FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 11, 2026) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided updates on economic development, a new record year for tourism, an extension on the gas tax executive order, the state budget, medical cannabis, Dairy Month and a new bank in Owensboro. The Governor also reminded Kentuckians about Juneteenth and named women veterans and women currently serving in the Armed Forces as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars ahead of Women Veterans Day on June 12.
Economic Development
Gov. Beshear highlighted that Team Kentucky will provide workforce training and skills development to over 7,400 Kentuckians. This continued investment in our state workforce is thanks to support provided through the Bluegrass State Skills Corp. (BSSC), which oversees programs attached to the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development that help private-sector businesses establish industry-specific training initiatives.
Kentucky Tourism Celebrates 2025 as Best Year Ever for Economic Impact
Gov. Beshear announced that 2025 was the best year ever for Kentucky tourism, with $14.6 billion generated in economic impact supporting 96,993 jobs, securing four straight record years for the industry.
Steps To Lower Gas Prices
Gov. Beshear announced today that his executive order that reduced the gas tax by 10 cents and resulted in lower gas and diesel prices across the state has been extended to 37 Kentucky cities and counties where local officials requested an extension. Kentuckians in areas where the county judge/executive or mayor chose not to request an extension or withdrew their request can expect to see prices at the pump rise by 10 cents per gallon starting today, June 11.
“I believe that government is here to help our people, and the state can and will make up any potential financial hit. Right now, our priority should be helping our families save as the war continues,” said Gov. Beshear. “The price of gas isn’t partisan. It’s not Democrat or Republican. It’s just too high. I don’t agree with President Trump on most things, but I do agree lowering soaring prices to help American families is the right thing to do. Playing politics isn’t.”
Steps To Mitigate Budget Cuts Made by the General Assembly
Gov. Beshear once again discussed impacts to Team Kentucky’s Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) and Medicaid Services resulting from cuts made by the General Assembly – something he and members of his administration have warned about since March when the House released its initial budget. These services are deemed as essential as they provide foster care for children, food support and more for the states most vulnerable.
Recent statements made by members of the General Assembly claimed they had given Gov. Beshear “flexibility to protect essential services and prioritize funding where it is needed most” despite that language having been removed from the budget. Today, the Governor announced he is taking those statements as legislative intent and shared the actions his administration will take to reallocate funding to help ease cuts to foster services, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program and Medicaid services.
To view the Governor’s full remarks, click here.
Medical Cannabis
The Governor announced that, as medical cannabis is now legal in the commonwealth, and Team Kentucky has launched every step of the medical cannabis process, his 2022 executive order providing conditional pardons to Kentuckians suffering from eligible conditions who purchased medical cannabis out of state will end on July 1, 2026.
“This step was taken before I signed legislation legalizing medical cannabis in Kentucky in 2023,” said Gov. Beshear. “Now that medical cannabis is readily available here, we’re going to end these conditional pardons, as folks can contact an eligible practitioner and apply for a medical cannabis card right here in Kentucky.”
The Governor also provided an update on licensed medical cannabis businesses. So far, 11 cultivators, two safety compliance facilities, three processors and 17 dispensaries are approved to operate in the commonwealth. More than 24,288 Kentuckians have been approved for medical cannabis cards. Nearly 500 practitioners are registered to issue certifications.
This month, the Governor signed an executive order directing Team Kentucky’s Office of Medical Cannabis to issue an emergency regulation further clarifying qualifying conditions for medical cannabis in Kentucky law. With the clarification, 15 additional conditions are recognized.
Dairy Month
The Governor was joined by representatives from the Kentucky Dairy Development Council to recognize June as Dairy Month in the commonwealth.
“Our dairy farmers work hard to provide for our families, neighbors, and folks from all over,” said Gov. Beshear. “Kentucky is home to over 300 dairy farms and 45,000 milking cows. We are grateful to the farmers who make that possible. That’s why I’m proud to proclaim June as Dairy Month in the commonwealth.”
New Bank in Owensboro
This week, Team Kentucky issued the state’s first charter for a newly created bank since 2009. The charter, issued by the Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions, authorizes Cornerstone Community Bank in Owensboro to officially begin operations.
Juneteenth
The Governor reminded Kentuckians that next Friday, June 19, is Juneteenth. Gov. Beshear is the first Kentucky Governor to make Juneteenth an executive branch holiday.
“Juneteenth is a celebration of progress, but it also serves as a reminder of our responsibilities as Americans and of the work that remains to be done,” said Gov. Beshear. “We know that in order to move forward as a country, we need to look back at one of the ugliest chapters in our history, straight on, without turning away. We must learn from it, and we must work to repair the lasting damage to make progress for a better tomorrow.”
Team Kentucky All-Stars
Ahead of Women Veterans Day on June 12, the Governor named women veterans and women currently serving in the Armed Forces as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.
“Today, we celebrate, honor and recognize a special group of our military veterans whose path to service hasn’t always been easy, yet it never stopped them from serving our country to the fullest – our women veterans,” said Gov. Beshear. “Since I’ve been Governor, every June 12, we’ve recognized Women Veterans Day. Team Kentucky will keep working to ensure our women veterans receive the benefits and recognition they deserve.”
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