Flurry of state level bills embrace RFK Jr’s MAHA mission: ‘It took Bobby’

State-level lawmakers across the country are introducing a wave of bills aimed at advancing priorities championed by new Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his “Make America Healthy Again” platform. In states like Arizona, Kansas, and Utah, lawmakers are citing the new administration’s support for these causes as the catalyst for their efforts.

One of the key focuses of these bills is to prohibit junk food like candy and soda from school lunches and federally funded food assistance programs, something Kennedy has long supported. Arizona state Rep. Leo Biasiucci introduced HB 2164, which seeks to ban several food dyes and additives from school lunch programs in the state. Similarly, Rep. Jordan Redman of Idaho introduced HB 109, which aims to remove candy and soda from the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Lawmakers in Wyoming, Kansas, Tennessee, and Utah have also introduced similar bills aimed at reforming SNAP and school lunch programs. Kennedy’s influence has been instrumental in bringing attention to the importance of healthier food choices in these programs.

In addition to dietary-related legislation, several states are also taking steps to amend their vaccine rules. Kennedy’s past skepticism towards vaccines was a topic of discussion during his confirmation hearings, but he emphasized that he is “pro-safety.” States like Arkansas, Connecticut, Indiana, and New Jersey have introduced changes to vaccine rules, including protections for exemptions and efforts to hold manufacturers accountable for harmful side effects.

Some states are also introducing bills to remove fluoride from public water systems, another issue that Kennedy has championed in the past. States like Arkansas, Hawaii, and North Dakota are taking steps to prevent fluoride from being added to public water systems, while others like Kentucky and Nebraska are considering making fluoride optional.

At the federal level, the Senate’s Make America Healthy Again Caucus is gearing up to support Kennedy’s agenda with a package of bills aimed at improving nutrition and the nation’s agriculture sector. The caucus is ready to work with Kennedy to ensure that his priorities are advanced at the federal level.

Overall, the influence of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health and Human Services Secretary is driving a wave of legislative action at the state level, with lawmakers across the country working to advance his “Make America Healthy Again” platform. From promoting healthier food choices to amending vaccine rules and addressing water fluoridation, the impact of Kennedy’s leadership is evident in the legislative efforts taking place in states across the nation.