FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 3, 2026) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided updates on economic development, a heat advisory, federal approval of Public Assistance for the June flooding, a letter he sent to President Donald Trump regarding tariffs, funds to support hospitals, Hunger Action Month, grants to support transportation accessibility, Team Kentucky members who assisted in fighting wildfires, and Labor Day. Dr. Steven Stack, secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, provided an update on the Our Healthy Kentucky Home initiative. The Governor named all those fighting addiction and supporting recovery as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.
Economic Development
Gov. Beshear celebrated a game-changing $1 billion investment from GE Appliances and IUE-CWA that establishes Louisville’s Appliance Park as the largest home appliance manufacturing site in the United States. The announcement highlights the company’s long-term commitment to manufacturing in Kentucky as it expands production and continues to support good jobs for Kentuckians.
The Governor encouraged Kentucky small businesses that are creating jobs and investing in their communities to apply for a tax credit of up to $25,000 through the Kentucky Small Business Tax Credit program.
Gov. Beshear highlighted the continued growth of the state’s site development efforts as projects in Daviess and Trigg counties and a regional project for Bourbon and Nicholas counties moved through the Kentucky Product Development Initiative approval process. The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority approved three projects for nearly $5.3 million in state funding in addition to local support.
Heat Advisory
The Governor cautioned that most of the state is under a heat advisory as a dangerous heat wave continues. The heat index is rising to 107 degrees in some areas. The Governor encouraged Kentuckians to stay hydrated, stay indoors if possible, bring pets inside, and check your vehicle before exiting if you have children. Kentucky Emergency Management has set up cooling centers across the commonwealth.
Federal Public Assistance for Communities Affected by June Flooding
Also yesterday, Gov. Beshear announced that Public Assistance has been approved for at least 20 counties affected by widespread flooding that took place June 17-30 of this year. This is following the Governor’s request to President Trump and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The Governor noted that, while Public Assistance was approved, his request for Individual Assistance is still pending. The severe weather event caused some areas to receive more than 8 inches of rainfall during a short period of time and took the lives of six Kentuckians. For more, see the full release.
Fighting Harmful Tariff and Trade Policies
Yesterday, Gov. Beshear sent a letter to President Trump demanding that he rescind his harmful tariff and trade policies, which are fueling a cost-of-living crisis for hardworking Americans and harming signature Kentucky industries such as agriculture, bourbon and coal. For more, see the full release.
Funds To Support Kentucky Hospitals
Today, Gov. Beshear announced that his administration has secured an additional $18 million in FEMA disaster funds to reimburse 10 Kentucky hospitals for expenses incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hospitals receiving funding are AdventHealth Manchester, Appalachian Regional Healthcare, Baptist Health, Flaget Memorial Hospital, Norton Hospital, Pikeville Medical Center, Saint Joseph Hospital, T.J. Samson Community Hospital, University of Kentucky and UofL Health.
This builds on the Governor’s announcement in May, when his administration secured more than $105 million in FEMA disaster funds to reimburse six Kentucky hospitals for expenses incurred during the pandemic.
“During the pandemic, our healthcare heroes stepped up and did everything possible to protect the lives of our people,” said Gov. Beshear. “This funding was owed to these hospitals under the president’s emergency declaration, and my administration worked hard to ensure they were delivered. While this funding is being received years later, it comes at a time when our hospitals need it. Our healthcare system is under attack by the Trump administration – hospitals face challenges due to Medicaid cuts. I believe healthcare is a basic human right, and I will keep fighting to protect our hospitals, the jobs they support and the lives they protect.”
Our Healthy Kentucky Home
Dr. Stack provided an update on Our Healthy Kentucky Home, an initiative to promote simple, positive and attainable goals to inspire and motivate Kentuckians on a journey to health and wellness. For September, the initiative is focusing on chronic health conditions. Dr. Stack stressed the importance of eating well and staying active and highlighted resources such as the American Heart Association and the Kentucky Diabetes Prevention and Control Program.
Hunger Action Month
The Governor highlighted that September is Hunger Action Month. This week, Gov. Beshear and Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman joined local leaders and leaders from the Christian Appalachian Project to cut the ribbon on the new Jackson County Food Pantry. The new location will triple capacity to serve the community.
Throughout his administration, the Governor has prioritized fighting hunger, launching multiple programs to provide food to students over summer break and directing more funding to senior meals than any administration in Kentucky history. Gov. Beshear sued the Trump administration over its unlawful suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and won. Additionally, the Governor signed an executive order directing $5 million to Feeding Kentucky to support area food banks.
“Hunger is not political. I believe that no Kentuckian – no person – should ever have to worry about where their next meal is going to come from,” said Gov. Beshear. “No family should ever have to choose between putting food on the table, paying rent or affording medications. We will continue working together to end hunger and to ensure that our people can live happy and healthy lives.”
“One in four children in our state faces hunger. When our children are hungry, the future of Kentucky is at stake,” said Melissa McDonald, executive director of Feeding Kentucky. “From our most recent hunger study, we found that it’s not about access to food; rather, it’s about stability, cost and tradeoffs, like the Governor mentioned. No one should have to choose between essentials. Yet for far too many Kentuckians, those choices are a daily reality. I want to thank Gov. Beshear for recognizing Hunger Action Month. Let September be a reminder to join the amazing folks in Kentucky fighting hunger. Please reach out and help support our network. Collectively, we can create a hunger-free Kentucky.”
Grants To Support Accessible Transportation
The Governor announced more than $18.8 million in grant funding for 18 transportation projects across the commonwealth that will improve safety and accessibility for Kentuckians. From walking to biking, wheelchairs and more, Team Kentucky is committed to making our commonwealth more accessible for everyone.
Team Kentucky Helping Fight Wildfires
The Governor announced that this summer, Team Kentucky sent more than 80 Division of Forestry professionals to assist with wildfire response in eight states: Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Washington and Wyoming. The Governor shared a Good News update on this project.
“These men and women responded without hesitation, leaving their families for weeks at a time to protect homes, businesses, natural resources and the lives of our fellow Americans,” said Gov. Beshear. “Because that’s what good neighbors do. We’re there for one another in times of need.”
Labor Day
Ahead of the Sept. 7 Labor Day holiday, the Governor thanked the men and women in America’s labor unions.
“I’m a proud, pro-union Governor. For generations, union leaders have looked out for their neighbors – and I’m always going to fight for the people who have supported hardworking Americans,” said Gov. Beshear. “Unions helped build this great country. This coming Labor Day, let’s commit ourselves to following their lead and getting our country back on track.”
Team Kentucky All-Stars
The Governor named all those fighting addiction and supporting recovery as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars. Today, the Governor participated in the Team Kentucky Recovery Rally on the Capitol lawn and presented a proclamation recognizing September as Recovery Month in the commonwealth. Under Beshear’s leadership, Kentucky has seen four straight years of decreases in overdose deaths.
Team Kentucky has certified 42 Recovery Ready Communities across the commonwealth, representing more than 2.2 million Kentuckians with access to free treatment resources in the county where they live. Over the past year alone, Team Kentucky has provided more than 33,000 Kentuckians with addiction treatment services through the Kentucky Overdose Response Effort.
“This morning I was surrounded by recovery advocates who care so deeply about their neighbors. They are the reason we’ve been able to save more lives in the commonwealth,” said Gov. Beshear. “So today, I want to name every community, every recovery center, every person across our commonwealth who is fighting addiction as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars. You ensure every person who starts the journey towards recovery has the support they need to overcome addiction. Thank you.”
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