Today, U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin, Utah Senate President J. Stuart Adams, Speaker of the Utah House of Representatives Mike Schultz, and Utah lawmakers gathered to discuss bills passed by the Utah Legislature to Make America Healthy Again.
H.B. 81 Fluoride Amendments, H.B. 402 Food Additives in Schools, and H.B. 403 SNAP Funds Amendments are landmark proposals that prioritize health and wellness across the state of Utah and serve as a role model for the rest of the nation.
“Thank you, Utah, for your leadership and commitment to the MAHA movement and for hosting us today at the University of Utah,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “I urge all governors to follow Utah’s lead and submit SNAP waivers to USDA, ban ultra-processed additives in public schools, and remove fluoride from public drinking water to reverse the childhood chronic disease epidemic and Make America Healthy Again.”
“Utah continues to empower individuals, strengthen families and prioritize the well-being of all Utahns,” said President J. Stuart Adams. “We’re building a brighter, healthier future for our children and communities, setting a national example. It was a pleasure to welcome members of the administration to discuss how Utah fosters thriving families, businesses and opportunities for future success.”
“Utah is leading the way in making America healthy again –– because here, we don’t just talk about solutions; we create them,” said Speaker Mike Schultz. “I’m proud to stand alongside national leaders and my legislative colleagues to celebrate our bold actions that reinforce Utah’s reputation as the best state in the nation.”
Key Legislative Highlights
H.B. 81 Fluoride Amendments, sponsored by Rep. Stephanie Gricius and Sen. Kirk Cullimore, prohibits adding supplemental fluoride to public drinking water, giving Utah residents greater control over their personal health choices while also expanding access to fluoride by allowing pharmacists to prescribe supplements.
“This is a straightforward, common-sense bill that respects personal choice,” said Rep. Gricius. “Utah continues to lead by empowering families and individuals to make their own health decisions.”
“It is about protecting our water, reducing unnecessary costs and ensuring people have the right to decide what they consume,” said Sen. Cullimore.
H.B. 402 Food Additives in Schools, sponsored by Rep. Kristen Chevrier and Sen. Heidi Balderree, bans the use of specific synthetic food dyes and chemical additives in public school meals. H.B. 403, also sponsored by Rep. Chevrier and Sen. Brady Brammer, seeks to receive a federal waiver to prohibit the purchase of soda using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
“We’re taking a proactive step to ensure our schools provide a healthy environment where Utah students can thrive and where families are empowered to make healthier decisions.” said Rep. Chevrier. “Healthy families are the foundation of a strong America, and these common-sense policies will make a real difference.”
“H.B. 402 supports student health by making sure school food meets safer nutritional standards, free from additives linked to health risks,” said Sen. Balderree.
“With H.B. 403, we’re promoting healthier choices and preserving personal freedom by prioritizing essential nourishment and well-being,” said Sen. Brammer.
View a recording of the press conference here.
