Gov. Beshear Celebrates Record-Breaking First Term

The 62nd gubernatorial inauguration takes place today.

(Frankfort, Ky.) – Ahead of today’s 62nd gubernatorial inauguration, Governor Andy Beshear reflected on his first term.

“Since day one, we have been laser-focused on helping our families and communities thrive while growing our economy and creating good-paying jobs,” said Gov. Beshear. “The hard work is paying off, and I look forward to having four more years to turn our progress into decades of prosperity.”

Over the past four years, Governor Beshear and his administration secured the best four-year period for economic development investments with $28.5 billion since December 2019. In that time, there have also been more than 940 private sector new-location and expansion projects, creating over 50,000 jobs.

This year, Kentucky set the record for the longest period with the lowest unemployment rate in state history.

The Governor has supported the state’s workforce by expanding apprenticeships in fields including health care, advanced manufacturing, construction, hospitality and education. He also launched and expanded the Everybody Counts initiative to help more graduating seniors find a good-job, pursue higher education or both.

Kentucky, the bourbon capital of the world, had a best-ever year for tourism and the bourbon industry. A total of $12.9 billion was generated through tourism, while the state’s bourbon and spirits industry recorded a best year for growth in 2022 with over $2.1 billion in new investments.

Major infrastructure projects are also on the horizon, including the Brent Spence Companion Bridge. Beshear, along with Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, secured record funding to help build the bridge with no tolls and create a safer and less congested pathway to and from downtown Cincinnati.

Earlier this year, the Gallatin County Regional Airport opened in Sparta. It serves the Interstate 71 corridor between Louisville and Cincinnati, closing a logistical gap for aircraft users in the area while boosting economic development, emergency services and tourism in the region.

Other highlights from Beshear’s first term include boosted public safety and support to law enforcement, drug overdose death decrease, expanded access to health care, and the launch of sports wagering and medical cannabis.

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