Governor Matt Bevin hosts community forums in Barren, Hart counties

The Republican governor of Kentucky, Matt Bevin, paid a visit to South Central Kentucky Monday, fielding questions from the public in an open community forum at T.J. Pavilion's Community Center.

The forums, meant as a way to discuss key issues like economic development opportunities, opened up the floor for those in the room to ask a variety of questions.

News came out on Monday that Bevin was chosen to lead the U.S. delegation for an economic development trip in India.

He said though he'll be representing the U.S., he sees the opportunity for increased business between Kentucky and India.

"In this state, I want jobs - jobs, period. I don't care where they come from, I don't care who owns the company. If they're willing to employ people here, if they're willing to pay people a good wage and a good benefit, and allow those jobs to be in our communities, like here in Barren County or wherever, then I'm a big proponent of it," Bevin said.

Bevin recently returned from a trip to China to discuss trade opportunities. He said that constituents should expect their political representatives to hustle.

"We've never had more people working in the history of Kentucky than we do right now. We've never had lower unemployment rates than we do right now," said Bevin. "More important than that, we have never had a higher workforce participation rate than we have ever had."

13 News asked Bevin about any particular partnerships from outside state lines being made to impact South Central Kentucky.

"This South Central part of the state is well known for its entrepreneurialism, it's known for its work ethic. It's known for its quality of life and low cost of living," said Bevin. "I'm out talking to companies. There are no names that I'm able to share at this time. They may not come, but there are some that are talking to, that could be very very good for this region."

On the discussion of pension reform and Senate Bill 151, Bevin said it would not promise future state employees a pension because it would be lying to people otherwise.

"We know that financially it cannot be delivered. Why would we do that? And yet, the attorney general and others think that that's a lie that we should continue to tell people because it feels good," said Bevin. "Nonsense. People deserve the truth. They deserve better than what we've been giving them."

Bevin said when it comes to federal hemp legalization and production in the state, it would be a matter of time.

"Hemp is coming. It shouldn't just keep being like pilot projects, and you shouldn't have to compete for this. I say, anybody who wants to grow it, should be able to grow it. It's a great cash crop," he said. "It could be here -- it will be here. It's a matter of time."

He also fielded questions on other hot topics like health care, prescription cannabis, and caring for at-risk youth.

Up for re-election next year against candidates like Attorney General Andy Beshear, Bevin said right now, he's simply focused on the job at hand.

"Truth be told -- I think for any governor that would run for re-election, the best thing you can do is actually do your job, and the people will decide whether you're doing it well or not, whether their lives are better, whether the economy is stronger, whether there's more people working," he said.

The day was a continuation of the community forums he's been hosting across the state.

After his stop in Barren County, Governor Bevin and his team continued on for a forum at the Hart County Public Library in Munfordville.