SE Kentucky News

U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) recently expressed his support for the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, which has been signed into law, finalizing the six bipartisan federal funding bills for 2024. The legislation includes critical funding for national defense, healthcare, and community development.

"This isn’t a perfect agreement, but it moves America forward with a stronger military and important investments in healthcare, fighting the opioid epidemic with life-saving programs, and supporting community development programs that create competitive jobs and better educational opportunities, which are major priorities in Kentucky’s Appalachian region," Congressman Rogers stated.

Regarding efforts to combat the opioid epidemic, Congressman Rogers emphasized, "In Southern and Eastern Kentucky, we’re making great strides to curb the opioid epidemic and become the nation’s recovery capital with more treatment beds per capita than anywhere else in the country. This bill advances our multi-faceted work with enhanced law enforcement, treatment, education, and research."

Furthermore, Congressman Rogers highlighted the bill's provisions related to rural healthcare, stating, "The bill also enhances rural healthcare, including important funding for diabetes, and improved detection and treatment of black lung disease."

The federal funding package also includes support for important community development programs in Southern and Eastern Kentucky, such as Head Start programs, career and technical education grants, the Community Development Financial Institutions fund, and critical grants for first responders.

Additionally, the legislation provides a historic pay raise for U.S. military service members and enhances healthcare and other services for veterans. Congressman Rogers commended the Appropriations Committee for their efforts in making meaningful cuts to wasteful spending and ensuring support for programs that strengthen the nation.

For more details on the wins for Southern and Eastern Kentucky under this funding agreement, interested individuals can visit halrogers.house.gov.