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State Capitol

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear Announces $1,500 Return-To-Work Bonus

Gov. Andy Beshear announced a new initiative that the state hopes will encourage people to go back to work. The state will offer a cash incentive to people who return to the workforce.

Beshear said the first 15,000 people to start a new job between June 24 and July 30 will receive a one-time payment of $1500 dollars. Recipients must be a Kentucky resident and have an active unemployment claim.

He also reported businesses will create about 1,000 jobs in several eastern Kentucky counties. Lee County will see new manufacturing jobs. Agritech jobs will be available in Martin, Rowan and Pulaski Counties.

Beshear said there are ongoing road projects in eastern Kentucky, but infrastructure repair and development is also important.

“There's no question that we need water, sewer and many times natural gas, sufficient electricity load at each one of our industrial parks at each one of our business parks,” Beshear said. “And we're not there yet. But I think with all these funds coming in, we're going to be closer than ever before.”

Lion First Responder PPE manufactures protective garments for firefighters and clothing for first responders and will reopen its old factory in Lee County. The factory closed in 2010.

Andy Schwartz, the co-owner of LION First Responder PPE, said it will create 75 new jobs and add 2.5 million dollars to the economy.

“We think it’s going to have a positive impact on the economy and on the people there. And bringing to life a factory that had been empty for some time,” Schwartz said.

The housing supply is also an issue across the state. Beshear said options like shorter work weeks and employer housing are alternatives employers are exploring.

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