New Kentucky jobs program will help federal workers impacted by DOGE cuts. What to know
Olivia Evans- Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced a new hiring initiative aimed at federal workers impacted by recent layoffs.
- The initiative includes a virtual career fair, opportunities for veterans, and a hotline with career counselors.
A new hiring initiative for federal workers is coming to Kentucky.
In the weekly Team Kentucky meeting, Gov. Andy Beshear announced the new hiring initiative aimed at federal workers living in Kentucky, and those who would be willing to relocate to Kentucky, that have faced layoffs in recent weeks as a result of President Donald Trump's efforts to reduce government spending through the Department of Government Efficiency.
"Federal employees have dedicated their careers to supporting our American families," Beshear said. "Unfortunately, they're being treated unfairly by the current administration. They're being laid off despite the fact that they do good work."
Kentucky has more than 23,000 federal workers, with most employed by the U.S. Army and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Some of those workers have already been caught in the crossfire of DOGE.
“The way that this has been done is so careless and really shows just a cruel indifference toward the lives of other human beings,” Mason Gersh, who worked as a support relief group worker for USAID and was laid off, previously told the Courier Journal.
Displaced federal workers will be able to search for existing vacancies and new opportunities to join Team Kentucky via the new initiative, Beshear said. A virtual career fair will be held April 10 from 9 a.m. to noon, during which opportunities for veterans. There is also a hotline with career counselors available at 502-564-8030. More information for federal workers can be found at personnel.ky.gov/federalemployees.
"We know how much you've given to our country, many of you all served in the armed forces before joining the federal government," Beshear said. "And while I can't change how our federal government has treated you recently, what we can do is offer you that other opportunity at a career of service where you can help your fellow Kentuckians."
Contact business reporter Olivia Evans at oevans@courier-journal.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @oliviamevans_.