Beshear's lavish spending is causing issues

Running for Newsoms VP is costing my state a lot of money.

Governor Andy Beshear is disputing findings from State Auditor Allison Ball regarding millions in questionable executive branch spending, calling the report a “political attack” and defending specific expenditures.

“I don’t think it can be a report because they never asked us any questions and you have to do that if it’s an audit report,” Beshear said.

Ball presented a report that detailed millions in questionable state spending in fiscal year 2025, including $39 million in advertising expenditures and $7.4 million in out-of-state travel costs.

“It is clear that some executive branch agencies are spending tax dollars extravagantly and this needs to stop,” Auditor Ball said.

Out-of-state travel expenses

State agencies spent $7,438,490 on out-of-state travel, with $398,897.12 charged to agency American Express cards.

The Kentucky Department of Education spent at least $929,947.88 on out-of-state travel, including $28,179.35 in flights for individuals who may not be state employees.

Kentucky State Police spent $183,575.87 providing security to Governor Beshear and staff members during out-of-state trips. Specific expenses included $11,786.33 for flights to Europe, $7,632.07 for a limousine in Germany, $5,192.16 for airport navigation services in Switzerland, and $520.73 for meals at the Caribou Club, a private membership club in Aspen.

Other notable travel expenses included $10,953.33 to stay at the Eau Palm Beach Resort, $3,499.50 for the Limelight Hotel in Aspen, and $3,179.19 for hotels in Beverly Hills.