Well.

The Kentucky Democratic Party has launched a statewide tour in support of Medicaid following cuts made to the program and the Republicans so-called big Beautiful bill budget plan, according to studies from the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy.

35 rural hospitals are at risk for closure, and over 340,000 Kentuckians are at risk for losing their health care.

The Democrat's tour kicked off in Perry County, where 51% of the population is currently insured through Medicaid.

The KDP is launching this tour not just to defend Medicaid broadly, but to highlight specific issues that may be unique to Kentucky or different parts of Kentucky.

I think because the threat is so severe, in this place, it was important for us to get here first, and we will likely be here again soon.

Obviously, eastern Kentucky is not a monolith.

There are different places with different struggles, so we're trying to hear as many voices as we can and make sure that we get as many people as possible a place to share their perspective and talk about what is changing on the ground.

What would be like the coal decline.

But I actually think it would be worse.

Some of the highest paying jobs we have here are provided by Medicaid.

Think about that.

Our people deserve the opportunity to heal.

Our people deserve, just like anyone else, to remove some of the barriers that we face here.

And we're all of eastern Kentucky.

Despite Republican victories in recent eastern Kentucky elections, local Democrats say they're expecting political backlash from some Republican policies.

I interact with a lot of people, whether it's in person or on social media, or hear a lot of conversations.

Now, things you really want to like, we said, nobody voted to lose their healthcare coverage.

Nobody voted to lose their job.

Nobody voted to, have to travel for 2 or 3 hours to, get routine health care coverage.

And they voted for lower costs.

They voted on a promise that Medicaid would not be touched.

And I think these people feel kind of betrayed by the way, that the first six months have went so far.

It's not a fool's errand to be here for Democrats to be here in rural Kentucky.

We're the party that's in eastern Kentucky right now and listening instead of running from constituents or avoiding people who are just trying to tell their stories.

I can't speak for the National Party, of course, but, no matter what the polls say, no matter, no matter what GOP fear may say, we're going to be here.

We're going to stay here, and we're going to keep listening to the people who know best what's happening in eastern Kentucky.

Republicans denied Democratic claims that the Trump tax and budget plan would hurt Medicaid recipients and cause hospitals to close.

Here's a statement from Congressman Andy Barr of Kentucky's sixth district from earlier in the week.

Quote, I don't believe Governor Beshear and the Democrat lies.

Kentucky Republicans are protecting Medicaid, not endangering it.

Chairman Bret Guthrie and I will always preserve Medicaid for Kentuckians who need it.

End quote.

Barr was referring to Congressman Brett Guthrie of Kentucky's second district.

Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which played a big role in shaping the Medicaid portion of the bill.