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Brereton C. Jones, former Kentucky Governor, Republican turned Democrat and prolific horse breeder, has died at the age of 84. Prior to his death on Monday, September 18, Jones left behind a legacy which saw improved health care and strengthened ethics laws during his term nearly three decades ago.
At this time, Governor Andy Beshear shared that Jones’ family has asked for privacy but would be revealing more details at a later time.
Jones was remembered as someone who had an unrelenting commitment to improving the lives of those in his state and will be sorely missed by many.
REST IN PEACE: Brereton C. Jones served as the 58th governor for the Commonwealth of Kentucky from 1991 to 1995.
https://t.co/IacC0wyh3Z— LEX 18 News (@LEX18News) September 18, 2023
Jones’ political career began in his native West Virginia, where he was elected to the House of Delegates as a Republican.
He moved to Kentucky and switched parties before winning election as lieutenant governor in 1987 and becoming its highest elected official four years later.
During this time he also survived two serious accidents–a helicopter crash and falling off a horse, both resulting in injury to his back–but nothing could stop him from doing what he thought was right for the people of Kentucky.
During Gov. Jones’ tenure, he strived to set a higher ethical standard for officeholders while working towards making health care more accessible and affordable for everyone regardless of history or background.
To make this happen, Gov. Jones pushed forward an ambitious plan that required insurance companies to offer standardized policies with no discrimination based on health status or history however, this plan backfired when dozens of insurers pulled out from Kentucky causing individual coverage rates to soar instead of decrease like they should have done if it were successful.
Despite the failed attempt at universal health care coverage, Gov. Jones was able to get the legislature create an ethics commission for executive branch officials and employees while also pushing forward a Constitutional amendment that allowed statewide elected officials running for reelection after their first term.
