Mitch Whitaker, 94th District State Representative

06/22/2026

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Representative Mitch Whitaker

Transforming rural healthcare and unlocking opportunity
From the mountains of eastern Kentucky to the farmlands of western Kentucky, our rural communities are at the heart of what makes Kentucky special, representing our state’s natural beauty, signature industries, and long-held traditions. With 42% of Kentuckians living in rural communities, ensuring access to essential services, including high-quality healthcare, remains a focus of our legislative work and committee discussions, because strengthening our rural healthcare system is critical to expanding opportunity in rural Kentucky.

This month, the Interim Joint Committee on Health Services received an update from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) on Kentucky’s Rural Health Transformation Plan. This plan serves as Kentucky’s roadmap for participation in the Rural Health Transformation Program, a federally funded $50 billion initiative to strengthen and stabilize rural healthcare systems across the country. Ten billion dollars in funding is available annually over five fiscal years.

To receive funding, states were required to submit an application detailing a proposed plan in November 2025, with award decisions announced in late December. Kentucky received nearly $213 million in funding for 2026, the 11th-highest amount awarded in the nation.

Kentucky’s Rural Health Transformation Plan addresses some of the biggest challenges facing the state’s rural healthcare system, including chronic disease, maternal health, behavioral health, oral health, and emergency response.

To address these challenges, the plan includes five initiatives:

Rural Community Hubs for Chronic Care Innovation: The Rural Community Hubs (RCH) initiative aims to bring together programs, resources, and technology tools to help local community organizations take a preventive approach to chronic disease throughout a patient’s care. Obesity and diabetes are the initial focus.

PoWERing Maternal and Infant Health: The People who Work for Engagement and Resilience (PoWER) initiative supports pregnant women in Kentucky’s maternity deserts from pregnancy confirmation through one year postpartum. It aims to enhance access to perinatal and infant care through local teams of community health workers, doulas, and peer support specialists.

Rapid Response to Recovery (EmPATH Model): The Rapid Response to Recovery (RRR) initiative builds on Kentucky’s mobile crisis intervention services and the Emergency Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment, and Healing (EmPATH) model, which provides individuals experiencing mental health and substance use crises care in therapeutic settings. RRR aims to address high rates of untreated mental illness and substance use disorder by expanding local behavioral health crisis support and using technology to connect individuals with providers and services.

Rooted in Health: Rural Dental Access: The Rooted in Health (RIH) initiative seeks to improve dental care in rural Kentucky by increasing dental externship opportunities and training programs with rural providers, providing teledentistry support, expanding access to oral hygiene care through portable and mobile dental clinics, and reducing emergency department visits for routine dental pain.

Crisis to Care: Integrated Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Response and Coordination: The Crisis to Care (CTC) initiative seeks to improve emergency medical response by strengthening workforce training, leveraging technology, and creating new protocols so individuals can be treated in place or directed to the appropriate care setting instead of the emergency room. One area of focus is on a special needs tracking and awareness response system (STARS), ensuring these individuals receive appropriate support and care.

As plan implementation begins, CHFS emphasized that tracking performance will be crucial for measuring progress, building a sustainable system, and ensuring long-term success.

While the plan is designed to benefit all rural residents, we also recognize that Medicaid recipients are a significant part of our rural healthcare population.

This past session, we passed House Bill 500, which includes more than $6 billion over the next two fiscal years to fund Medicaid. This includes funding for additional Medicaid waiver slots, Medicaid Benefits Program support, and maintaining services at the existing clinics participating in the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration program. We also took steps to reform our state’s Medicaid program to better serve our most vulnerable and strengthen program oversight and accountability with the passage of House Bill 2.

In addition, the General Assembly has taken action to support rural hospitals, a critical piece of the rural healthcare system, with the creation of the Kentucky Rural Hospital Loan Program. This program provides low-interest loans to rural hospitals to help maintain or upgrade facilities, maintain or increase current staff, and provide healthcare services not currently available.

As we move forward, we remain committed to strengthening our rural healthcare system. When rural communities have access to high-quality care close to home, our families, communities, workforce, economy, and the health of our state all benefit.

As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via email at [email protected] and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.

06/21/2026

Wishing a Happy Father's Day to all the incredible fathers and grandfathers in our district.

06/12/2026

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Representative Mitch Whitaker

From cash crop to community investment
The legacy of to***co in Kentucky runs deep, leaving an indelible mark on our state's history, economy, and culture. For more than two centuries, to***co was a vital part of our agricultural landscape and shaped the lives and livelihoods of many Kentucky families.

Our fertile soil and favorable climate made this an ideal place to cultivate the crop. Burley to***co was abundant in the rolling fields of Central Kentucky, while the fertile farmland of the West produces dark-fired and dark air-cured to***co. The cash crop still plays a role in our agricultural economy today, as well as helping shape the future as we invest to***co settlement funds. The to***co settlement resolved lawsuits filed by states against to***co companies to recover the costs associated with treating smoking-related illnesses and to curb to***co use.

This November marks the 28th anniversary of the day that representatives of 46 states signed a comprehensive agreement with several of the nation’s biggest to***co companies. Even today the agreement is the largest civil settlement in American history, forcing a minimum payout of roughly $206 billion over 25 years. And, while the suit stipulates a 25-year minimum, payments will continue as long as ci******es are sold by the companies engaged in the settlement. States received their first payment in April of 2000, and Kentucky received the 2026 payment of $94.4 million earlier this year. Since 1998, the Commonwealth has received almost $3 billion.

The legislature determines how the money will be invested. Half of the total funds are allocated to grants for agriculture programs with an eye towards filling the gap left by a cash crop that once accounted for a major portion of agricultural receipts; 25% for early childhood development programs; and 25% for public health care initiatives, such as cancer screenings, and research revolved around smoking cessation and prevention.

In addition to allocating the funds, the legislature monitors spending and specifically reviews agricultural grant applications made through the Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy. Our To***co Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight Committee met on June 11 to receive an update on how master settlement agreement (MSA) funds are being spent at the state and county level, and I thought I might use this week’s column to share a bit about the agricultural programs that help get settlement funds into communities to strengthen agriculture.

Most of Kentucky’s MSA agriculture programs are managed by the Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy. There are currently five different county-level funding programs administered by the KOAP, they are:

County Agricultural Investment Programs (CAIPs): CAIP provides Kentucky agricultural producers with cost-share assistance that allows them to improve and diversify their current farm operation. It also covers a wide variety of agricultural enterprises in its 11 investment areas, including, but not limited to: bees and honey; equine; forage; beef and dairy cattle; goats and sheep; horticulture; poultry; swine; timber and technology; efficiency and production; farm infrastructure and water enhancement; marketing; and value added production.

Deceased Farm Animal Removal Programs (DARs): DARS serves as a means to facilitate the coordination of environmentally sound and cost effective disposal of deceased livestock for Kentucky farmers.

Next Generation Farmer Programs (NextGen): NextGen addresses the ever present need for specialized programming that benefits agrarian producers between the ages of 18 and 40 who have been engaged in an agricultural operation for at least three years.

Shared Use Equipment Program, which assists communities with the purchase of farm equipment. The equipment purchased by the authority in which the funds were issued, become available for use by producers in their respective counties. These programs are accessible through local government to assist farmers who may need an implement but do not have the need to purchase one. This is an incredibly popular and successful use of MSA funds and earlier this year the legislature voted to expand it to include heavy equipment.

Youth Agricultural Incentives Programs (YAIPs), which are in place to encourage youth to engage in agricultural activity and opportunity through different local facets such as FFA or co-ops with farms across the region.

As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via email at [email protected] and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.

06/06/2026

On the anniversary of D-Day, we honor the greatest generation for their sacrifice to change the course of history and protect our freedoms. Every year on June 6th, we remember the 160,000 American and Allied troops who stormed the beaches at Normandy, marking a turning point for WWII. May we never forget their bravery.

06/03/2026

This weekend (June 6-7, 2026) is Free Fishing Weekend in Kentucky. Anglers of all ages, residents and non-residents, are welcome to fish Kentucky's waters without a license. It's a great time to grab a fishing pole and enjoy spending time with family and friends at the state's beautiful lakes, streams and rivers. All other fishing laws apply. Learn more and find a place to fish here:

Kentucky’s Free Fishing Weekend takes place the first full weekend in June each year and allows anyone to fish without a license or permit. It doesn't matter whether you're visiting from outside the state or you live in Kentucky. It's a great time to grab a fishing pole and enjoy spending time wit...

06/01/2026

Today in 1792, Kentucky became the 15th State admitted into the Union. The Commonwealth is a one-of-a-kind place, and I can’t express how proud I am to be a Kentuckian.

05/29/2026

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Representative Mitchum Whitaker

We celebrate our Commonwealth’s role in making America during Kentucky History Month
In 2025, the legislature officially designated June as Kentucky History Month, ensuring our commonwealth has a dedicated time each year to reflect on the people, events, and ideals that shaped who we are today. June was chosen because of its deep significance in Kentucky history. Our state was admitted to the Union as the 15th state on June 1, 1792, marking 234 years since Kentucky officially joined the nation.

While recognizing history may seem like a small gesture, preserving and honoring our heritage matters because it allows us to learn from both the triumphs and hardships of the past. Kentucky’s story is inseparable from the story of America itself, particularly during the Revolutionary era when this region represented the nation’s western frontier and a gateway to expansion, resilience, and opportunity. By recognizing Kentucky History Month, we not only celebrate the pioneers, veterans, builders, and communities who laid the foundations of our commonwealth, but also ensure future generations understand the lessons, sacrifices, and complexities that brought us to where we are today.

However, the history of our commonwealth stretches beyond 1792. In fact, Kentucky was once known as Kentucke County, Virginia. Formed on New Years Eve 1776, Kentucke County existed for nearly four years with its seat located in present day Harrodsburg. The Virginia government also appointed officers to form a militia for the protection of the county during the Revolutionary War, the names of whom read like a roll-call list of the frontier heroes who would eventually be instrumental to the founding of our commonwealth: George Rogers Clark, John Todd, Benjamin Logan, Daniel Boone, and James Harrod. By 1780 though, Kentucke County was abolished and divided into Fayette, Jefferson, and Lincoln counties. By the time Kentucky gained statehood in 1792, the number of counties had grown to include Bourbon, Madison, Mason, Mercer, Nelson, and Woodford.

Despite continuous efforts throughout this period though, Kentucky’s path to statehood was not simple. Settlers had numerous reasons why they wished to separate from Virginia, most of which was due to their location on the American frontier. In order to be represented in state government, call out their militia, or even trade on the Mississippi River, Kentuckians were forced to make the long and arduous journey back to Virginia. With a quickly increasing population and consistent troubles with local natives, the desire for statehood only continued to grow. While Kentucky received the consent of Virginia to become a state in 1788, due to the ongoing ratification of the new United States Constitution it was advised that Kentucky wait until after it was officially adopted to make their final push for statehood.

This final push came in 1792 when a convention was called in Danville to finalize a draft of the state’s first constitution. It was accepted by Congress on June 1st of that year, and Kentucky was officially admitted as the 15th state.

As we celebrate this year’s anniversary of statehood with the first Kentucky History Month, it is also important to remember the other milestones that have both recently passed and are on the near horizon. Two years ago, Harrodsburg celebrated its 250th anniversary, and recognized its legacy as the commonwealth’s oldest city. Last year, both Lexington and Fort Boonesborough marked their 250th anniversaries. This year, the United States of America marks 250 years of independence on July 4.

Known as a sestercentennial, celebrations and events will be hosted across the nation in cities both large and small to commemorate the history of our country and the enduring legacy of the Declaration of Independence.

These celebrations are being spearheaded by America250, an organization established in partnership with the federal government as well as a multitude of other entities in order to effectively prepare for the coming year. Here in Kentucky, America 250 has partnered with the Kentucky Historical Society in order to plan statewide events and provide educational resources to commemorate our history and cherish what it means to be a Kentuckian. For more information regarding these Kentucky events, please visit their website at history.ky.gov. For more information regarding national events, please visit America250’s website at america250.org.

In closing, I would like to sincerely thank the Kentucky Historical Society as well as all who have been involved in commemorating the history of both our commonwealth and our country for these momentous occasions. I also encourage everyone to participate in these once-in-a-lifetime festivities, and celebrate the legacy of those who made today possible.

As always, I welcome your thoughts and questions. You may reach me through the toll-free message line at 1-800-372-7181 or by email at [email protected] You may also track our work at legislature.ky.gov.

05/25/2026

Join me as we remember and honor our fallen heroes on this Memorial Day weekend.

05/22/2026

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Representative Mitch Whitaker

Honoring the fallen: the process of the dignified transfer
There are moments in the life of a nation when words feel inadequate. The loss of an American servicemember is one of those moments. Behind every folded flag is a son or daughter, a husband or wife, a parent, friend, neighbor, or hometown hero who answered the call to serve something greater than themselves. They stood willing to defend not only the borders of our country, but the ideals that define it: liberty, democracy, justice, and the enduring belief that freedom is worth protecting.

For generations, brave Americans have worn the uniform knowing the risks that accompany service. They have deployed to distant corners of the world, endured long separations from loved ones, and carried burdens that most citizens will never fully understand. Some returned home forever changed. Others never returned at all. Their sacrifice is woven into the very fabric of our nation, purchased at great cost by men and women who believed future generations deserved to live free.

One of the most solemn and powerful traditions honoring that sacrifice is the dignified transfer. Though few Americans witness it firsthand, it represents one of the military’s highest acts of respect and reverence for those who gave their lives in service to our country.

A dignified transfer takes place when the remains of a fallen servicemember are returned home to the United States, most often arriving at Dover Air Force Base. The process is carried out with extraordinary precision, discipline, and care. Every movement is deliberate. Every detail reflects honor.

When the aircraft carrying the fallen arrives, a carry team composed of fellow servicemembers stands ready on the flight line. Dressed in uniform, they move in synchronized silence as the aircraft door opens. The transfer case bearing the American flag is carefully lifted from the aircraft with dignity and respect. There is no applause, no spectacle, and no political division - only solemn gratitude and the quiet of heartbreak.

Often present are members of the service member’s family, who witness the return of their loved one surrounded by military honors. Chaplains, casualty officers, and support personnel stand beside them through every step of the process. For grieving families, the dignified transfer is more than a ceremony. It is a promise kept by a grateful nation: that their loved one will never be forgotten.

The process itself reflects the values instilled in every branch of the United States military -discipline, sacrifice, duty, honor, and country. Funeral honors may later include an honor guard, a rifle salute, the sounding of Taps, and the presentation of the folded American flag to the servicemember’s next of kin. Each tradition carries deep meaning, symbolizing respect not only for the individual who served, but for the ideals they defended.

Another version of the dignified transfer took place recently, after the remains of more than 40 Revolutionary War soldiers were discovered in New York. Nearly 250 years after their deaths, the soldiers’ remains were escorted from the New York State Museum to their place of reinterment in a procession of vintage military vehicles and motorcycles.

For many Americans, these ceremonies offer a powerful reminder that freedom is not abstract. It has names, faces, and stories. It is defended by ordinary people who choose extraordinary service. The rights we often take for granted - the ability to speak freely, worship freely, vote freely, and pursue our own futures - have been preserved through the courage of those willing to place themselves in harm’s way on behalf of others.

Kentucky has long contributed to that legacy of service and sacrifice. From the battlefields of the Mexican-American War and the Civil War to Normandy, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, Kentuckians have answered the call time and again. Communities across the Commonwealth know the pain of loss – including two soldiers lost in Operation Epic Fury. Hardin County native Staff Sergeant Benjamin Pennington and Nelson County native Technical Sergeant Ashley Brooke Pruitt.

As Americans, we can never fully repay the debt owed to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. But we can honor them by remembering their stories, supporting the families they left behind, and living lives worthy of the freedoms they fought to preserve. We honor them when we come together as one nation, recognizing that the liberties we enjoy were secured through selflessness, bravery, and devotion to country.

The dignified transfer serves as a powerful symbol of that national gratitude. It is a reminder that behind every uniform is a life devoted to service and a sacrifice that must never be forgotten.

As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via email at [email protected] and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.

05/18/2026

National EMS Week is an observation of the rapid and first response of trained professionals in emergencies providing health care services. Thank you for keeping our community safe!