- November 13, 2009 -- Today at a press conference at the Green Earth Bio-Fuel of Kentucky site in Estill County, Congressman Ben Chandler announced $984,000 in federal funding to Bluegrass PRIDE (Personal Responsibility In a Desirable Environment) to fund a grants program, environmental education in schools and communities, and the development of a strategic plan to shape Central Kentucky’s environmental future. Clark, Estill, Garrard, Lincoln, Madison, Montgomery, and Powell Counties in the Sixth Congressional District and Nicholas County are eligible for these programs.

Governor’s recent trip to Japan leads to investment, more than 100 new jobs in Kentucky

November 10, 2009 -- FRANKFORT, Ky. – Joined by officials from Hitachi Automotive Products (USA), Inc. Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear today announced the company will expand its Harrodsburg operation, adding a new advanced fuel system production line to the plant. Furthermore, the expansion could also result in an additional product line for hybrid electric products in the near future.

Additional 35,000 kids on track to register in state health insurance program

November 10, 2009 -- LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear joined Congressman John Yarmuth and Mayor Jerry Abramson today to announce that new federal stimulus money will help enroll more children in Jefferson County in the Kentucky Children’s Health Insurance Program (KCHIP). One year ago, Gov. Beshear launched a plan to enroll 35,000 KCHIP-eligible children by summer 2010 – a goal the state expects to meet by the end of 2009, six months ahead of schedule.

November 06, 2009 -- FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear has directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff until sundown on Nov. 10 in honor of the victims of yesterday’s tragic incident at Fort Hood.

This order follows the proclamation from President Barack Obama earlier today ordering the flag of the United States to be flown at half-staff at the White House and other federal buildings until sundown on Nov. 10.

“Yesterday’s occurrence at Fort Hood was an unprecedented and unspeakable tragedy,” said Gov. Beshear. “My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims and all others who were affected by this inexpressible attack.”

Expedite Mine Permits Issuance

November 03, 2009 -- FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear today announced that he has approved an increase in the number of mine inspectors and the number of mining permit reviewers in the Energy and Environment Cabinet. Speaking with miners and local officials at three stops in eastern Kentucky today, the Governor said making sure Kentucky coal miners are safe must be a priority.

“The addition of 15 mine inspectors in the Office of Mine Safety and Licensing will not only help with our efforts to complete the number of required inspections, but will also enhance our nationally recognized mine rescue team capabilities and response,” said Gov. Beshear.