By Tammy Sharp, Carter County Democrats Executive Committee Chair & McClain Dyer, Carter County Democrats Executive Committee Vice Chair, and Delegate for CD-5 to KY Democratic Party State Central Executive Committee
The Carter County Times has repeatedly invited a self-described “Common Sense Conservative” to write for its opinion page. Yet, issue after issue, Carter County Republicans have left that space blank. So, we’re stepping up. If the GOP won’t engage with the people, then the Carter County Democratic Party will, not just in this paper, but in every conversation, town hall, and front porch gathering.
Eastern Kentucky Democrats are mobilizing, organizing, and building a new coalition of voters, candidates, and volunteers to fight for YOU. We are calling our elected officials in Washington, and in Frankfort to demand an explanation on why they vote to cut healthcare for rural communities, but we aren’t stopping there. Under the leadership of Governor Andy Beshear, Democrats are working on real solutions to improve our healthcare system, making it more affordable and accessible for Eastern Kentucky. First, though, we have to protect what we already have.
In Carter County, as of June 2025, more than 10,000 residents are currently enrolled in Medicaid. Despite the tired stereotypes, most Medicaid recipients are working people. 51% of those recipients are currently employed and working. 39% are working full time jobs and 12% are employed part time. These are not people “gaming the system.” These are our neighbors, people working retail or fast food, a cousin who’s an orderly at the local hospital, or a friend who cleans hotel rooms. They’re employed but underpaid, often offered no health benefits at all. The remaining 49% of Medicaid recipients are primarily children, seniors, people with disabilities, or very sick individuals who cannot work. In fact, only 2% fall into the category of “non-working, able-bodied adults.”
And yet, Republicans in Congress and in the state legislature are preparing to cut Medicaid and implement complicated work requirement waivers. These waivers will force elderly and disabled Kentuckians to navigate red tape so confusing it’s designed to make people give up. But we won’t let that happen. The Carter County Democratic Party will be there, helping every resident navigate that system, fill out those waivers, and fight for their healthcare.
When these cuts take effect after the 2026 election, we won’t let people forget who did this. It was Republican lawmakers, not Democrats, who chose to take healthcare away from working families, children, and the elderly. And yet the Carter County Republican Party can’t even be bothered to write an op-ed to explain their position. That silence speaks volumes.
If you’re as fired up about this as we are, then get involved. This fight isn’t just happening in Frankfort or Washington; it’s happening right here in Northeast Kentucky. That’s why we’re inviting you to the first-ever NEKY Democrats Picnic, hosted by a coalition of energized Democrats from across the region. Join us on July 26 at 1 p.m., at Grayson Lake Marina, Shelter #3. Bring the whole family for free food, music, games, and special guests. Plus, anyone who donates $10 will be entered to win two tickets to the Healing Appalachia concert featuring Tyler Childers and Chris Stapleton this September.
We’re building something here. And we’re not waiting for permission.
Editor’s note: This submission from the local Democratic Party came just days before we received a submission from conservative commentator Brandon La Voie (see story on the lower right-hand side of the page). In addition to La Voie, others have expressed an interest in submitting conservative content, but so far his is the only submission received. We have invited La Voie – of Pactolus and Sons, Brush and Tree Work – to submit more content and hope he does so. We have also reached out to the local Republican Party offering them equal access, and hope to receive similar submissions from them. The Carter County Times takes no official stance in regard to partisan politics. We report objectively on local government meetings and offer equal access to members of both political parties as well as independent commentors. You can send submissions to my email box at editor@cartercountytimes.com.
