Governor Steve Beshear

Ky. Education and Workforce Development Secretary to Retire

John Null — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 21:57:22 +0000

Gov. Steve Beshear announced Wednesday that Education and Workforce Development Cabinet Secretary Joseph U. Meyer will retire June 30after more than 30 years of public service.

Under Meyer’s direction, the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet has played critical roles in modernizing the unemployment insurance system in the commonwealth, establishing the Early Childhood Advisory Council, merging the state’s Career and Technical Education systems and creating the Kentucky Center for Education and Workforce Statistics.

Beshear, Trade Delegation Make Trip to Canada

Stu Johnson (KPR) — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 19:33:25 +0000

A delegation from Kentucky is working to expand its business relationship with the state’s number one trading partner. Gov. Steve Beshear, along with representatives from over 20 companies, meets this week with Canadian officials.

Kentucky Economic Development Cabinet Spokesman Daniel Lowry says even a strong trade relationship can grow stronger.

Beshear's Income Tax Returns Show Earnings of $252K

John Null and The Associated Press — Tue, 28 May 2013 20:33:31 +0000

Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear and his wife have released their 2012 state and federal income tax returns showing their total income was just more than $252,000.

That includes the governor's nearly $133,000 salary from the state, plus nearly $56,000 in dividends, more than $37,000 in capital gains and more than $25,000 in Social Security benefits.

Doctor Shortage to Worsen Under Medicaid Expansion

John Null and The Associated Press — Wed, 22 May 2013 21:18:41 +0000

A consulting firm says the planned expansion of Kentucky's Medicaid program coupled with a push to help the uninsured obtain health coverage will worsen the state's physician shortage.

Deloitte Consulting is helping to set up the Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange.

Gov. Steve Beshear announced earlier this month that he will expand the state's Medicaid program to cover an additional 300,000 people, most of them the working poor without coverage.

Tea Party Activist Sues Kentucky Governor Over Medicaid Expansion

Kenny Colston (KPR) — Mon, 20 May 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Tea party activist David Adams is once again suing Governor Steve Beshear over the Affordable Care Act.

Adams first sued Beshear to block him from implementing a state-run health insurance exchange. That suit is pending. And now, Adams is suing to stop Beshear from expanding Medicaid.

Beshear Says Redistricting Session Could Come in the Fall

Dan Conti (KPR) — Wed, 08 May 2013 18:14:00 +0000

Gov. Steve Beshear said a special session of the Kentucky General Assembly to redraw legislative districts for the House and Senate is likely to happen this fall. He said details are still being worked out.

“I’m talking with legislative leaders in the House and Senate right now and I think everybody, if we can work it out, would probably like to do it in the fall,” Beshear said. “And let everybody have the summer while kids are out of school and they have some vacation time, and then wait until we get back in school before we have the special session.”

Group Pushes for Medicaid Expansion

Kenny Colston (KPR) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 19:39:19 +0000

A leading health organization in Kentucky is putting the pressure on Gov. Steve Beshear to expand Medicaid services under the Affordable Care Act.

Kentucky Voices for Health Executive Director Regan Hunt says her group is launching a two-week radio ad campaign pressure Beshear to expand Medicaid. The radio ad campaign will be partnered with a month long online ad campaign.

Beshear Still Deciding on Special Session for Tax Reform, Redistricting

Kenny Colston (KPR) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:49:59 +0000

Gov. Steve Beshear says he's still considering whether to call a special legislative session for later this year.

A few issues remain unresolved from the last regular session, mainly redistricting and further tax reform. And Beshear has been pushing for tax reform to pay for the state's education system.

Beshear Calls McConnell Recording 'Deplorable,' Criticizes McConnell's Remarks

Kenny Colston (KPR) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:04:16 +0000

Gov. Steve Beshear is criticizing the secret recording of a campaign meeting of U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell that was leaked.

Two members of Progress Kentucky, Shawn Reilly and Curt Morrison, have been implicated by a Jefferson County Democratic official as being behind who secretly recorded the McConnell meeting.

Gov. Steve Beshear Vetoes Medicaid Prompt Pay Bill, Promises Changes to System

Kenny Colston (KPR) — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 20:24:05 +0000

Gov. Steve Beshear has vetoed a bill sponsored by House Speaker Greg Stumbo that would require prompt payment in the Medicaid managed care system.

The governor was expected to veto the bill, claiming it would cost the state too much money.