Beshear highlights jobs, housing and education after State of the Commonwealth address

FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Governor Andy Beshear is turning his focus to the economy and other priorities after delivering his seventh State of the Commonwealth address and final budget proposal Wednesday.

The governor delivered the address at the Kentucky History Center in Frankfort, outlining what he says are major investments aimed at creating jobs and strengthening communities across the state.

Beshear told lawmakers his proposed budget puts job creation front and center.

“That’s why my proposed budget begins with job creation,” Beshear said. “It contains $70 million for site development to create field-ready, job-ready sites. It contains $100 million for large projects that just need that access road to say yes. And for the first time, it includes a $250 million rural economic fund to bring jobs to areas that are so close but haven’t had that big announcement yet.”

In addition to economic development, Beshear said his budget also calls for investments in affordable housing and expanding access to pre-K education statewide.

With the governor’s proposal now laid out, it’s up to lawmakers in the General Assembly to review the plan, make changes, and ultimately pass a budget during this year’s legislative session.