Kim Greene

Opinion contributor

The 2019 legislative session is finally behind us, but the outcomes of that session will last for decades. The Kentucky General Assembly passed four shameful abortion restrictions, some of the worst in the country. Kentucky’s governor couldn’t be more pleased.

So this is where Kentucky’s 2019 gubernatorial election comes in.

Although elected by the citizens of the commonwealth, our legislators and governor aren’t working to serve us in Frankfort. Instead, our elected officials are passing policies aimed at exciting their political base, but will do nothing to advance health care access, or address health care disparities across the state.

Over and over, Gov. Matt Bevin has abandoned the best interests of his constituents to appeal to special interests or to polish his own political brand. Under his predecessor’s leadership, Kentucky drew national praise for our strong rollout of the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion. That move reduced the rate of uninsured persons in this state by a whopping 62%.

But our current governor has no qualms about sabotaging health coverage for thousands, as long as it makes him famous in anti-Obamacare circles. Even a court order blocking his Medicaid work requirements wasn’t enough to stop him: He revised and resubmitted the plan, which has now been struck down for a second time. And he has once again dipped in the taxpayers’ pockets to appeal that ruling.

More:Bevin administration to appeal second rejection in Medicaid waiver case

Now, with Election Day looming, Bevin is pivoting even farther to the right and escalating his attacks on abortion access, teachers and health care. Despite saying #WeAreKy, he is not working to best serve Kentuckians — especially not women, people of color, or those who need improved access to health care.

The Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to conducting independent research at the intersection of religion, culture and public policy. A survey taken by PRRI last spring demonstrates just how out of step Bevin’s policies are with Americans as a whole. Seventy percent of Americans, including 74% of Democrats and 64% of Republicans, feel that lawmakers and politicians are spending too much time on the issue of abortion at the expense of other issues.

Most Americans — by far — favor broad access to health care, including reproductive health care. According to PRRI’s polling, 83% believe government health insurance programs for low-income women, like Medicaid, should cover the cost of contraception. Eighty-five percent think commercial health insurance plans should cover prescription birth control and infertility treatments (72%). And there is almost unanimous agreement (92%) that health insurance plans should cover testing for sexually transmitted infections.

Young Americans (18-29 years old) are particularly adamant about access to health care, including reproductive health care. Nearly two-thirds (65%) of young people, compared to 51% of seniors, agree that abortion should be legal in most or all cases. And 69% of young people, compared to 46% of seniors, agree that at least some health care professionals in their community should provide legal abortions.

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And young people are growing more vocal and active about their beliefs. PRRI CEO Dr. Robert P. Jones observed: “As this younger generation continues to flex its political muscles — as we saw in the response to the Parkland shooting — they could also reshape the national conversation on women’s health issues.” And the just-released Harvard Institute of Politics Youth Poll showed that the youth vote is likely to play a historic role in the upcoming elections.

The ongoing attacks on our health and rights is driving people to act. The attacks have fueled an unprecedented mobilization of people, with women truly leading that charge.

Let’s make sure the same mobilization happens in this state in this gubernatorial election this year.

We all want to lead healthy and productive lives. And we all know that access to health care is essential to that. So, to the women and men of Kentucky, and especially to young Kentuckians: Pay attention to what your current governor — and those vying to take his seat — are saying and doing about your health care.

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It has become almost cliché to say “your vote matters.” But we have dramatic evidence that every individual’s vote does: Last year one Western Kentucky legislator was elected by a single vote. So plan to vote in the primary on May 21 and the general election on Nov. 5.

But it’s not only your vote; your voice matters. Use it to encourage friends and family to vote. Use it to advocate for the policies you believe in. Use it to promote a gubernatorial candidate who will protect and enhance the health and well-being of your family and you.

I believe Kentuckians are ready for a governor who will reflect our values and work to make Kentucky a healthier place to live and a better place for all its residents. Bevin’s words and actions during this term demonstrate that he is not that person.

Kim Greene is a Louisville attorney and a member of the board of Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky.