We, the undersigned residents of Kentucky and concerned citizens, urgently call on you to address the dire and systemic crises plaguing Appalachian Kentucky. Our communities face chronic underinvestment, economic collapse, environmental disasters, and a lack of access to basic necessities. We demand immediate federal action to prioritize the following:   
 
#1. Economic Revitalization  
Job Creation & Sustainable Industries:   
- Invest in federal programs to transition Appalachia’s economy beyond fossil fuels. Fund green energy projects, sustainable agriculture, and small business grants to create living-wage jobs.   
Corporate Accountability:   
- End tax breaks for out-of-state coal corporations that have exploited and abandoned our region. Redirect funds to local worker retraining programs and community-led economic development.   
 
#2. Infrastructure Modernization   
Repair & Expand Critical Infrastructure:   
- Allocate emergency funding to repair roads, bridges, and flood-damaged homes. Expand rural broadband to ensure all Kentuckians can access education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.   
Flood Prevention & Disaster Preparedness:   
- Fund long-term solutions to recurring flooding, including updated drainage systems, watershed management, and resilient housing. Fully implement the *Appalachia STREAM Act* to address water infrastructure gaps.   
 
#3. Education Equity   
Fully Fund Public Schools:   
- Increase Title I funding for Appalachian Kentucky’s schools, where many lack textbooks, safe facilities, and technology. Address teacher shortages with incentives like student loan forgiveness for educators working in rural districts.   
Expand Adult Education & Job Training:   
- Fund free community college programs and vocational training to empower workers displaced by coal’s decline.   
 
#4. Access to Food, Clean Water, and Healthcare   
End Food Deserts:   
- Expand SNAP benefits and fund mobile food pantries to serve isolated communities. Support local farms and co-ops to build food sovereignty.   
Clean Water for All:   
- Declare a federal emergency to replace crumbling water systems contaminated by mining runoff and sewage. Ensure no Kentuckian must choose between buying bottled water or paying bills.   
Rural Healthcare Expansion:   
- Reinstate and expand rural hospitals closed due to Medicaid cuts. Fund mobile clinics and telehealth services for communities stranded by healthcare deserts.   
 
#5. Disaster Recovery & Climate Resilience   
 Immediate Aid for Storm Victims:   
- Expedite FEMA assistance for families displaced by recent floods. Waive bureaucratic hurdles that delay rebuilding.   
Climate-Resilient Rebuilding:   
- Invest in flood-resistant housing, elevated infrastructure, and early-warning systems to protect communities from worsening climate disasters.   
 
Why This Matters 
Appalachian Kentucky has fueled America’s prosperity for generations, yet our people suffer disproportionately from poverty, pollution, and neglect. Over 21% of children here live in poverty, 39% lack reliable clean water, and schools just keep closing. Recent floods have devastated families already struggling to survive. This is a moral failure—and it requires federal leadership.   
 
We Demand That You:  
1. Co-sponsor and pass legislation addressing these priorities. 

2. Hold public hearings in Eastern Kentucky to center impacted voices.  

3. Vote against budget cuts to SNAP, Medicaid, and infrastructure programs. 

4. Advocate for Appalachia to receive dedicated funding in all disaster relief and infrastructure bills.   
 
Our Communities Cannot Wait 
We urge you to put partisan politics aside and fight for the people you were elected to serve. Appalachian Kentuckians deserve dignity, safety, and a future. Until these demands are met, we will continue to mobilize, vote, and hold you accountable.