Governor Andy Beshear provided a comprehensive “Team Kentucky” update Thursday afternoon — but particularly addressed an ongoing scam alert across the Commonwealth, SNAP benefits, the continued efforts around severe weather recovery and the military.
Scam texts, Beshear said, have been impersonating the Transportation Cabinet. Messages claim recipients owe traffic fines—and he advised citizens to not click the links.
The state, he added, does not issue violation notices via text.
Beshear reaffirmed that he has joined a legal challenge to stop cuts to AmeriCorps, securing a preliminary injunction to restore funding.
He also urged Congress not to cut SNAP benefits, which support more than 600,000 Kentuckians.
Deadlines for disaster SNAP benefits, he said, are part of the ongoing disaster recovery profile across the state after the spring flooding and tornadoes — but Thursday was the final day to apply for such in several counties, including Trigg and Caldwell.
FEMA, he said, has distributed more than $1.4 million in aid from May storms. Residents still have until July 23 to apply for assistance, and five people remain hospitalized, while 93 households are in temporary housing. In April flood recovery, more than $22 million has been distributed; for February storms, more than $47 million. The Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund has raised $1.9 million to assist impacted families.
His Team Kentucky All-Stars paid recognition to the Women Veterans Recognition Day, due to their service and sacrifice over the last 70-plus years.
He also made mention of Fort Campbell’s latest tragedy, where a Wednesday evening helicopter crash claimed a life.
The Governor has also ordered flags at all state buildings lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset Friday, June 13, in honor of a Kentucky soldier, as well as Marine being interred in Hopkinsville.
U.S. Army Pfc. Tyler Ray, 34, of Louisville died Saturday, May 24, while serving on active duty. Ray was assigned to Company C, 2nd Battalion, 504th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Joshua Guzman-Henao, 23, of Clarksville, Tennessee, died Monday, May 26, while serving on active duty. He was stationed at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina.
In other news from the Governor’s office, Beshear said REAL ID adoption in Kentucky has risen to 39%, and that TSA reports 93% of travelers through Kentucky airports are compliant. Also, more than 15,000 15-year-olds have obtained permits since the driving age dropped.
