LEXINGTON, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear presented his latest Team Kentucky update on April 2, highlighting economic momentum, expansions to the Kentucky African American Heritage Trail, and workplace safety gains while expressing alarm over proposed Medicaid cuts in the state budget.

The governor announced that 16 projects supporting future job growth and investment across 18 counties were approved for $12.4 million in state funding to improve Kentucky's available sites. The development initiatives build on broader momentum in the state's economic growth, with Beshear previously highlighting record investments and job creation during the 2026 fiscal year.

Ten new sites have been added to the Kentucky African American Heritage Trail, including the Charles Young Center in Lexington, which celebrates the legacy of a Kentucky native and the first Black man to earn the rank of colonel in the U.S. military. The additions were selected through a public nomination process and were reviewed by a committee that evaluated their historical significance. "Black history is American history. Black history is Kentucky history," Beshear stated during a press conference, emphasizing that these contributions have historically been overlooked.

On workplace safety, Beshear announced that Kentucky's workplace injury and illness rate has dropped to a new all-time low of 2.5 cases per 100 full-time equivalent workers, becoming the first time the state's rate has declined below the national average. The governor also recognized April as Safe Digging Month, reminding homeowners to call 811 before beginning construction, landscaping or home improvement projects to locate underground utility lines.

Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman announced a new online boat registration renewal option that launched April 1, allowing residents to renew registrations without visiting their county clerk's office. The governor also unveiled the 2026 Governor's Derby Celebration poster, featuring art by Alexandrea Pangburn.

The update came one day after the Kentucky General Assembly passed its state budget on April 1. Beshear expressed significant concerns about the spending plan, particularly regarding Medicaid. The state legislature made a $2.8 billion cut over two fiscal years to the state's Medicaid budget and passed legislation that limits the state's ability to keep Medicaid costs down. Beshear warned that cuts to Medicaid will fuel across-the-board pay cuts for health-care workers at hospitals and clinics, with hospitals potentially having to cut maternity wards or other services.