Kentucky Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear on Wednesday night slammed the vitriol in national politics and called for common-sense policies to meet the daily needs of families worried about access to affordable health care and the availability of good-paying jobs. He called for a new approach to governance.
Beshear has since gained national recognition. win reelection In 2023, the Republican-controlled state touted Kentucky’s record pace of economic development and infrastructure improvements, with improved roads, cleaner water and expanded access to high-speed internet. He said these achievements were the result of “pushing out the national noise” and finding common ground.
The governor’s most pointed comments were directed at the national political debate during his annual State of the Union address at the Kentucky State Capitol in Frankfort.
“Yes, there are many big and important issues in our country,” Beshear said. “But if you’re staring at the price of your child’s prescription and wondering how you’re going to pay for both that medicine and your family’s dinner, the crimes that happened in Washington that day don’t seem all that important.”
Ongoing one of his favorite themesBeshear said most Americans don’t start each day thinking about politics. Instead, they wake up in the morning thinking about their jobs, their children’s education, their family’s next doctor’s appointment and the safety of their communities, he said.
“We must remain focused on creating better jobs, more affordable and accessible health care, safer roads and bridges, and the best education for our children,” Beshear said. said. “Let’s continue to make sure our communities are places where people are not only safer, but feel safer.
“Let’s make our positive actions louder than the nasty words we hear on TV or read online,” he said. “And you can do this just by focusing on the core areas where you can and should find common ground.”
During his first term, Beshear largely avoided criticizing Donald Trump because he didn’t want to anger voters in the Bluegrass state, who overwhelmingly supported the former president now back in the White House. Beshear took more aggressive tone Last year, he unsuccessfully competed for the party’s vice presidential nomination against Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, and subsequently participated in the election as a Democratic campaign agent.
Mr. Beshear, who is term-limited, has at times had a tense relationship with the Republican-led Congress, and there were many empty seats in the House for his speech. Republican lawmakers have credited Mr. Beshear with much of the economic development success, saying it was the result of pro-business policies passed through Congress, sometimes over Mr. Beshear’s opposition.
“Perhaps the single greatest legislative accomplishment of the governor is the fact that we overrode his veto,” Kentucky House Speaker David Osborne (R) said in an interview with Kentucky Educational Television after Beshear’s speech. ” he said.
In his remarks, the governor continued to push for state-funded preschool for all 4-year-olds in Kentucky, a proposal that has not advanced in the Legislature.
“Pre-K provides proven lifelong benefits,” Beshear says. “And now, friends, we are failing our children. More than half (54%) of Kentucky’s children are coming to kindergarten unprepared.”
In a speech largely focused on bridging political divides, Beshear called on Republicans to embrace the consequences of vital policies. School selection measures on a statewide ballot last November. Kentucky voters outright rejected a bill that would have allowed lawmakers to allocate taxpayer dollars to help students attend private and charter schools. Mr. Beshear led the opposition to the bill.
The message from voters was clear. “Public funding is for public schools,” Beshear said Wednesday night. “I want them to stop issuing these nonsense vouchers,” he appealed to lawmakers. Stop the end run of tax evasion. Instead, let’s roll up our sleeves and work hard to strengthen and improve our public schools. ”
The speech comes as Beshear’s national profile continues to rise. Democratic governors recently selected Beshear to be the next president of the Democratic Governors Association in 2026. leading role in his party’s efforts The goal is to win gubernatorial races in the midterm elections, including key battleground states for the presidential election.
Mr. Beshear has accepted an invitation to speak at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The World Economic Forum is a global event that brings together leaders from business, government, and academia. Beshear said it’s an opportunity to promote Kentucky on the world stage. It could also boost his reputation as his name comes up in early speculation about possible Democratic candidates for the White House in 2028.
