Governor-Elect Beshear Could Inherit $1.2 Billion Budget Shortfall

The Bevin administration sent out a memo on Monday outlining the shortfall.

(Frankfort, Ky.) – Kentucky Governor-elect Andy Beshear could be put behind the eight-ball when he takes office.

The Bevin administration says Kentucky is facing a $1.2 billion budget shortfall over the next two years, reports The Enquirer.

A memo sent out on Monday cites corrections, pensions, employee health benefits and Medicaid as areas that will require additional funding over the next two years.

Beshear will only have a limited amount of time to draft his proposed two-year budget to present to the General Assembly, which is controlled by Republicans.

He has already proposed raising teacher salaries by $2,000 each, which was included in the estimated costs for the next two fiscal years.

House Democrats said in a statement that they are confident Beshear and legislators will find a way to move the state forward and maintain those services and programs Kentuckians count on.

Beshear must submit his proposal by late January.

More from Local News


Events

State Sen. Leising Welcomes Students to the Statehouse

Eleven area students served as Senate Pages this legislative session.

Ripley Co. Experiencing Flooded Roadways

Click to see which areas to avoid.

Batesville Woman Sentenced for Theft from Local Orthodontist

Sentencing was handed down on Wednesday in Ripley County.

IBCA Releases Girls Basketball All-State Teams

Nineteen players from the area earned recognition.

2025-26 ORVC Boys Basketball All-Conference Team Announced

Conference champs South Ripley led the way with four selections.

Local Sports Report - March 4, 2026

The IHSAA Boys Basketball State Tournament continued on Wednesday.

On Air

Your Hometown Radio Station playing
Mickey Gilley - Don't the Girls All Get Prettier at Closing Time

Patty Loveless Jealous Bone 20:34
Zac Brown Band Roots 20:31
Thomas Rhett Country Again 20:27
Scotty McCreery In Between 20:23