A Growing Movement in Kentucky Against the New Federal Legislation
In a significant move, President Donald Trump signed his “One Big Beautiful Bill” into law on Friday, sparking widespread concern among residents in Kentucky. This legislation has become the focal point of a growing movement led by KY Resist, an organization that originated in Corbin and has since mobilized communities across the state.
On Saturday, dozens of protesters gathered at the Laurel County Courthouse to voice their opposition. The demonstration highlighted the deep concerns many Kentuckians have about the potential impacts of the bill, particularly on vulnerable populations such as children and families relying on essential government programs.
Lucinda Fields, an organizer with KY Resist, emphasized that the issue transcends political affiliations. “This is not about Republicans or Democrats. This is about the people,” she said. For Fields and others involved, the fight is personal, especially for those directly affected by proposed cuts to critical services.
Cullen Smith, a protester, shared how the bill affects his family. His nephew, who is nonverbal and autistic, requires lifelong care. Smith expressed his fear that the changes could leave his brother and sister-in-law in a difficult position. “I want to make sure that he has the care that he is going to need,” he said, underscoring the emotional stakes of the protest.
Fields, like many others, is using her platform to advocate for those who might otherwise go unheard. She warned that the bill could be catastrophic for the region, particularly for children who depend on programs like SNAP and CHIP. “Those children deserve everything that they should get,” she stated, urging the public to recognize the importance of these programs.
The impact of the bill has also motivated local figures to take action. Ned Pillersdorf, a well-known attorney from Eastern Kentucky, announced his candidacy for Congress, driven by his strong opposition to the budget bill. He believes the 5th Congressional District will suffer the most from the proposed changes, particularly regarding rural hospitals and Medicaid access.
“I feel so passionately about this that I’m running for Congress,” Pillersdorf said. “There will be no district in the country that will be more harmed by that bill than the 5th Congressional District.”
Despite facing some resistance from passing cars, the protesters remain undeterred. Andrew Martin, a co-founder of KY Resist, noted that the turnout was larger than previous events. “There are more people here than there were at our original event,” he said. “Clearly what we’re doing is working. It’s bringing in the people, bringing in more people that feel marginalized or may feel affected by this bill.”
As the movement continues to grow, the message is clear: Kentuckians are standing together to protect the rights and well-being of their communities. The protests serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of civic engagement and the impact that collective action can have on national policy. With ongoing efforts and increasing support, the voices of those affected by the bill are being heard louder than ever.
