Challenges Faced by Andy Beshear: Obstacles and Turning Points

Life is full of challenges, and Andy Beshear faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Andrew Graham Beshear is the current governor of Kentucky, serving since 2019. A Democrat, he previously held the position of the state's Attorney General from 2016 to 2019. Notably, he is the son of former Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear, adding a layer of political lineage to his profile.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

April 2016: Sued Governor Bevin over Budget Cuts

In April 2016, Andy Beshear, as Attorney General, sued Governor Matt Bevin over his mid-cycle budget cuts to the state university system. The Kentucky Supreme Court agreed with Beshear.

2017: Lawsuit Against Bevin Dismissed

In 2017, the Kentucky Supreme Court dismissed a lawsuit Andy Beshear brought against Governor Bevin, holding that Bevin had the power to temporarily reshape boards while the legislature is out of session.

April 2018: Successfully Sued Governor Bevin over Pension Reform

In April 2018, Andy Beshear successfully sued Governor Bevin over Senate Bill 151, a controversial plan to reform teacher pensions, with the Kentucky Supreme Court ruling the bill unconstitutional.

2019: Defeated Matt Bevin in Gubernatorial Election

In 2019, Andy Beshear defeated Matt Bevin in the gubernatorial election by a narrow margin of just over 5,000 votes.

2019: Proposed teacher pay raise

In 2019, Beshear pledged to include a $2,000 pay raise for all Kentucky teachers in his budgets. The Kentucky legislature has not included such raises in the budgets it passed.

March 25, 2020: Declared State of Emergency over COVID-19

On March 25, 2020, Governor Beshear declared a state of emergency over the COVID-19 pandemic and encouraged business owners to require face coverings.

April 2020: Ordered Recording of Churchgoers' License Plates

In April 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Beshear ordered Kentucky state troopers to record the license plate numbers of churchgoers who violated the state's stay-at-home order, leading to debate.

April 2020: Legislature overrode veto on tax break for distilleries and breweries

In April 2020, the Kentucky legislature overrode Beshear's veto of a provision allowing distilleries and breweries to qualify for a sales tax break on new equipment.

June 30, 2020: Kentucky State Pension Fund status

As of June 30, 2020, the Kentucky State Pension Fund was at 58.8% of its obligations for the coming decades.

August 2020: Ordered Release of Inmates from Overcrowded Prisons

In August 2020, Governor Beshear signed an executive order releasing inmates from overcrowded prisons and jails to slow the spread of COVID-19.

November 2020: Kentucky Supreme Court Upheld Executive Orders

In November 2020, the Kentucky Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of Governor Beshear's emergency executive orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

November 2020: Imposed New COVID-19 Restrictions

In late November 2020, Governor Beshear imposed new restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19, including closing indoor service for restaurants and bars and restricting in-person learning. This was criticized for not consulting the legislature.

November 18, 2020: Ordered Halt to In-Person School Learning

On November 18, 2020, Governor Beshear ordered Kentucky's public and private schools to halt in-person learning amid increasing COVID-19 cases, with classes to resume in January 2021. This order faced legal challenges.

January 2021: In-person classes to resume

In January 2021 in person classes were planned to resume after they were halted in November 2020

March 2021: Veto of bill on rental property damage

In March 2021, Beshear vetoed a bill criminalizing $500+ damage to rental property; the Kentucky legislature overrode his veto.

March 2021: Legislature Overrode Beshear's Vetoes

In March 2021, the Kentucky legislature overrode Governor Beshear's vetoes of 27 bills.

June 11, 2021: Lifted Most COVID-19 Restrictions

On June 11, 2021, Governor Beshear lifted most of Kentucky's COVID-19 restrictions, one day after the Kentucky Supreme Court heard oral argument on the emergency powers issue.

August 2021: Mandated Face Masks in Public Schools

In August 2021, amid an upsurge in cases driven by the Delta variant, Governor Beshear mandated that face masks be worn in public schools.

August 19, 2021: Temporary restraining order blocking school mask mandate

On August 19, 2021, U.S. District Judge William Bertelsman issued a temporary restraining order blocking the school mask mandate.

August 23, 2021: Beshear rescinded executive order requiring masks in schools

On August 23, 2021, Beshear rescinded his executive order requiring masks in Kentucky schools.

December 2021: Led Response to Western Kentucky Tornado Outbreak

In December 2021, Governor Beshear led the emergency response to a devastating tornado outbreak in western Kentucky, which resulted in over 70 deaths.

2021: Opposition to funding for Brent Spence Bridge

In 2021, Kentucky Senator Chris McDaniel opposed Beshear's proposal to use the state's rainy day fund or a general fund surplus to help pay for the Brent Spence Bridge project.

July 2022: Coordinated Response to Appalachian Flooding

In July 2022, Governor Beshear worked with the federal government to coordinate search and rescue missions after severe flooding in Kentucky's Appalachia region.

March 2023: Veto of bill on transgender youth regulations

In March 2023, Beshear vetoed a bill creating new regulations and restrictions for transgender youth, including a ban on gender-affirming care; the legislature overrode his veto.