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Kentucky legislature moves to implement Make America Healthy Again

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kentuckylantern.com – Sarah Ladd – 2025-02-25 10:49:00

Kentucky legislature moves to implement Make America Healthy Again

by Sarah Ladd, Kentucky Lantern
February 25, 2025

FRANKFORT — The Kentucky legislature is moving to incorporate the Trump administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” principles in the commonwealth. 

On Tuesday, members of the Senate Families and Children Committee unanimously — and with bipartisan support — passed a resolution to establish the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Kentucky Task Force

The task force would be composed of eight legislative members — four from the Senate and four from the House — including two Democrats and six Republicans, appointed by each chamber’s leadership, who would meet at least once a month during the interim. 

The task force would also include the Cabinet for Health and Family Services secretary, Kentucky Department for Public Health commissioner, Department for Community Based Services commissioner, the commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, the commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Education and the chair of the Kentucky Board of Licensure and Certification for Dietitians and Nutritionists, or their designees. 

By Dec. 1, the task force would submit a report with recommendations to the governor and the Legislative Research Commission outlining ways to improve the health of Kentuckians. 

Primary sponsor Sen. Shelley Funke Frommeyer, R-Alexandria, acknowledged the federal plan isn’t finalized yet but said “this is our starting point” to start addressing Kentucky’s dismal health statistics. Kentucky is one of the least healthy states in the nation, with high rates of diabetes and cancer deaths, maternal mortality and more. 

President Donald Trump’s Feb. 13 executive order gave the federal MAHA commission 100 days to submit a report on their findings into a slew of health issues, including antidepressant selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), weight-loss drugs and more. 

While waiting on more federal direction, Funke Frommeyer said, her MAHA Kentucky goals include: 

Reevaluate Medicaid drug approvals.Scrutinize drugs like ozempic and propose a thorough review of the Medicaid approval process “to ensure that the high cost for forever medications like ozempic are only used when truly necessary.” Promote preventative and alternative therapies. Encourage the adoption of less invasive, more holistic treatments “consistent with … restoring American health over corporate profit.” Revamp medical and dental curricula to “(ensure) future providers are educated on addressing the root causes of chronic illness, rather than solely relying on pharmaceuticals.”  

Sen. Keturah Herron, D-Louisville, praised the parts of the resolution that encourages reduction of environmental pollutants and increased access to nutritious food. 

“I know that in my district, and in Louisville, that there is a lack of access to fresh food, grocery stores and then there’s a lot of environmental issues,” said Herron, who voted in favor of the resolution. “I look forward to learning more about this and working with you all to really get down to those root causes, to make sure that all Kentuckians have access to be healthy.”  

The federal commission’s report should come out in late May. 

“We want to communicate the vision, clearly articulate that the goal is to enhance public health and prevent over medication,” Funke Frommeyer said, “not to attack agriculture, not to attack pharmaceutical companies, not to attack processed food industries.” 

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Kentucky Lantern is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Kentucky Lantern maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jamie Lucke for questions: info@kentuckylantern.com.

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News from the South - Kentucky News Feed

Inside look: Kentucky Army National Guard operations exercise

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www.youtube.com – WLKY News Louisville – 2025-09-13 22:39:12

SUMMARY: The Kentucky Army National Guard conducted a weekend training exercise in Louisville to sharpen skills for responding to natural disasters like floods and tornadoes. The exercise included helicopter simulations to ensure smooth protocol and effective communication during emergencies. Battalion S-3 Operations Officer Jacob Conner emphasized the importance of realistic, progressive training with instructor pilots to prepare members for real-world scenarios. This rigorous preparation aims to build proficiency, teamwork, and confidence, ensuring the Guard can effectively support communities throughout Kentucky during crises. The training highlights the Guard’s commitment to readiness and service to the commonwealth.

Inside look: Kentucky Army National Guard operations exercise

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Few showers possible Saturday night into Sunday

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www.youtube.com – WLKY News Louisville – 2025-09-12 21:36:24

SUMMARY: Meteorologist Eric Zernich reports mostly dry, pleasant fall weather with clear skies and temperatures dipping into the 50s and 60s overnight. Most of the weekend stays dry, though a weak upper-level disturbance may bring a slight chance of showers late Saturday into Sunday morning, mainly in southern Indiana, but rain will likely fizzle due to dry conditions. Sunday will be warmer, reaching near 90°F, continuing into next week with summer-like heat in the 90s. Events like Bourbon and Beyond and the Gaslight Festival will enjoy mostly sunny skies, but attendees should stay hydrated as warm temperatures persist.

WLKY meteorologist Eric Zernich’s Friday night forecast

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Trump says he’ll send National Guard to Memphis, escalating his use of troops in US cities

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www.wnky.com – Associated Press – 2025-09-12 18:00:00

SUMMARY: President Donald Trump announced plans to deploy the National Guard to Memphis, Tennessee, to address crime concerns, claiming local officials support the move. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee welcomed the plan, while Memphis Mayor Paul Young opposed it, emphasizing community-focused solutions like rehabilitation and job support over military presence. Despite overall crime reductions and ongoing FBI operations, persistent gun violence and high-profile killings fuel concerns. Legal experts warn deploying troops for policing risks civil rights violations. Trump’s broader strategy involves sending troops to other Democratic-led cities, sparking political and legal debates over the use of military forces in domestic law enforcement.

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