>> Anti-Semitism or hate him any kind not be tolerated.

>> The step Governor Beshear has taken to address the rise in Anti-Semitism in the state.

It's great for the kids and it's great for working parents as well.

Why the state's largest city is preparing its own plan for universal Pre-K. >> Having that medication is not going to harm anybody.

But having that medication will save the life of a loved one limits and when it's needed.

>> One health department's efforts to prevent overdose deaths over the holidays.

>> I think that it.

>> Being a living donor for somebody and getting their kidney and biggest gift you can give to anybody.

>> Why the University of Louisville Health System is celebrating this holiday season.

>> Production of Kentucky Edition is made possible in part by the KET Endowment for Kentucky Productions.

Leonard Press Endowment for Public Affairs and the KET Millennium Fund.

♪ ♪ >> Good evening and welcome to Kentucky EDITION on this Friday, December 22nd.

I'm Casey Parker Bell filling in for Renee Shaw.

Anti-Semitism is on the rise in Kentucky with the state seeing a 128% increase in the number of Anti-Semitic incidents from 2021. to 2022, that's according to the Anti-Defamation League to combat increasing Anti-Semitism in the state.

Governor Andy Beshear announced a new task force.

The Kentucky Anti Semitism Task Force will be part of the governor's Office of Faith-Based Initiatives.

The initial task force will have 18 members, including public officials, as well as religious and community leaders.

Lexington in Louisville's police chiefs will also be part of the task force.

The members will be tasked with conducting a comprehensive review of the state of Anti-Semitism in the Commonwealth.

And if assessing Holocaust education in Kentucky.

Beshear also said the task force would be advising and training programs for law enforcement relating to hate crimes and referred to an incident involving Kentucky State Police training materials.

The contained an Anti-Semitic symbol.

>> I remember one early example of the administration when there was a symbol in some training materials that many people didn't recognize was Anti-Semitic.

And so it's so important that we have those in the know the experience and the feeling that can guide us and make sure that we're not missing a thing.

And then we get weather sees training materials or our approach and then we get it right.

>> Bashir was later asked if he felt the task force would be enough to make a difference when it comes to threats of violence and hate.

>> I think the work of this task force in the individuals on it will be special and will help all of us to do better.

I think every time we do better, it makes a difference and it will help many people recognize something as Anti-Semitic that they might not have otherwise known sometimes and see education and being able to sit across the table and and sometimes to see how something that you might have thought was benign truly hurts another individual on the very serious side.

Yes, there are threats that are out there.

We see them across the country in over the past 2 weeks, we've had some guys have to evacuate during services.

Nobody should ever have to go through that.

You know, a lot of us out there and been to a bomb threat and they can be really scary now.

Think about one in your house of worship where you believe you were targeted because of your religion and we look at history and we have to take anti Semitism very seriously for the horrific acts like the Holocaust that occurred in the past.

I believe this group absolutely will make a difference and we will make wild statement, but but also hopefully take loud that l the rest, the world, the Anti-Semitism or hate them any kind will not be tolerated in Kentucky.

>> State Representative Daniel Cross Berg of Louisville sent a statement in response to the newly formed Task force with members of the Kentucky House Democratic Caucus signing and support it reads in part, quote, It would mean the world to me and the entire Jewish community.

The governor Beshear has embrace this initiative amid an unprecedented rise in Anti-Semitic incidents in Kentucky.

We all look forward to working with Jewish agencies, law enforcement, the General Assembly, and of course, the governor himself making this test for success.

A plan to refile my bill from earlier this year.

That's not something similar and which now would codify the governor's executive order into law, end quote.

Governor Beshear also announced a new partnership with the Kentucky Community and Technical College system to increase health care access for students under the partnership experts known as connectors we placed at the 16 colleges helps students apply for affordable health coverage.

Food and child care assistance programs.

The connectors are stationed in offices on campuses.

40 hours per week to accommodate students schedules and ensure availability.

Beshear says the partnership will help ensure student success.

>> This is just a another way to remove some of the difficulties or challenges to meet people where they are and to make that they not only have health care coverage, but they're getting the preventative screenings having the regular doctors visits.

They need one of the biggest challenges we have in this state and is the health of our people.

And this is an opportunity to move forward and improve our outcomes.

>> The service is free of charge to students.

Starting in the New Year.

Electric and hybrid car owners will have to pay an additional fee to the state Kentucky additions to Leffler has more.

>> The annual ownership fee is $120 for electric vehicles.

The state says that any vehicle that charges by plugging it into an electrical source.

The fee is $60 for hybrid vehicles that can be plugged in as well as electric motorcycles.

State lawmakers signed off on the new fees this year.

Kentuckians will be notified by mail if they have to pay that fee.

The Kentucky transportation Cabinet says these fees support the fund that maintains Kentucky's roads, quote, sharing the roads also means sharing the cost to maintain them with the rise in hybrid and EV owners in recent years, the ownership the helps ensure their contributions to the road fund match those of the majority of Kentucky drivers who drive a gas or diesel powered vehicle.

The transportation cabinet estimates there are 9,000 electric and 60,000 hybrid car owners in Kentucky last year the state started taxiing EV charging stations similar lead to gas stations.

Well, EVs can be charged at home.

The state is investing in public charging stations across the Commonwealth.

Kentucky has now awarded 15.4 million dollars to 7 private developers to build 24 charging stations.

The state hopes to subsidize another 14 stations.

We spoke to the state's leading transportation cabinet official back in July.

Every interstate.

>> Every parkway.

That's 11 interstates parkways are going to have charging stations every 50 miles.

And it every 50 miles.

There will be stations with.

For ports.

And they sports then will be accessible by our traveling public.

>> On this map, the yellow dots pinpoint active charging stations and the blue and red dots are where new stations will go.

The blue circles are areas that could use the station for Kentucky edition.

I'm John Leffler.

>> If you need to get your vehicle registered soon, beware of some upcoming closures.

Starting December.

29th County Clerk offices will pause some vehicle related services for 4 to 10 days while the transportation Cabinet is updating its database system.

America's First Lady Jill Biden will be in Kentucky tomorrow.

She's coming to Fort Campbell to visit with military families impacted by recent tornado in the region.

The E F 2 tornado caused damage in Todd and Logan counties after touching down in Warren County.

First Lady Biden will also meet with members of the 100st airborne and participate in a holiday celebration.

Education is a top priority in Governor Andy Beshear's, two-year budget proposal.

He's once again calling for universal Pre-K. Well, it's unclear if the measure will gain enough support from lawmakers.

The state's largest city is working on its own plan to educate some of the youngest children.

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg says he will release details about the plan next month.

I hope, but the legacy of our entire administration, not for this year, but for our entire term.

>> Is that 20 years from now?

When the Jefferson County Public School classes graduating their high school seniors that year, it is the highest performing academic class in the history of JCPS because those kids got their start in Universal Pre K until the next year's class graduates.

And then the next year in the next year.

That is the legacy I want our administration to leave for the future of Louisville.

>> It's time to go inside Kentucky politics as we break down the political news of the week in Kentucky with us are.

Well, Carly President and CEO of Opine, Strategies and Democratic consultant and I and Tyler Morgan attorney and member of McBrayer Law and Government Solutions from.

Thank you both for being with us.

Thanks, Casey.

All right, Stacey, first thing we're going to get to is Governor Andy Beshear unveiled his state budget proposal on KET on Monday night.

It's 136 billion dollars.

There's money going toward a Pre-K toward raises for state workers and teachers as well as for investments in clean drinking water.

And will I want to start with you?

Of course, we know the governor Beshear released this early so that he could get out ahead of the Republican led General Assembly.

But will this help him negotiate to get some more of the things that he wants?

Well, I think Governor Bush budget is a real testament to how he wants to govern.

He's done an excellent job in his first 4 years of taking care of the people to take care of us like our teachers, first staying workers who are also going to get a raise.

>> And his I'd like to think that the General Assembly, even though senator up there and said that they plan on not working with them, changed that tune and decide to put a lot of thought and effort into working with Governor Beshear's team so that all Kentuckians can get a win here.

This is a budget for everyone and I'm excited to see him get Hopefully like I said in a bipartisan way.

>> And Tyler, too, we have a sense how the Republican led Legislature will take this proposal.

>> Sure will.

Casey, I opened up by saying I'd say at the New Year, those in relationships across the commonwealth are asking, are we spenders?

Are we savers?

The governor and the legislature?

No different.

So I think those are some of the questions that will be asked by the Legislature in response to the governor's budget.

But I think there are also a number of measures that there are widespread consensus around, particularly around Pre-K, education, around economic development, infrastructure improvements.

>> At one of the big things, the governor and the Republican leaders of the General Assembly of mentioned is that they like to have a better relationship between executive and legislative branch.

That's right.

Is is this something that could hurt or help that?

>> I really don't think so, Casey.

I think it's probably par for the course.

Of course, the Legislature took the first shot in the last budget session and this is the governor just getting out ahead of that.

I think several have said that early information is better.

I don't think the legislature will be entirely surprised that the governor took his early shot.

And I don't think it will have quite the damage that some may want to say that.

Well and >> Some of the other big news this week has been that former members of the General Assembly said that they will not be running for reelection next year.

That brings the total to 9 5 Republicans and 4 Democrats and tower all start with you.

Is this unusual to see this number of people saying they won't run for reelection?

>> Yeah, Kaci.

I think it kind of interesting to see in and certainly.

>> A lot of movement since the 2017 flip of the state house.

That was awfully silly.

Our last time of kind of big exodus >> re shifting of the Kentucky House, particularly and now we're seeing that in both chambers.

So obviously there will be a lot of opportunity for new faces to emerge.

A lot of opportunity for fundraising across the state in the primary elections, which will be very interesting to watch.

>> We'll, of course Republicans have a super majority in both chambers of the General Assembly and open seats are big opportunity for Democrats to try and take back seats.

How will Democrats make their case in the upcoming election?

>> I think that we're going to probably follow the Andy Beshear playbook, which is.

If we can create a government that works for everyone, finding common sense solutions instead of hyper partisan polarized wedge issue.

Culture issue legislation that the GOP has been offering up lately.

I think our tenants are gonna stand a really good We're going to actually draw sharp contrasts between people that want to get things done for the people of Kentucky in our commonwealth and people that want to score big and continue to divide us so that I think that's that's the way back for Democrats because we're going to offer real policy solutions to see some gains in November.

>> We'll stick with State representative cut her hair and said that she is going to run for state.

Senate are 2 things.

Harper Angel seat Frankel said he would not seek re-election earlier this month.

It is this a primary where we can see a number of Democrats KD and Sin City is that Louisville Metro Basi.

>> I think that right here Representative Haron, he's done a fantastic job in her first term as as a state representative and looking at her body of work in the relationship she has with people and her devotion to her constituents.

I actually don't think she's going to draw any significant primary I I would say the field is probably pretty I haven't heard of anybody I know I'll be Representative Haron for that scene as well.

>> And Tyler, of course, it is a little basi.

Jefferson County is a deep blue.

Is this an opportunity for Republicans to make a case?

People in Louisville?

>> Absolutely.

I think if you watched Louisville's history in the last several years, Casey is I know you have mobile is becoming increasingly red, certainly softer blue than it has been.

It's not a bedrock Democratic city anymore.

So I think we certainly see opportunity there I go.

>> We're going to come back to you.

We're going to insert some national politics into our state.

This conversation as it usually is.

Governor Andy Beshear commented on President Donald Trump's rhetoric about immigration earlier this week to the Associated Press.

He called the former presidents words dehumanizing.

Will.

The governor has generally white has stayed away from weighing into national politics.

Why was this the time to do so?

>> I think anytime Governor Beshear has been confronted with the language or situations in which anybody any human being right is being dehumanized.

And Donald Trump said that immigrants were poisoning the blood of our country, which is very reminiscent lines in mind.

Com.

But just as he stood up for trans people and other marginalized people on the fringes going to share, weighed in to say, look, even if they're illegal immigrants, they still deserve humanity.

We need to work on a better way to a better system to get these people in compliance with the law to make sure that we need immigrant that that it's allowed to be here and he cares about people and continues that compassion even in these times.

>> And Tyler know we just finished one election.

But of course, we always look forward to the next Governor Beshear talking about President Trump might not be popular in Kentucky.

Is that how you see >> That's right, Kaci, although I think that certainly Kentucky ends have a great deal of compassion.

We have a lot of neighbors in our state.

you know, I think they might have more mixed views on that.

That certainly Governor Beshear is enjoying the fact that this is no longer an election season can be a little more bold.

And in what he makes comment on.

Yeah.

>> And tower will.

Carly, thank you both for joining us right before the holidays.

We appreciate you both.

Thank you.

Makers was Casey.

The holidays can be difficult for those struggling with addiction.

>> Sunday show drug use and overdose rates increased during the holidays in Jessamine County public health officials are trying to get out in front of this tranche by getting more Narcan doses into the community.

>> And more people trained on how to use it.

>> Overdose Evan comes made in a kind of moved to achieve a lasting recovery.

And people don't have that anymore.

I was getting out when the fentanyl was Kevin Ian and for a long time, I was able to have the fact that I was using drugs.

So one will believe that know my family's not doing it know my kids aren't doing it, but the only way to ever be completely sure and be safe and protect yourself and your family is too.

>> Have this miracle drug at your property and Arkin at a lifesaving toll and that anyone can carry anyone can have and that we give those out anyone and everyone in the community.

>> And that want to save a from overdose.

We always tried to increase the amount of Narcan that's distributed in the holidays just because people get to come home for the holidays, you may have family members that are visiting you that you may not know their secret.

You may not know what's going on the holidays are also really lonely for some people which increases depression, which increases anxiety, which increases the likelihood of someone to use substances.

So we want to make sure everyone just has the tools to KET everybody safe.

And if someone does to try to try something and they do happen over this, having that medication is not going to harm anybody.

>> But having that medication will save the life of a loved one when it's in when it's needed.

One of the beautiful things about our can is that if somebody is having a heart attack in a lot of those symptoms or are going to display our can display as an overdose.

If you give that person are can it's not going to cause them any damage.

It specifically targets the opioid receptors in the brain and kicks that drug often allows the body to start functioning again.

Every day we offer free Narcan training year.

The health department.

You can come in and you'll come back to our booth and Neal, same here for Marchand.

We're going to be an arc and we're going to teach you how to use it.

It's very simple.

We as of right now we still have the nasal spray.

So it's very simple to use.

We teach people had to identify an overdose.

Know what are the signs and then we provide them education.

So education is the biggest thing, educating the community on.

It can happen to anyone.

>> I'm not to create fear, but it can.

It can happen to anyone who goes to the grocery store.

It can happen Ing one that goes to a gas station and it can happen anywhere and everywhere.

And a lot of people need to know how to identify that just the same way they would if someone was going into shock where if someone was having an allergic reaction and to have that and their kid in their tool kit to help bring that person back to live.

And it's so important.

>> We KET trying to raise We have several families in Jessamine County who have lost a loved one.

In the more we can.

Shine a light on this on this secret on this bang that's The more people we can get encouraged.

>> To come in and get the turnpike, the training.

>> The judgment County health Department has 7 naloxone box locations around the county list of locations is on the Jessamine County Health Department's website.

♪ ♪ >> University of Louisville Health System is celebrating a record breaking number of living donors in one year in 2023.

They had 26 successful kidney transplants.

>> The doctor who performed some of the transplants talks about these lifesaving gifts.

>> It's a good year for us.

So it's a happy day and so good to celebrate it right before Christmas.

We've done are the most living donor transplants and send said the program has opened.

>> And then 27 am up to today and on a transplant since I'm almost 40% of all the times that that we've done and it has always been our goal to do as many as we can.

>> I think that being a living for somebody and getting their and biggest get who can give to anybody it.

I have never met a donor who regret it, giving a kidney to It I think get some donating as well.

You I I I feel like, you know, you you get that satisfaction of actually changing somebody's extending daylight scared couple of reasons by a living donor transplant people have kidney disease.

And let me get listed for a kidney transplant is they do not have a living donor.

They may be weighed up to 5 to 7 years for cadaver kidney.

That's a lot of time.

And a lot of things can happen during that time.

I'm living donor kidneys, work right away.

They also last longer than cadaver kidneys.

you know, we tell people you know, that they will be off dialysis for significantly longer to get a kid living donor kidney compared to cadaver kidney living donor surgery you know, and it's still a surgery, but it's not like an open heart surgery.

And we're very proud donors and do not end up in the hospital for a long period of time.

Usually they go home on the second day after donation.

We had to donors who went to the next day after donation.

If they did very well.

>> U of L health was able to get 447 people to sign up to be organ donors this year.

They encourage more people to register online.

The donate Life K Y Dot org.

♪ >> Christmas is just around the corner, but there still some holiday events to squeeze in before the big day.

Plus, we look ahead to New Year's Eve this week and around the Commonwealth.

♪ There's still time for some Christmas magic this weekend.

And mustard seed hill in Millersburg has plenty of it.

>> Tomorrow is the last chance to see the beautiful southern to say all dressed up for Christmas and to enjoy the festive activities.

See the light display gingerbread house exhibit artist since market and more.

Don't miss your chance to experience Ashley's winter Wonderland of Lights festival.

Pack the car and head to Central Park to see over 60 holiday displays with over 800,000 lights.

This Christmas tradition is a staple of the holiday experience in Ashland, the festival started back in 1988. the lights are up through January.

1st.

On the other side of the state.

Madisonville has its own spectacular drive-thru light show happening through January.

1st, make your way to Madisonville City Park to see the light displays food trucks, merry-go-round and more.

This event is a great way to make some family Christmas memories before 2023 wraps up.

Speaking of, we've got some great New Year's events coming up as well.

The 50th annual Kentucky Flea Market.

Do your spectacular is happening December 29th through January.

First at the Kentucky Expo Center in Louisville.

What better way to start the new year?

The Thrifting for treasure at over 800 booths.

This event will see over 30,000 shoppers.

You'll want to be one New Year's Eve in Somerset is sure to be likely this year.

The city is hosting a live music vendors at the Virginia and providing food trucks downtown to enjoy lots of businesses downtown have their own New Year's Eve events going on.

Be sure to check out to be towed Chardo Grill.

Tap on main and more.

This is a great opportunity top from party to party.

Enjoy delicious food and drink as you go.

John's run walk.

Shop in Lexington has an event for everyone with a New Year's resolution to run more on January first, joining their free.

Make it resolution run and start the year strong.

Don't worry about an early morning.

Start time.

The races at 11:00AM and the distance is up to each runner to motivate you to KET the resolution up.

The shop is hosting the don't break it run in February as well.

And that's what's happening around the Commonwealth.

It's a small Kentucky town with big plans when it comes to growth.

>> When you come into our downtown area, you know that you're in Russellville and you really see the beauty in it.

>> And Russell is just one of the places we will visit Monday on Kentucky Edition.

As we bring you Monday's on Maine, downtown revitalization efforts across the state.

We hope you'll join us again Monday night at 6.30, East, earn 5.30, central for Kentucky.

Addition, we inform connect.

>> And inspire.

You can subscribe to our weekly Kentucky Edition email newsletter watch full episodes and clips a K E T Dot Org.

You can also find Kentucky Edition on the PBS video app on your mobile device and smart TV and send us a story idea.

Public affairs at KET Dot Org condition that checks out on Facebook, X and Instagram.

I'm Casey Parker Bell filling in for Renee Shaw.

Thank you for joining us tonight and take good care.

♪ ♪ ♪