FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear highlighted economic development momentum, public safety initiatives and health care challenges during a Team Kentucky update that underscored both achievements and budget constraints facing state government.

Beshear announced continued growth in manufacturing and distribution, including U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co.'s plans to build a facility in Hopkinsville and Abastos Wholesale's $10.3 million expansion in Louisville that will create 20 new Kentucky jobs. The state approved $750,000 to support future investment in Floyd County through the Kentucky Product Development Initiative.

The administration also detailed its drug enforcement efforts, with Beshear signing the annual drug interdiction plan alongside members of the Kentucky National Guard and Kentucky State Police to combat dangerous drugs in communities across the commonwealth.

On public safety technology, Beshear announced the statewide transition to Next Generation 911, which will improve how emergency calls are handled through voice, text, photos and video capabilities. The system will enhance inter-agency collaboration across Kentucky's 117 call centers, with 19 already implementing the new technology.

The update addressed significant budget concerns, with Beshear expressing alarm over cuts to health and family services. The governor said the state must contend with reduced funding for Community Based Services, Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities, and Medicaid Services — programs serving vulnerable Kentuckians with healthcare, foster care and food assistance.

Dr. Steven Stack, secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, provided updates on the Our Healthy Kentucky Home initiative, which aims to inspire Kentuckians toward improved health and wellness goals.