Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin is overseas on his first official trip abroad since taking office, but the five-day schedule in Europe won’t interfere with the governor’s duties here at home.
Bevin touched down in Hannover, Germany Tuesday to attend the world’s largest industrial fair. The trip, which also includes stops in France and Belgium, is a chance for the governor to strengthen ties with international manufacturing companies already located in Kentucky and make inroads with prospective businesses.
Wednesday marks the deadline for Bevin to sign, veto, or allow bills passed on the last day of the 2016 legislative session to go through without a signature. Spokesperson Jessica Ditto tells WUKY the governor planned ahead.
"He is taking a very thoughtful approach on all of the legislative items that passed that day, including the budget, and has made all of those decisions prior to his departure," she says. "We're working on the messaging and filing all of that tomorrow."
According to the governor’s office, European companies own and operate 180 facilities in Kentucky employing close to 29,000 workers. You can follow the governor's progress through his official Twitter account and @ThinkKentucky.
