Gov. Andy Beshear strives each day to live out the values of faith and public service. At no time was that more evident than during the global pandemic and in the wake natural disasters that devastated the western and eastern regions of the commonwealth. But Gov. Beshear's faith and values are also the North Star that provides guidance in all aspects of his job, and that means doing what's right, every time, to better the lives of all Kentuckians.
Since the beginning of his administration, Gov. Beshear has overseen the largest private sector investment secured during the tenure of any governor in Kentucky history, at over $35 billion. He has announced more than 1,150 private sector new-location and expansion projects and more than 59,800 full-time jobs. Since 2022, the average incentivized hourly wage has topped $26 in three consecutive years for the first time ever. The Governor has now secured three of the top four years for private sector investment in the commonwealth's history.
At the same time, Gov. Beshear has expanded access to health care and invested in cleaner water. His administration is building and repairing the state's roads and bridges and seeing that access to high-speed internet is extended across the state. He has also secured record-high budget surpluses and record-low unemployment.
As the Governor likes to say: We're not looking at the same Kentucky anymore. That's why he is leading the effort to reintroduce the commonwealth to the world, to leave the stereotypes of the past behind, and to welcome the world to our New Kentucky Home – where the pace of business is fast, but the pace of life is just right.
The Governor is focused on the people of Kentucky. At a time when things cost too much, the Governor signed legislation to lower the income tax, and property taxes have gone down four years in a row. Gov. Beshear froze the gas tax when times were tough, and his administration capped the price of insulin.
Gov. Beshear understands that we are all our brothers' and sisters' keepers, and that means making sure our justice-involved population and those in recovery are provided second-chance opportunities. Under his leadership, voting rights have been restored to more than 194,000 Kentuckians who have completed sentences for nonviolent offenses. And Kentucky leads the nation in number of drug treatment beds per capita. The results of these efforts are tangible, as the state's recidivism rate is at an all-time low.
The Governor believes that living the principle of loving our neighbor, we can achieve great things… for everyone. By pushing out the toxic noise so prevalent on TV and online, by showing more compassion and forgiveness, we can increase opportunities for our people. His commitment to the people of Kentucky is to stay focused on the things our families need and deserve, working to find common ground and use common-sense approaches to move the commonwealth forward.
The Governor and his wife, First Lady Britainy Beshear, along with their two children, Will and Lila, live in Frankfort and are members of Louisville's Beargrass Christian Church.