The Movement for Better Health in Pennsylvania
We The People Party of Pennsylvania emerged from the grassroots effort to elect Robert F. Kennedy Jr. President in 2024. Our support for Kennedy stemmed from his commitment to solving health issues that no other politician had been willing to address. His desire to take on these topics inspired us and reengaged millions of Americans who had long felt abandoned.
Kennedy began his career as an environmental attorney, which led him to uncover the hidden intersections between health, corporations, and government. His work revealed troubling connections that many had suspected but few had the courage to discuss. He brought to light long-standing public concerns about the safety of food ingredients and the credibility of the FDA. Many Americans have trusted the FDA, believing that if a food product or medication is approved, it must be safe. However, the revolving door between government health agencies and corporate boardrooms has left us feeling cynical about these assurances.
The Health Crisis
Health statistics in America are alarming. Life expectancy has dropped, while chronic illnesses such as obesity, diabetes, and cancer have risen dramatically over the past few decades. The increase in autoimmune disorders and allergies, along with the skyrocketing rates of autism, paints a grim picture of public health. Healthcare costs are soaring, pushing many families into financial distress. Kennedy was the first serious candidate to publicly question why we pay more for healthcare than any other nation, yet have the sickest population.
Through his presidential campaign, Kennedy peeled back the curtain and revealed how conflicts of interest, medical dogma, and centralized control have influenced our healthcare systems with catastrophic results. His passionate speeches on these issues resonated across the political spectrum and gave rise to the MAHA movement, which seeks to address these pressing health concerns.
Actions as Secretary of Health and Human Services
Since stepping into his role as Secretary of Health & Human Services, Kennedy and his colleagues have made significant strides in reforming health policies:
Conflicts of Interest: Rules preventing scientists with financial conflicts from serving on FDA advisory committees have been enacted. This move aims to restore public trust in the FDA's decision-making processes.
Reevaluating GRAS: Until now, GRAS (generally accepted as safe) designations allow companies to add chemicals to food products without safety evaluations from the FDA. The FDA is changing this process to ensure a scientific investigation of possible harms is required before accepting an additive as safe.
Landmark Report: A comprehensive report outlining factors contributing to health problems in children has been released, implicating factors such as poor diet, overmedicalization, environmental toxins, insufficient physical activity, and chronic stress. This report has sparked important conversations about how to improve children's health.
Bans on Harmful Additives: Several petroleum-based artificial dyes have been banned, and reviews of chemicals such as BHT, BHA, and ADA have been initiated. The old system of waiting for consumer complaints to conduct a post-market review of chemicals in our food is being replaced.
Prescription Drug Pricing: Global price equalization for prescription drugs has been announced, a move designed to lower costs in the U.S. and make medications more accessible to those in need.
Community Care Grants: HHS has allocated over a billion dollars for community care for older adults and those with disabilities. These grants can be used to help family members care for loved ones and build community services for older adults and people with disabilities.
Kennedy has also launched an investigation into the root causes of autism, with initial results expected by fall. He has promised to release new dietary guidelines free from food manufacturer influence in December and has initiated efforts to ensure safe and nutritious infant formula. Additionally, the CDC is removing mRNA COVID vaccines from the childhood vaccine schedule, a decision that has been met with mixed reactions.
Ongoing Challenges
Despite these positive changes, challenges remain. There has been disappointment over the FDA's approval of Moderna’s mNEXSpike vaccine without comprehensive safety trials. Many advocates for public health are concerned that this decision undermines the rigorous safety standards that should govern vaccine approvals.
The increased use of Bovaer in cattle feed highlights the need for vigilance in food safety regulations. Under the previous administration, the FDA labeled Bovaer as a "feed additive," allowing it to bypass the rigorous clinical trials required for animal drugs. This decision raises concerns about the potential health risks associated with its use, especially given studies indicating that it can alter the microbiome of cattle and affect their nutrient absorption.
Reports are circulating about Bovaer entering meat and milk in cattle fed the product, along with concerns of potential side effects. The FDA has put out statements that the use of Bovaer in cattle feed is “safe and effective.” Fact-checking on internet claims downplays reported risks, but does not fully debunk them. Overall, the message is that, while direct handling of Bovaer has shown risks to humans, at the dilute concentrations that a human consuming beef or cow's milk from an animal given Bovaer might ingest, the levels are safe. A bigger concern is that, as a “feed additive,” there is no requirement for disclosure of the use of Bovaer on milk or beef labels.
The USDA's approval of the use of Apeel on organic produce also warrants attention. Apeel is a coating applied to fruits and vegetables to prevent spoilage, but it cannot be washed off. While some companies have agreed not to use the product due to pressure from food activist groups, the lack of transparency surrounding its use remains a concern.
Legislative Actions
In response to health concerns, states can now apply for waivers to restrict food assistance funds from being spent on unhealthy items, such as sugary beverages and candy. This initiative, part of the MAHA movement, aims to address health issues among low-income recipients. States like Nebraska, Iowa, and Indiana have already passed legislation to take advantage of this waiver, and we believe Pennsylvania should follow suit.
The recent removal of ingestible fluoride prescription medications from the market has opened the door for states to end the practice of adding fluoride to public drinking water. Florida and Utah have banned fluoridation of water supplies. Kentucky, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Louisiana, and South Carolina all have bills under consideration to ban it.
Here in Pennsylvania, adding fluoride to the public water supply is not mandated; however, any public system that already adds fluoride is banned from removing it. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled that state agencies have the right to prevent communities from stopping these programs, despite local opposition. House Representative Jason Ortitay, just proposed a bill to ban fluoride in public water systems that will finally allow communities to remove the chemical from their drinking water.
Moreover, the farm bill was not updated by Congress last year, which could have provided pesticide companies immunity for any harm caused by their products. Lobbyists have now shifted their focus to state legislatures, attempting to insert immunity clauses for their products disguised as changes to product labeling laws. Nine states have proposed legislation that would grant immunity to pesticide manufacturers, and we must remain vigilant to ensure that Pennsylvania does not follow suit.
Moving Forward
The health freedom movement in Pennsylvania is gaining momentum, and we are launching a series of health autonomy initiatives to address concerns over chemicals in our food, water, and air. Throughout the month of June, we will be discussing health issues on our social media platforms, engaging with supporters at our bimonthly meetings, and co-hosting discussions on health topics relevant to our state.
We invite you to join us in advocating for better health policies and practices for all Pennsylvanians. Follow us on social media, sign up for our weekly newsletter, and participate in our events. Together, we can work towards a healthier future, ensuring that the voices of the people are heard and that our health choices are respected.