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. Prior to his governorship, Beshear was the 50th Attorney General of Kentucky from 2016 to 2019. He is a member of the Democratic Party and the son of former Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear. His political career has been primarily focused on serving the state of Kentucky.

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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.

October 2019: Filed Lawsuits Against Pharmaceutical Companies

In October 2019, Andy Beshear filed nine lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies for their alleged involvement in fueling Kentucky's opioid epidemic.

2019: Defeated Matt Bevin in Gubernatorial Election

In 2019, Andy Beshear defeated Governor Matt Bevin by approximately 5,000 votes in the gubernatorial election.

2019: Beshear Proposes Teacher Pay Raise, Proposal Rejected

In 2019, Beshear pledged to include a $2,000 pay raise for all Kentucky teachers in his budgets, but the proposal was rejected by Republican House Majority Floor Leader John Carney.

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

On March 25, 2020, Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency over the COVID-19 pandemic. He encouraged business owners to require customers to wear face coverings while indoors and banned "mass gatherings".

April 2020: Kentucky Legislature Overrides Beshear's Veto on Sales 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 at 58.8% of Obligations

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

November 2020: Beshear Imposes New COVID-19 Restrictions and Kentucky Supreme Court Upholds Executive Orders

In November 2020, the Kentucky Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of Beshear's emergency executive orders. Also in November 2020, Beshear imposed new restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19, including closing indoor service for restaurants and bars, restricting in-person learning, limiting gym occupancy and social gatherings. These actions were criticized by House Speaker David Osborne and Senate President Robert Stivers.

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

On November 18, 2020, Andy Beshear ordered Kentucky's public and private schools to halt in-person learning due to increasing COVID-19 cases, with classes to resume in January 2021.

January 2021: Schools to Resume In-Person Learning

On November 18, 2020, Andy Beshear ordered Kentucky's public and private schools to halt in-person learning due to increasing COVID-19 cases, with classes to resume in January 2021.

March 2021: Vetoed 27 Bills

In March 2021, Andy Beshear vetoed all or part of 27 bills that the Kentucky legislature had passed. The legislature overrode his vetoes.

March 2021: Beshear's Veto of Rental Property Damage Bill Overridden

In March 2021, Beshear vetoed a bill that would make it a crime to cause $500 or more damage to a rental property; however, the Kentucky House and Senate overrode his veto.

August 2021: Beshear Mandates Masks in Public Schools Amid Delta Variant Surge

In August 2021, amid an upsurge in COVID-19 cases driven by the Delta variant, Beshear mandated that face masks be worn in public schools.

August 19, 2021: Federal Judge Blocks School Mask Mandate

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

August 23, 2021: Beshear Rescinds School Mask Mandate

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

December 2021: Led Response to Tornado Outbreak

In December 2021, Andy Beshear led the emergency response to a tornado outbreak in western Kentucky, which devastated the town of Mayfield and killed more than 70 people.

2021: Funding Dispute for Brent Spence Bridge Companion Project

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 companion project.

July 2022: Coordinated Response to Appalachia Flooding

In July 2022, torrential rain caused severe flooding across Kentucky's Appalachia region, leading to over 25 deaths. Andy Beshear worked with the federal government to coordinate search and rescue missions.

March 2023: Beshear Vetoes Bill on Transgender Youth Regulations; Veto Overridden

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

2023: Daniel Cameron ran for governor

In 2023, Daniel Cameron, who Beshear had appointed as the Attorney General, unsuccessfully ran for governor against Beshear.

2024: Beshear Opposes School Choice Programs

In 2024, Beshear expressed his opposition to school choice programs, arguing that 2024 Kentucky Amendment 2 would result in "less money in public schools".