Statement from the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence Following State of the Commonwealth Address
Jan. 7, 2026
Contact: Lisa McKinney, Communications Director, The Prichard Committee
(cell) 859-475-7202
lisa@prichardcommittee.org
Statement from the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence Following State of the Commonwealth Address
Governor delivers strong upward mobility message
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Today, too many Kentuckians remain disconnected from opportunity, with the Commonwealth ranking near the bottom nationally in income and workforce participation, signaling deep challenges for families and the economy. These are not abstract statistics; they represent real barriers for families and real obstacles for employers seeking a skilled workforce. Governor Beshear delivered a strong economic mobility message tonight, and we applaud his emphasis on well-paying jobs and access to early childhood education.
While policymakers strive to strengthen Kentucky’s economic outlook, attract jobs, develop talent and put more money back in Kentuckians’ pockets, early childhood – as a critical foundation to that growth – must be part of the strategy. Expanding access to early learning in child care and public preschool settings, and strengthening early literacy and numeracy, are essential to ensuring children arrive at kindergarten ready to learn while enabling parents to fully participate in the workforce.The Prichard Committee has long championed public-private partnerships as the cornerstone of a thriving early learning system.
Additionally, to achieve upward mobility, Kentucky’s students need an education system they can all leave ready for college and career. They deserve a high school diploma that is meaningful and access to affordable, relevant postsecondary education and training—preparing them to succeed in the jobs of today and create the jobs of the future.
Taken together, these priorities underscore a simple truth: education is economic development. The Prichard Committee looks forward to working with the governor and the General Assembly during the 2026 legislative session to advance policies and investments that strengthen learning from early childhood through college—creating a larger life and a stronger future for all Kentuckians.
A full analysis of the Governor’s budget proposal will be available on PrichardCommittee.org this week.
The Prichard Committee believes in the power and promise of public education –early childhood through college– to ensure Kentuckians’ economic and social well-being. We are a citizen-led, non-partisan, solutions-focused nonprofit, established in 1983 with a singular mission of realizing a path to a larger life for Kentuckians with education at the core.