Gov says help on way for many Kentuckians waiting on unemployment issues

Governor Andy Beshear announced Tuesday that some unemployed Kentuckians will soon be receiving a one-time cash payment from the CARES Act funding as he gave his second COVID update of the week.

If you applied between the beginning of March and end of October and are still waiting for a pending unemployment insurance claim to be rectified by the state, then you’ll be receiving $1,000.

Those who made too little to qualify for a federal unemployment enhancement in the summer will receive one-time payment of $400.

Governor Beshear said the first payments were issued Tuesday.

Meanwhile, he announced 3,053 new cases—the fourth highest number for a Tuesday—and 22 more deaths. At least 1,733 Kentuckians are in the hospital with the virus, 397 are in the ICU and 205 are on a ventilator.

The positivity rate was down slightly to 12.23 percent.

Walgreens and CVS have the federal contract to vaccinate residents of long-term care facilities and while their pace hasn’t been what the state would like, they are now in possession of enough shots to complete the job.

Governor Beshear again condemned those he says are fanning the flames of anger and division and says there will be an extra law enforcement presence at the state Capitol over the next several days and he’s aware of at least one planned rally on Sunday.