Beshear's Spending Plan
Speaking to a mostly Democratic audience, the possible 2028 presidential contender began his speech with what sounded like a nod toward his political future.
"This is my seventh State of the Commonwealth and my last budget address in this job," he said.
In remarks that frequently drew contrasts between the style and substance of his positions and those of the president — minus any direct mentions of Trump — Beshear touted record-setting economic investment, job growth, and infrastructure upgrades while laying out proposals meant to counter negative impacts he blamed on the administration.
The governor pressed for high dollar investments in affordable housing, food banks and utility relief, along with a combination of proposals aimed at lowering healthcare costs amid rising premiums.
"My budget pushes back, investing in our people and our healthcare," the governor said. "My budget fully funds Medicaid, even with the increased costs."
Beshear's plan also calls for $100 million to lower prices for coverage on the state's health insurance exchange, $25 million for nursing student loan forgiveness, and finally $125 million for rural hospitals.
The governor also renewed his call for universal pre-K, before ending on a note viewers of his weekly press conferences know well.
In "chaotic" times, Beshear said, he hopes leaders can see "beyond the anger of today's politics."
GOP Reaction
Kentucky Republicans were quick to note Wednesday that it's their supermajorities in the General Assembly that drive policy-making, not the governor.
Beshear followed a familiar script in the remarks, beginning with a recap of major economic investments and job growth under his watch. It's a habit that's long irked Republicans, who see their conservative budgeting as responsible for the favorable financial atmosphere.
"Many of these projects that were bragged on here today happened despite Gov. Beshear, not necessarily because of Gov. Beshear," Sen. Phillip Wheeler said.
Wheeler was among the Republicans who said they're willing to work with the governor where their agendas align, though he took issue with Beshear's criticisms of the Trump administration's tariffs — which he credited with helping lure more manufacturing investment.
As for the most likely candidate for common ground, Wheeler pointed to the governor's pitch to bolster relief funds for rural hospitals.
"Pikeville Medical Center in my own district is a leading medical institution throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Clearly, we want to make sure that our rural hospitals have the stability and the funds necessary to continue serving their local communities," he said.
But the item at the top of Beshear's wishlist, universal pre-K, remains a hard sell for Republicans.
"We are looking at various things to deal with the childcare issue, but I do not think it'll be universal pre-K because we believe it is a flawed concept," Senate President Robert Stivers said on day one of the session. "The support for it, I don't think, is nearly as great as he makes it appear to be."
Yet the applause lines were more frequent than usual Wednesday night. Many Republicans choose to give Beshear's budget addresses a pass. The same appeared to be the case this time, especially with the annual event taking place outside the Capitol, which is undergoing renovations.