♪ >> The state of the Commonwealth is still strong.

>> Governor Andy Beshear praises his administration's handling of the Kentucky economy.

As Republicans say he's taking too much of the credit.

>> I have the best economy to all of that in the best interest deduction.

Want to >> It's the biggest single U.S. infrastructure project ever.

And that headed to northern Kentucky.

>> Over just looking for that, another option more on hand school for discipline and structure.

And we found a fresh challenge can and they are a plus E. >> And how a special Kentucky school is making a difference.

And hundreds of students lives.

>> 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 Thursday, January 5th, I'm Renee Shaw.

Thank you for winding down your Thursday night with us jobs and a growing economy.

Governor Andy Beshear emphasized money matters as he delivered his 4th state of the Commonwealth address last night.

Our Casey Parker Bell has more on a speech filled with topics you'll hear debated throughout this election year.

>> The state of the Commonwealth is still strong.

>> As Governor Andy Beshear prepares to ramp up his reelection campaign for second term in the governor's mansion.

He gave the last Commonwealth address of his first term.

The governor told the story of a thriving state with a booming economy, poised for more success.

>> With the books closed on 2022, I can announce we've now secured the best two-year period for economic growth in state history.

>> Economic achievements during the Beshear administration where the main focus of the night and the governor made sure to mention the president's visit earlier in the day to discuss the new Brent Spence Bridge Project.

>> Leaders have talked about even promises project for decades.

But now together we're getting the job done.

We're going to get it done without tolls.

>> Though the main economic focus was job creation.

At one point the governor spent over 2 minutes listing new jobs companies are bringing to the state.

>> During my administration, we have now announced more than 800 private sector, new location or expansion project totaling 24 billion dollars in new investments.

And the best part, the creation of 42,600 new Kentucky jobs.

>> And there were moments of reflection about the past year as Kentucky dealt with recovery from the tornadoes that struck the western end of the state and the deadly flooding in the east as a community.

We've experienced more pain and more grief that many can comprehend.

But God is good.

Even through the most difficult tragedies.

And we can always see his work in the response.

What fills me with hope and pride.

His health team, Kentucky, has responded to all of these challenges.

We got through them.

We got through them together.

The governor made mention of the lives lost to COVID but largely stayed away from discussing the politically risky topic of the ongoing pandemic and his handling of it.

>> During the almost 40 minute speech, Governor Beshear also detailed his goals for the future of the Commonwealth.

>> But it's not enough just to get to the top.

We've got to stay on top.

That takes work.

And that takes investment.

>> He says House Minority Leader Derek Grant will sponsor bills representing his vision.

Those plans include funding universal pre kindergarten legalizing sports betting and pension increases for state retirees.

But he described it as an education first agenda.

The first bill.

>> Contains our education first plant, which begins with a 5% pay raise for every public school educator.

>> He called for the legislature to spend a large budget surpluses left after a boom to state coffers as Kentucky INS have discovered in recent years, the governor's plans for the state aren't necessarily the plans for General Assembly led by Republican supermajorities.

Still, the government ended with the tone of possibilities and >> and we push politics aside.

There is nothing that we cannot achieve.

>> For Kentucky edition, I'm Casey Parker Bell.

>> Thank you.

Casey Senate President Robert Stivers called Beshear's agenda, quote, Lofty.

He criticized the governor for taking credit for many of the state's economic winds and speaker of the house.

David Osborne said it's unlikely any changes will be made to the state budget during this current legislative session.

>> EU budget in the context of the whole.

And we you get yourself in trouble is doing these types of budgeting maneuvers and gimmicks.

And and with all that the governor talks about cooperation.

We've never had any conversation with him.

He's never called us about anything related to a pay raise.

>> Mister Speaker, I would agree with the with on not recreating the budget for the first time in 3 years.

We actually got to do what we're supposed to do, which was passed a two-year budget.

And I think that budget was one of the most physically sale in responsible budgeting, Kentucky history.

It was one that was suppose one that made investments where it needed to make investments.

It was one that was was certainly and establish the largest budget reserve in history.

One that that allows us to to return over a billion dollars back to Kentucky taxpayers in the next 2 I think it's unlikely we're going to make wholesale in any budget document.

>> State budgets, usually our past every 2 years and Kentucky on even numbered years when there is a 60 day session of the General Assembly, the 2023, Kentucky General Assembly is just a 30 day session.

House Minority Leader Representative Derek Graham applauded Governor Beshear's education agenda and Senate Democratic floor leader Gerald Neal at codeshare sentiment about working in a bipartisan fashion.

>> But one thing that is more important, I think, is to provide them with the increase in salary that the governor talked about.

That is the first thing that we can do it and we can also deal with the issue of mental health in the classroom as well as with those who are teaching in the classroom as well.

We have to work together.

>> This thing about bipartisanship might be fun politically, but it could be very detrimental an adverse if we don't understand and that partisanship and politics must be subordinate to the interests of the people of our community and of the commonwealth.

I think we have the opportunity here.

I think we will seize that opportunity.

I am for my colleagues to embrace that opportunity as well.

>> You can watch the governor's state of the Commonwealth address.

Plus reactions from Republican and Democratic leadership and analysis online on demand at K E T Dot Org.

Look for it on the homepage and are featured videos.

Now a legislative update from Frankfort on day 3 of the 2023, Kentucky General Assembly.

A plan to further slash the state income tax is moving quickly through the capital, the House Appropriations and Revenue Committee advanced the measure this morning and it was voted on by the full House a few hours later, a half percent reduction in the individual income tax went into effect on January.

First of this year.

And today's action makes way for another half percent drop to 4%.

That would take effect January of 2024, the end goal is to totally eliminate the state income tax over time.

The reductions can only take place of certain economic conditions are met.

The Route County Republican, vice chair of the House Budget Committee.

Brandon Reed said Kentucky is becoming a national model and economic competitiveness through conservative tax policies that he says is putting more money in the pockets of working Kentucky hands.

>> With HB one, we're sending a statement to the working Kentucky's that Frankfort has budget to our needs.

An Otter wants made investments, pay down debt and we have saved.

Now we are pearly reducing their tax burden so they can further invest, pay down debt and safe for their families.

>> The personal income tax reduction to 4% is expected to cause a more than 315 million dollar loss in state revenues or what's called General Fund receipts.

Democrats insist the move will star funding for critical services and hurt the lowest wage earners.

>> I want to Kentucky where a rising tide lifts all boats.

To get there.

We need to follow the example of states that are thriving states with a world-class education system, equitable health care access and a strong safety net.

This unsustainable revenue reduction proposal moves us in the wrong direction.

Imagine a Kentucky where those who have the most contribute the most.

>> What's the pay for the way in which we make up the cost of 5 billion dollars in revenue.

More than 40% of our general fund that disappears when the state income tax dot us.

There is either no idea or idea so bad that the Republican majority doesn't want you to know what it is.

It's not economic growth caused by people moving here.

Because it will take years of an individual's tax reduction to cover the cost of the moving van.

And guess what?

Every year about the same number of people moved from Kentucky to Tennessee has moved from Tennessee to Kentucky.

>> It's also likely to lead to attempt to replace lost revenue by texting groceries, utilities and medicine, which would hit every day, Kentuckyian the hardest.

Ladies and gentleman, we have increased the taxes on the Kentuckyian who can least afford it.

>> On 49 different services since 2018.

How in the world and we look them in the eye and vote for this bill.

>> House Majority Whip Jason Amos of Louisville defended the Republican and to income tax cut plan.

He says the GOP supermajority is capping spending and growing the economy by moving to a consumption based tax system.

>> All taxpayers will benefit from this bill.

Every single person who pays income tax will benefit teachers.

Will receive $1100 more a year.

If you compare from what they were paying we took over in 2017.

6% to 4%, $1100 more.

To the teacher, the average teacher's pocket.

Ask them if they want $1100 more next year.

I sure you have the answer to that.

The porous Kentuckians will also benefit.

They will benefit the greatest over the long term because what are we trying to do?

We're trying to get our state out of the economic doldrums that we've been in force injury.

We can stay with the one the path of my friends on the other side.

I want us to be on and that we've been on for center under their leadership to what end.

To more poverty.

2 more in the courthouse us.

To more potholes in our roads.

We can try something else.

Something that's been tried.

But other states something's been tried and true.

>> House Bill, one, the income tax reduction plan was sent to the Senate on a party line vote of 79 to 19 this afternoon.

The upper chamber is expected to send the measure to the governor tomorrow.

It's taken almost 20 years but improvements to the Brent Spence Bridge are coming.

The 1.6 billion dollar project is part of a bipartisan infrastructure law that was passed in 2021.

President Joe Biden was in northern Kentucky on Wednesday to promote the plan.

Also in attendance, Senator Mitch McConnell, Governor Andy Beshear and several federal and local leaders from Kentuckyian Ohio.

Also a braided the bipartisan effort it took to get the law passed and the long stalled project off the ground >> a week ago, we love the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project secured one of the largest, if not the largest federal infrastructure.

A little words in history.

More than 1.6 billion dollars.

This is a green light and a game changer.

It impacts our entire country.

You can have the best economy to all of that in the best interest deduction.

Want to get this bridge connects.

Ohio and Kentucky cause.

>> And used a 71.

75 across the Ohio River.

It's one of the nation's busiest freight routes, truck traffic on.

I-75 along Kuz 2 billion dollars in state.

2 billion dollars for a 3rd day between Florida and again to begin so much of our nation's GDP relies on this crossing and getting this companion bridgeville is absolutely essential to KET our economic momentum.

>> Well, went the findings in this intersection laws going upgrade the current bridge.

>> And to build a second new bridge right next to it.

For interstate traffic.

Nation's commerce can flow more efficiently through this said because tractor trailers and other large vehicles will be able to.

New products to their destination without so much congestion.

>> This is the day I think many people in northern Kentucky to salt.

I've never happen.

For those of us who've run for public office in Kentucky over the years.

Every time you came in northern Kentucky, the issue was how we're going to get the bridge built.

We all know these are really partisan times.

I always feel no matter who gets elected.

Once it's all over.

We all don't look for things we can agree on and try to do those.

Even while we have big differences on other things.

And this bridge, I think symbolizes coming together.

Both sides on something that both sides always important to try to get out.

>> After years of politics being so divest, it.

Bright spots across the country.

The Brent Spence Bridge is one of the.

A bridge that continues and the next few centuries different states, different political parties.

The bridge.

So the vision of America I know we all believe in.

Where we can work together, get things done.

>> Officials say work on the project is expected to begin later this year with much of the work completed by 2029.

And national politics.

The U.S. House still doesn't have a speaker.

As Kevin McCarthy lacks enough Republican support to get to 218 votes in the chamber.

There were 4 more votes this afternoon.

They all came out about the same according to The Times Tribune.

Congressman Hal Rogers of Kentucky is 5th congressional district is urging Republicans to unite to pick a speaker and move forward.

Rodgers has served longer than any other current Republican in the U.S. House.

He will swear in the speaker after one is picked.

3 more Republican candidates filed to run for governor in Kentucky today.

Officially Ryan corals, Kentucky's Agriculture Commissioner Kelly Craft, former United Nations ambassador and Alan Keck, the mayor of Somerset, the Canada deadline to file is tomorrow at 4 o'clock Eastern.

♪ Kentucky students are learning life skills beyond the classroom through junior achievement programs.

Kentucky additions Kelsey Starks sits down with the president of junior achievement of Kentucky, Anna to talk about the importance of learning these adulting skills and how you can get involved.

Well, in addition to reading math and science, don't you wish you had learned in school things like personal finance, budgeting or paying off loans?

Well.

>> That's where junior achievement comes in.

The president of J.

A Kentucky Anna Jennifer Helguson is here too.

Talk about all of these things.

I think they call it adulting these days.

that's exactly what junior achievement teaches, right?

That's exactly right.

Adulting and I can tell you from experience, my daughter who is now 23.

>> Went through Biz town and then Finance Park and finance part.

She said mom Adulting is real.

It is it is very true at.

So let's talk about some of these programs that you all offer these Biz Town Finance Park in in the things you do in schools.

Absolutely.

So so excited to be a part of such an incredible organization.

So we programming touches upon 5 different placements.

When you think about a student's journey K through 12 so we go into elementary schools and we provide basically it's an intro into how a city or community operates.

Certain starts to give them some foundational experience.

And I've heard that you've been a part of that to think you think.

Yeah, it's really fun to needs versus wants.

And they also take a look you know, really thinking about how a family has to build a budget.

So it's an intro and then from Biz town is our 5th great experience.

And biz town is just amazing.

That's when I wear my to a logo.

All the students town.

But I love This town is fun.

So some that you walk into the building and it's a beautiful building were a and we've been around since 1949, which is just really incredible.

But you you walk into the building and it's all of these storefronts.

And so the idea behind Biz town is it's a city.

it's a representation of the Kentucky Anna community.

When we think about businesses, it has city hall.

So we have a mayor of this town.

They're all citizens.

We have town hall meetings.

Each store front has a C e O a CPA and something specific to their industry.

So it's really incredible to learn.

The students learn the importance of businesses working together to ensure a thriving economy.

And they also understand the importance of a paycheck because their consumers as well.

So this town super super fun.

So then you flip over 7th grade.

We have finance park finance.

Part is where adulting Israel.

Yes.

one of these field trips and how exactly.

And so really, you know, kudos to all of our teachers and educators to propping the students before they even walk in the door.

Finding its part is this real simulation in which they interact with businesses but they're budgeting for 30 day period.

And they they they carry a different percent or so they could be a married.

They could have up to 2 kiddos.

And let me tell you, they learned that having children is very expensive.

Yes, that is when I They all had Ackley in.

So anyway, they they get a budget.

They learn all the different expenses.

Then we flip over to 8th grade and that inspire us are inspiring event.

Is a mega career fair.

We 70 plus businesses with us in October over 12,000 students come 3, a 3 day period that and they learn about all the industries.

So are, you know, our sector, our community gets to represent and share all the amazing things that we have offers.

The students are all about that.

And then we have high school programs.

So all kinds of different ways that we get to to really follow student to their journey.

Yeah.

And all grade levels and how can people and, you know, like I taught some J 8 programs just so anybody in the community, I'm not a Anybody in the community can get involved and help.

And that's what you're looking for.

>> Absolutely.

I would say prior to the pandemic you know, we had a lean team.

We have 5 full-time or excuse me, 10 full-time and 10 part-time employees.

We start over 50,000 Yeah.

So we really rely on volunteers.

So if anyone has an interest, we give you everything.

Yeah, but your point, yes, not have to be.

>> You know, an I think that, you know, preparing equipping volunteers when they walk into that, whether it to school because we do go into schools or you come to this town of funny cardinal in tear.

So our Web site is a great place to get more information.

Just K why dot org.

And there's a button that says volunteer now and we can link you up and you can be very specific.

You can pick a school, you can get a free.

It's customized to.

Yeah.

It's great for the kids to have those examples.

And at some real leaders in the community will.

Thank you so This past year, junior achievement programs reached more than 33,000 students in the Kentucky Anna Area and this year they are hoping to reach even more back to you.

Thanks so much, Kelsey.

There are 4 regional junior achievement offices serving students throughout Kentucky and Owensboro.

Louisville, Bowling Green and Lexington.

♪ >> As you know, high school can be a difficult time for some students.

But there is a school in Kentucky that is taking a different approach.

The Bluegrass Challenge Academy is an alternative residential school that follows a military model helping struggling teenagers.

Get back on track.

♪ >> The biggest problem that we have seen is an academic of around the country is young folks that are not succeeding in normal traditional school to felon out of school where they're struggling drugs.

They're struggling with mental health issues.

They're struggling with trying to cope and into.

Be able to be productive to be able to find their way to have low suffix teen.

They are not motivated.

So we see many of those kids that do enter into our program that have those type of issues.

>> The role reason why I kind of came here is because I was falling behind in school.

I didn't really listen to my parents much.

Kind of do what I want to also really didn't have no goals or anything like that.

Just kind of living, as you would say, >> didn't want to go to school.

They want to so we had turned to problems.

So and his grace, her family really, really bad.

And so we're just looking for that.

Another option more on hand school for discipline and structure.

And we found Chris Challenge Academy and they for a blessing.

♪ >> My job is to reclaim in intervening into youth that are struggling with school.

What life and to welcome them into a program that is 22 weeks long where we can help them with their academics as well as with life coping skills, self-discipline, it motivation for them to be to get back on the right track in become productive citizens.

>> I came here and then I started really getting on track to learn discipline.

I learned my comment is for much structure, realizing that you need structure realizing needles.

And then now I'm a straight a student which I was before I came here.

I had like all these.

I wanted to us.

So, you know, my grades have improved tremendously.

I can't go hold on break.

The parents call back and say what did you do to my kid?

He gets up at 5.20.

He's making his big hit.

>> He's he's saying yes, there, no, ma'am.

>> That's what the us we teach is teach kids to be respectful and everybody deserve the dignity and respect.

And with that model and we instill that in the first couple weeks and throughout the program, we it's still the model of it.

Leadership and follow ship.

Each cadet has a role to me.

Their peers.

We put them in charge and then did a good follower you.

It makes you good >> Justin has become this great responsible, you know, teenager in before you is the last, you know.

he has now structure.

He has discipline.

He has respect for, you know, adults in authority figures that he did not have before you went into the school.

I think those are really good experience for me.

Meeting new people getting getting along with people you've never met before.

>> It's almost like a restarting over used to move past something like that.

In I just I enjoyed it.

The fact learned actually came in and took something from it and didn't just come here and leave but nothing.

>> once >> they believe in the process and they're ready to accept a change.

They're going to be successful at the end.

And there will only be tears.

A graduation because they were able to accept the challenge and overcome all those things that they were struggling with as young adults and get back on track and ready to go out and let the world know that they're ready and they'll track and that they're winners.

♪ >> They're winners indeed.

What a great program.

The Bluegrass Challenge Academy welcomes its new class of cadets on January.

15th.

This will be the 48 group of students to enter the program.

Kudos to them.

Well, tomorrow details on the newest COVID variant to hit Kentucky and our usual Friday.

Look inside Kentucky politics and this week there's plenty to talk about.

So we hope you'll join us again tomorrow night at 6.30, Eastern 5.30, central for Kentucky edition where we inform connect and inspire.

>> Subscribe to our weekly Kentucky Edition, e-mail news letter and watch full episodes at KET Dot Org.

You can also find Kentucky Edition on the PBS video app on your mobile device and smart TV and you're welcome to follow KET on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay in the loop.

You're also welcome the follow me on Twitter at Renee K E T to KET up with all that's going on and your government in Frankfort.

Thank you so very much for watching.

Take really good care.

And I'll see you tomorrow night.