Governor Andy Beshear’s visit to west Kentucky last week, along with First Lady Britainy Beshear, was two-fold.
A stop at the Pennyrile Forest State Park was meant for Thanksgiving with Dawson Springs and Marshall County families and first responders, nearly a year after the devastating December 10 tornadoes.
The governor noted the repairing and rebuilding of this region is taking “longer than he’d like,” but the arrival of new jobs is spurring the process.
More importantly, both the Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund, the Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund and earmarked SAFE funding for both regions remains replete, as monies remain available for current and future endeavors.
Beshear said several appropriations are planned in the coming months.
Later, a pass through Christian County brought the Beshears to the Christian County Middle School Performing Arts Center, in celebration of the CCPS elementary programs being named “Purple Star” Schools — serving as bastions for military families.
It was an opportune moment for Beshear to mention his continued push for universal pre-K and kindergarten, as well as increased teacher pay — two things he plans to attack when the Kentucky General Assembly meets this upcoming spring in short session.
It’s also worth noting that science scores at all grade levels dipped in average statewide over the last 18 months.
Just another reason, Beshear said, to get teachers back in the classroom.