State Sen. Steve Meredith has been selected to co-chair a task force charged with studying ways to improve the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
Senate leadership recently announced the appointment Meredith, R-Leitchfield, as co-chair of the newly established The Cabinet for Health and Family Services Organizational Structure, Operations and Administrative Task Force. The task force will conduct business through the 2022 Interim Session of the General Assembly.
The task force will study organizational structure, operations and administration of programs, policies and procedures within the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, officials said. It will also receive input from cabinet officials as well as advocates and recipients of its services and programs.
“The Cabinet for Health and Family Services is the largest cabinet within our state government and touches the lives of every single resident across Kentucky,” Meredith stated. “I’m optimistic about our efforts to examine ways to improve the health outcomes of the commonwealth, control healthcare costs within Medicaid and adequately protect and serve our most vulnerable citizens. We will be diligent in our efforts and encourage and appreciate the input of all stakeholders.”
The task force will report findings to the Legislative Research Commission by December 1 for referral to the appropriate standing committee with jurisdiction over the policy area.
“Prior to entering public service, Sen. Meredith spent his entire professional career in the healthcare industry,” Senate President Robert Stivers said. “Steve brings a vital level of private sector expertise to this task force and I am grateful to have him lead this collaborative effort.”
A legislative task force is also known as a special committee. They are established by the Legislative Research Commission and function primarily during the interim, typically studying a specific topic.
The 2022 Interim Session will serve as a primer for the 2023 Regular Session of the Kentucky General Assembly, as legislative efforts in the months ahead will be a critical element in the crafting of potential legislation.
Visit legislature.ky.gov for details on Sen. Meredith and more information on legislative committees, such as membership and scheduling. Tune in to live interim coverage at ket.org/legislature or via the Legislative Research Commission YouTube Channel. Archived legislative footage can be accessed there and at KET.org/legislature/archives.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
