A Growing Movement Against the “One Big Beautiful Bill” in Kentucky
In a significant moment for national politics, President Donald Trump signed his “One Big Beautiful Bill” into law. This legislation has sparked strong reactions across the country, particularly in Kentucky, where a local organization called KY Resist has taken a stand against it. The group, which originated in Corbin, organized a protest at the Laurel County Courthouse on Saturday, drawing dozens of concerned citizens.
Lucinda Fields, an organizer with KY Resist, emphasized that the issue is not about political parties but about the people. “This is not about Republicans or Democrats. This is about the people,” she said. According to Fields, the impact of the bill is being felt directly by residents in Kentucky, and the protests are a way to ensure their voices are heard.
For Cullen Smith, the consequences of the bill hit close to home. His nephew, who is nonverbal and autistic, relies on Medicaid for care. “I’m here because I want to make sure he has the care he needs. He’s going to need lifetime care, and with this bill, my brother and sister-in-law don’t know what they’re going to do,” Smith explained. His story is one of many that highlight the personal stakes involved in the debate over the bill.
Lucinda Fields, like many others involved in the protests, is using her platform to advocate for those who might otherwise be unheard. “This bill will literally be catastrophic for this region,” she said. Fields pointed out that children in particular could lose access to essential programs such as SNAP benefits and CHIP. “Those children deserve everything they should get,” she added.
The opposition to the bill has also inspired some individuals to take more active roles in the political process. Ned Pillersdorf, a well-known attorney from Eastern Kentucky, has decided to run for Congress. He launched his campaign on the same day the bill was signed into law, driven by his concerns about the impact of the budget on rural communities.
Pillersdorf highlighted the potential loss of rural hospitals and the effects of Medicaid cuts on those receiving care. “There will be no district in the country that will be more harmed by that bill than the 5th Congressional District,” he said. “That’s why I announced for Congress and that’s why I’m here today.”
Despite facing some resistance from passing cars, the protesters remain undeterred. Andrew Martin, a co-founder of KY Resist, believes the movement is gaining momentum. “There are more people here than there were at our original event, so clearly what we’re doing is working. It’s bringing in more people who feel marginalized or affected by this bill,” he said.
The protests reflect a broader concern among Kentuckians about the long-term effects of the bill on their communities. As the debate continues, the voices of those affected—whether through personal experience or a commitment to advocacy—will play a crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare and social support in the region.
