Midterm Report: Governor Fletcher Continues to Move Kentucky Forward

Midterm Report: Governor Fletcher Continues to Move Kentucky Forward

Governor Ernie Fletcher today released his mid-term report, highlighting the administration's accomplishments through the first two years.

Governor Fletcher was sworn into office on Dec. 9, 2003.

The report can be found online at http://governor.ky.gov .

"Each day for two years, my administration's goal has been to move Kentucky forward, increase Kentucky's competitiveness, run government efficiently and provide world-class services to all Kentuckians," Governor Fletcher says in the report.

Highlights of Governor Fletcher's first two years include:

* JOBS for KY plan, the historic modernization of Kentucky's tax system.
* Inherited and balanced a $300 million budget shortfall in FY 2004, turning it into a $249 million budget surplus through responsible budgeting and efficiency measures.
* Won the bid for the 2010 World Equestrian Games, a $100-million windfall for the Commonwealth.
* Rebuilt Kentucky's "Rainy Day Fund" to $119 million.
* More than 60,000 new jobs created.
* More than $4 billion in new and expanded manufacturing investment.
* Read To Achieve, promoting research-based reading intervention and assistance for children struggling to read.
* A 12 percent increase in general fund appropriations for elementary and secondary education.
* A 9 percent increase in general fund base appropriations for postsecondary education.
* Investing more than $750 million in Kentucky's roads in FY 2005.
* Reduction of the percentage of overweight trucks from 71 percent to 3.8 percent.
* Formation of the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority to govern and promote Kentucky's horse industry.
* Collected $127 million in delinquent taxes.
* Creation of the "Breeders Incentive Fund" to attract and keep horse breeders in Kentucky.
* Recovery Kentucky, new rehabilitation services for 1,000 Kentuckians.
* Statewide Drug Control Policy Summit, a comprehensive strategy to combat drugs.
* Enhancing Kentucky's Amber Alert System.
* Establishing the Kentucky Coalition Against Sexual Assault.
* Environmental Stewardship Tax Credits, encouraging the production of environmentally friendly technologies.
* Brownfield Redevelopment Tax Credits to promote the redevelopment of Kentucky's brownfields.
* "No Child Left Offline," refurbishing 500 state-owned computers for underprivileged youth.

"I am confident that the next two years will be as productive," Governor Fletcher said. "Looking ahead, this administration's priorities include making Kentucky a destination for knowledge-based industries such as biosciences and information technology, creating a culture of lifelong learning and working to turn Medicaid into a sustainable system.

"We have much to look forward to as we pursue new business and career opportunities for Kentucky's workers, extend broadband access across the state and empower Kentuckians to choose healthy lifestyles.

"The greatness of Kentucky will always be its talented and enterprising people. Together, we can build a Kentucky that restores hope and opportunity to all."

http://governor.ky.gov/mediaroom/pressreleases/051209midtermreport.htm