Arizona Attorney General Mayes and Legislative Democrats respond to US HHS Secretary Kennedy’s MAHA Tour

PHOENIX –  Yesterday, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, Democratic State Senators Gonzales, Hatathlie, and Kuby, along with leading public health advocates, gathered to address Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s "Make America Healthy Again" tour. The following comments were made during the press conference:

Senator Gonzales (LD20), Ranking Democrat on the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, stated, "Rather than focusing on policies that provide affordable, quality care for all Arizonans, the Republicans has invited Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to further spread his political rhetoric. Arizona is home to over 300,000 Native Americans, many in rural areas with limited healthcare access. Recent cuts to public health funding have disproportionately impacted these communities, worsening existing health disparities. Native Americans in Arizona experience higher rates of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, and in rural areas, many must travel over 100 miles to receive care. These funding cuts have underfunded mobile health units, rural clinics, and outreach programs, putting these populations at even greater risk. This is not just a health crisis, but an equity crisis, and we must reverse these cuts to ensure sustainable funding that addresses the healthcare needs of Native communities. Arizona must lead in addressing these disparities, not contribute to them."

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes said, "I can’t imagine what RFK, Sr. would think of what his son has done. He dedicated his life to fighting for poor people across rural America—marching with farmworkers and shining a light on poverty in places that most politicians ignored. And now, sixty years later, his son and Donald Trump are punching those same communities in the gut—ripping away their health care, cutting off lifesaving funding, and turning their backs on the very people RFK Sr. fought to lift up. It’s shameful."

Senator Hatathlie (LD6), said, "As State Senator for Northern Arizona, I’m deeply concerned about the health and well-being of our Indigenous communities and rural areas. Public health measures like vaccines, access to quality care, and healthy food are crucial to protecting our families from preventable diseases. Our communities face significant healthcare disparities, with limited resources and misinformation, like what’s being spread by figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., making things worse. On the Navajo Nation, where the median age is 29, our young people are particularly vulnerable. We must ensure all children have access to vaccines, promote health education, and invest in mobile healthcare to reach remote areas. Arizonans deserve better care, and it’s time we make that a reality."

Senator Kuby (LD8) added, "I’m deeply concerned about Arizona’s public health crisis, which affects every part of our state. With immunization rates lower than the national average, especially in college communities like ASU, we are vulnerable to preventable outbreaks. Misinformation from figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. only makes things worse, especially for our students. Meanwhile, instead of addressing these critical health issues, the Republican majority is focused on restricting access to healthy foods. We need to prioritize expanding access to nutritious food and healthcare for all, regardless of zip code or socioeconomic status. Healthcare is a human right, and we must invest in resources like mobile clinics to ensure all Arizonans have access to the care they deserve."

Will Humble, CEO of Arizona Public Health Association, said, "Some of Mr Kennedy's actions are unwise & harmful, like urging cities not to fluoridate tap water. Some are destructive & possibly illegal, like his $240M in budget cuts for Arizona public health. Some are downright dangerous, like his opposition to vaccines & his promotion of therapies that don't work. With the majority in congress unwilling to check the harmful use of his authority as Secretary, it seems that whatever is left of public health at the end of this will depend on the judicial branch- which is why it's so important to have people like AG Mayes on the case.”

Ashley Chambers, Executive Director of Arizona Families for Vaccines, also added, “Secretary Kennedy, and those Arizona legislators who proudly call themselves MAHA, if we are truly committed to the health of our children, then it is time to stand with us in advocating for vaccine access, vaccine education, and increasing confidence in immunization. We need our legislators to be champions of public health, not promoters of misinformation from wellness influencers trying to sell a product. It's hypocritical to support children's nutritional health in one breath and then turn around to support measures that will expose them to preventable diseases in the next. We can and must do both.”