FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 9, 2026) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided updates on economic development, record high gas prices over Labor Day weekend, pre-K pilot programs, driver licensing, electric vehicle charging stations and a confiscated alcohol auction. First Lady Britainy Beshear provided updates on grants that support artists and Kentucky schools recognized for student-led energy innovation. The First Lady named service dogs as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars in honor of September as Service Dog Month. Ahead of Friday, the Governor recognized the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Economic Development
This week, Gov. Beshear joined local officials and leadership from U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co., a subsidiary of Altria Group and a leading global moist smokeless tobacco manufacturer, to break ground on a new facility in Christian County where it will create over 200 new Kentucky jobs once operational.
The Governor also joined leaders from Amneal Pharmaceuticals, one of the largest manufacturers of generic medicines in the United States, for a tour of their Glasgow facility. Over the last nearly 20 years, the company has invested over $15 million in the commonwealth and created 170 full-time jobs.
Record High Gas Prices
As families traveled over Labor Day weekend, the United States saw record high gas prices. According to AAA, prices were $4.14 per gallon nationwide – the highest for any Labor Day weekend in history. Last week, Gov. Beshear sent a letter to President Donald Trump demanding that he rescind his harmful tariff and trade policies, which are fueling a cost-of-living crisis for hardworking Americans. The Governor has also called on President Trump to resolve the conflict in Iran.
Gov. Beshear has taken several steps to help Kentuckians save at the pump. In May, the Governor signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency related to gas prices, which he extended in June for cities and counties where officials requested the extension. The Governor signed an emergency regulation to freeze the gas tax and proactively signed an executive order to freeze the 2026 motor vehicle assessment rate ahead of an expected increase. Gov. Beshear also wrote letters to Kentucky’s congressional delegation and to President Trump, asking them to suspend the federal gas tax.
Glasgow Pre-K Pilot Program
This week, the Governor visited Glasgow Independent Schools, where Team Kentucky has expanded its Pre-K Pilot Program. Now, all 4-year-olds living within the Glasgow Independent School District can attend preschool at no cost to their families. Since May, the Governor and his administration have increased childcare access for nearly 3,000 additional children across the commonwealth through three major announcements.
“I want to thank our local partners who made this possible,” said Gov. Beshear. “I can’t wait to see the impact this program has on these 4-year-olds over the next year. As a dad, I want all of our kids to have every opportunity possible, right here in Kentucky. We’re showing what’s possible when we rise above the noise and just focus on doing what’s right for our families.”
Driver Licensing
Gov. Beshear announced that more than 30,000 Kentuckians have created a myDrive online account, unlocking convenient services that can save them time and trips to a driver licensing office. This is the new, modern driver licensing database Team Kentucky launched in June to replace a nearly 40-year-old system and launch new online services. Kentuckians can use the portal to access services online like replacing a lost ID or changing their address if they move. Gov. Beshear encouraged Kentuckians who haven’t signed up for an account to visit myDrive.ky.gov.
The Governor also announced that, thanks to myDrive and other steps by Team Kentucky to improve efficiency, average wait times have dropped to 9 minutes for walk-ins at Driver Licensing Regional Offices, down from 49 minutes in spring 2025.
Electric Vehicle Charging Station
The Governor announced that Team Kentucky now has 18 electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging stations open across the commonwealth. The newest stations include Hart County and Graves County. In addition to the 18 open stations, Team Kentucky has 11 additional EV charging stations under construction. The Beshear administration has made building out a reliable EV charging system for drivers a priority. When the Trump administration unlawfully froze approved funds, Gov. Beshear sued and resecured $17.8 million in previously appropriated funds to build out EV charging stations. Click here for a map of Kentucky’s EV charging stations.
Online Confiscated Bourbon Auction
Gov. Beshear announced that Team Kentucky will be holding its second auction of bourbons confiscated by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), with proceeds benefitting alcohol education events across the commonwealth. ABC is auctioning off 70 bottles of bourbon, including highly collectible bottles and sets. The first auction held by Team Kentucky raised nearly $10,000 to support alcohol responsibility programs for students. The online auction opens Sept. 15 and closes at midnight on Sept. 30. A link to this year’s online auction will be available at ABC.ky.gov on Sept. 15.
Grants for Kentucky Literary Artists
The First Lady announced that 16 literary artists across the commonwealth will receive $42,000 in grant funding through the Individual Artist Fellowship and Emerging Artist Award programs. The programs recognize artistic excellence in creative nonfiction, fiction, play and screenwriting and poetry. Mrs. Beshear shared a Good News update on this project.
Kentucky Schools Recognized for Student-Led Energy Innovation
The First Lady announced that two Kentucky schools have earned national acclaim for their student-led energy education projects. Lloyd Memorial High School in Erlanger and Saratoga Homestead Academy were awarded “National School of the Year” honors at the National Energy Education Development’s Youth Conference and Awards held in Washington, D.C. They were two of only eight schools to be awarded nationally.
“These projects and accomplishments underscore the importance of STEM education for Kentucky’s children,” said Mrs. Beshear. “Since Andy took office, Team Kentucky has provided over $2 million for energy education, ensuring students across the commonwealth have meaningful opportunities to learn and lead. By investing in our students today, we are building a brighter future for all Kentuckians. Congratulations to these schools.”
Team Kentucky All-Stars
The First Lady named service dogs and those who train them as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars. This week, Mrs. Beshear met with service dogs and representatives from Canine Companions to recognize September as Service Dog Month in Kentucky.
“Service dogs are a lifeline for so many of our neighbors. They help people with disabilities increase independence and accessibility in their daily life,” said the First Lady. “From hearing dogs to mobility dogs, medical alert dogs, guide dogs and more, these pups help our neighbors live full lives. So, this week, I want to name service dogs, and all those who train them to support those in need, as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.”
Patriot Day
Gov. Beshear highlighted that this Friday, Sept. 11, is Patriot Day, and the 25th anniversary of terrorist attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C.
“We will never forget the lives lost that day, each one a child of God taken too soon from their families, friends and communities,” said Gov. Beshear. “We will also never forget the heroism of America’s brave first responders. Their courage and selflessness meant paying the ultimate price. Today we recommit ourselves to being worthy of the lives lost and sacrifices made on 9/11, and we work together to strengthen this great country. Today we remember – and it reminds us all to be better.”
###