Steve Beshear's state budget address

The following was sent out to voters via the KDP:

In spite of an unprecedented financial situation inherited by Governor Beshear, he has been able to create new opportunities for Kentucky - north, south, east and west.

*He protected from budget cuts Kindergarten through the 12th grade for all public schools.
*He protected the 722,000 Kentuckians who receive Medicaid coverage.
*He maintained the coal severance tax for coal counties.
*He protected the tobacco settlement fund.
*He added $50 million for higher education's "Bucks for Brains," which by law goes primarily to the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville but also goes to all other state universities in Kentucky.
*He provided funds for expansion of the Little Sandy Corrections Complex.
*He is funding restoration of the Glasgow State Nursing Facility.

In some areas of the budget, Gov. Beshear is pushing to restore programs the previous Governor vetoed: For example:

*Lake Malone State Park
*Louisville Zoo
*Pikeville Medical Center
*Animal shelters in many sections of the state
*Brooklawn Child and Family Services
*Murray State University Chemistry Building
*Carrollton Campus of Jefferson Community Technical College
*Licking Valley Campus of Maysville CTC
*Advanced technology center of Owensboro CTC
*Rowan County Campus CTC planning/design

Other projects have been opened up by Gov. Beshear for Western Kentucky University, the University of Kentucky, Eastern State University, the Council of Postsecondary Education, Department of Parks and the Kentucky River Authority.