Morrisey unveiled his “Four Pillars of a Healthy West Virginia” highlighting first “cleaning up the food” and HB 2354 prohibiting seven artificial food dyes in schools and then more broadly throughout the state.Morrisey signed the bill into law earlier this week.
“Our kids deserve better and now they are going to get it.” Morrisey said. “I am thankful to the legislature for their leadership in passing this bill and making West Virginia the first state in the nation to make sweeping changes to clean up the food.”
The second pillar is “find purpose, find health” extending work, training, and educational requirements for SNAP benefit recipients.
“Work is good, work is moral, and it helps us to be stronger.” Morrisey said. “Outside of limited exceptions, if you have the ability to work you should.”
Third “move your body, change your life” encouraging every West Virginian to walk a “mountaineer mile” each day with Morrisey himself saying he would take the challenge.
Fourthly, “rewarding healthy food choices” by changing the SNAP benefits program to no longer include soda and encouraging healthier food options.
“If taxpayers are paying for it, let’s make sure it fuels health and not disease.” Morrisey said.
Secretary Kennedy compared the health of America during his uncle’s (JFK’s) presidency to now highlighting a major increase is chronic disease and the strain that puts on the country’s healthcare system.
“President Trump says that he wants to restore the American dream.” Kennedy said. “A healthy person has a thousand dreams, a person who is sick has only one. The message I want to give to the country and other governors is to get behind Governor Morrisey and apply for a waiver from my agency and we will give it to you. That is how we will win this.”
The ceremony ended with Morrisey signing Letters of Intent for waivers from HHS.
Not everyone at the event was a fan of the message, nearly a hundred protesters gathered outside during the ceremony.
“I love to see people show up and exercise their constitutional rights.” protester Tammy said. “Overall people are tired of the cuts and putting the most vulnerable of us in a worse position than they already are. People are tired of the absolute overreach.”
“Seventeen percent of West Virginians are on SNAP benefits.” protestor Barbara said. “I was a teacher for 37 years. I’ve seen children and families in need.”