Beshear touts progress in State of the Commonwealth address

Governor spotlights economic growth, education reform, and Kentucky's future

Frankfort, Ky. (ABC 36 News Now) — Governor Andy Beshear highlighted Kentucky’s economic success and future goals in his annual State of the Commonwealth address last night.

The governor pointed to $35 billion in business investments, new job creation, and record-breaking exports.

“Put simply: We’re not looking at the same Kentucky anymore. That’s why now is the time. The time to reintroduce ourselves to the world, to leave the stereotypes of the past behind us and to welcome the world to our New Kentucky Home,” Beshear said.

He also renewed his call for teacher pay raises and universal pre-K for four-year-olds.

In response, the Republican Party of Kentucky released a statement, reading, in part, “Andy Beshear delivered the same tired speech he has been giving for the past five years. His attempt to rebrand Kentucky as his ‘New Kentucky Home’ is both comical and misleading.”