Legislative Update (4/7/25)
This week is a big one at the Capitol for the Make America Healthy Again movement (and MTHA)! Several of our priority bills are up for committee hearings, and we’ll be showing up to support. Tomorrow, HB 1290 by Rep. Caroline Harris Davila heads to the House Public Education Committee—a bill aimed at cleaning up school lunches by removing harmful additives from taxpayer-funded meals. Its companion has already passed the senate, so we are in striking distance from this bill becoming law!
Later this week, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee will hear SB 1864 (Johnson), which expands access to fresh, locally raised eggs, and SB 269 (Perry), which strengthens adverse event reporting for vaccines and emergency-use drugs.
Click here for the full list of MAHA-related bills scheduled for hearings this week. We’ll be supporting several of these in committee, while others are included for informational purposes in case you are interested (view here).
I recently joined the Texas Talks podcast to discuss the mission behind Make Texans Healthy Again, what we’ve accomplished so far this legislative session, and why now is the time to rethink how our state approaches chronic disease, food policy, and health freedom. From school lunch safety to SNAP reform, there’s real momentum building—and we’re just getting started. Click here or above to listen to the podcast.
Meanwhile, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton made headlines this week by launching an investigation into Kellogg’s for allegedly misleading consumers with deceptive labeling and marketing practices. According to Paxton, the company may be violating Texas law by advertising processed cereals as healthy when they are packed with sugar and ultra-processed ingredients. This is exactly why Make Texans Healthy Again is fighting for transparency in food labeling—Texans deserve to know what’s in their food, and families shouldn’t be misled by billion-dollar brands pretending junk is health food. Read more here.
This weekend, I found myself thinking deeply about the search for truth—how much easier our fight would be if the truth wasn’t buried under corporate influence, political agendas, and conflicting information. We’re living in a time where—with enough money—anyone can “prove” anything. Big Tobacco once claimed cigarettes were healthy. Today, we see similar tactics from Big Food and Big Pharma, pushing processed products and quick fixes while chronic disease skyrockets.
Many of us are skeptical because the status quo doesn't match our lived experience. We've tried the “recommended” path and felt worse, not better. I’m not a contrarian or a conspiracy theorist—I’m just someone who loves this state and wants to change a broken system. The numbers don’t lie: rates of chronic disease are exploding, while we are spending more and more money each year with worsening results. We can't keep doing the same thing and expecting a different result.
Most of us have had those moments—after a weekend (or a season) of poor sleep, processed food, and overindulgence in our vice of choice—when we finally return to nourishing ourselves and feel the fog lift. That clarity is a reminder of what’s possible. But too many people are stuck in that fog without even realizing it. The truth is, health isn’t a partisan issue. It’s about getting back to basics: less sugar, fewer chemicals, more real food, better movement, and quality sleep. If we’re going to make real change, we have to start by being honest—about the problem, about the science, and about what’s actually making us sick.
The tide is turning. We are making REAL incremental progress everyday, and that progress will continue as long as citizens like you stay engaged and involved in the process.
For Texas,
Travis McCormick
Founder, Make Texans Healthy Again
P.S. - WATCH: In this Politico interview, Calley Means doesn’t hold back—he brings fire to a room full of status quo defenders. From calling out corporate capture to exposing the failures of our current food and healthcare systems, this interview is packed full of facts and fire. (Watch here)
Legislative Update (4/1)
Late last night, the Texas Senate passed Senator Mayes Middleton’s landmark SNAP reform bill (SB 379), which would prohibit the use of SNAP benefits on sodas, candy, and certain ultra-processed products with zero nutritional value.
Health isn’t just about what we eat—it’s about what we don’t eat. This bill aligns SNAP purchases with basic nutrition standards and helps protect our most vulnerable Texans from being trapped in a cycle of poor health and rising healthcare costs. It’s a major win for prevention, public health, and fiscal responsibility. Thank you, Senator Mayes Middleton, for your leadership on this issue. You can learn more here.
The momentum in Texas mirrors a growing national movement. U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins have signaled strong support for states pursuing healthier food policies in SNAP. In a recent visit to West Virginia—now the first state to seek a federal waiver to remove soda from SNAP—Kennedy declared, "I urge every Governor to follow West Virginia’s lead and submit a waiver to the USDA to remove soda from SNAP. If there’s one thing we can agree on, it should be eliminating taxpayer-funded soda subsidies for lower income kids. I look forward to inviting every Governor who submits a waiver to come celebrate with me at the White House this fall."
Meanwhile, another major story is unfolding at the Capitol. A shocking legislative hearing last week revealed that Medicaid contractor Superior HealthPlan used your tax dollars to hire private investigators — not to root out fraud or improve care — but to dig through divorce records of lawmakers, follow sick Texans, and track down journalists. Yes, really.
This is everything wrong with healthcare today: massive corporations using public money to protect profits while sick people struggle to get the care they need. Learn more by reading our recent op-ed.
MAHA IN THE NEWS:
Mexico Passes National Junk Food Ban in Schools: Mexico just made a bold move for children’s health, passing a national ban on junk food in schools. FTA: “Mexico’s children have the highest consumption of junk food in Latin America and many get 40% of their total caloric intake from it.” This reform aims to eliminate ultra-processed snacks and sugary drinks from schools—replacing them with healthier habits and options. It’s one of the most ambitious national efforts in the world to curb childhood chronic disease. (Read more)
Big Soda’s Big Lobbying Problem: A powerful new op-ed exposes how the soda industry is spending big to block reforms that would stop taxpayer-funded soda subsidies in SNAP. Beyond hiring lobbyists, Big Soda is now paying influencers to shape the narrative online—an aggressive PR campaign aimed at preserving profits, not protecting public health. As support grows for commonsense nutrition reform, the beverage industry is showing just how far it will go to keep sugary drinks in government programs. (Read more)
The Mouth-Brain Connection: How Dental Health Shapes Your Body: In a fascinating new episode of the Huberman Lab, Dr. Staci Whitman dives deep into how your teeth and oral microbiome affect brain health, inflammation, and long-term disease risk. This conversation redefines how we think about dental care—not just as cosmetic, but foundational to whole-body wellness. (Listen here)
Is It Time to Rethink Water Fluoridation? This thought-provoking article from Wiseman Family Practice takes a deep dive into the controversial topic of public water fluoridation. It explores new research and policy shifts—including lawsuits and international bans—that are challenging long-standing assumptions about fluoride's role in dental health. With more attention on environmental toxins and preventative wellness, it’s a timely read for anyone rethinking what really belongs in our water supply. (Read more)
Superior HealthPlan CEO Fired Following PI Scandal: Mark Sanders, CEO of Superior HealthPlan, was fired last week after revelations during a Texas House hearing exposed the company’s use of private investigators to gather information on lawmakers and others. The Medicaid contractor is now under scrutiny from state officials and the Attorney General’s office. Superior’s parent company, Centene, has launched an internal investigation into the matter. Lawmakers expressed deep concern over taxpayer dollars being used to spy on both legislators and patients. (Read here)
For Texas,
Travis McCormick
Founder, Make Texans Healthy Again
PR: Texas Senate Passes SNAP Reform Bill to End Taxpayer Subsidies for Soda and Candy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
AUSTIN, TX — Late Tuesday night, the Texas Senate passed Senate Bill 379, authored by Senator Mayes Middleton, which prohibits the use of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits to purchase soda, candy, and certain ultra-processed products with no nutritional value.
Make Texans Healthy Again (MTHA) applauds this commonsense legislation that prioritizes the health of vulnerable Texans and protects taxpayers from funding products that contribute to obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases.
“Health isn’t just about what we eat—it’s about what we don’t eat,” said Travis McCormick, founder of Make Texans Healthy Again. “This bill aligns SNAP purchases with basic nutrition standards and helps protect our most vulnerable Texans from being trapped in a cycle of poor health and rising healthcare costs. It’s a major win for prevention, public health, and fiscal responsibility. Thank you, Senator Mayes Middleton, for your leadership on this issue.”
The bill made national headlines after a lobbyist for the American Heart Association testified in opposition. That testimony sparked outrage from public health advocates, legislators, and even Joe Rogan, who highlighted the contradiction on his podcast. The American Heart Association has since retracted its opposition to the legislation.
With Medicaid costs having tripled in the last two decades, SB 379 reflects a growing bipartisan effort to shift toward prevention and nutrition-based policy.
The bill now heads to the Texas House, where companion legislation has already been filed. MTHA urges lawmakers to act swiftly to send this landmark reform to the Governor’s desk.
Make Texans Healthy Again is an advocacy organization focused on advancing state-level policies that prioritize prevention, improve nutrition and fitness, and promote transparency, affordability, access, and freedom in healthcare and insurance.
Learn more and join the movement at MakeTexansHealthyAgain.com
Legislative Update (3/24)
We’ve officially passed the halfway mark of the 2025 legislative session.
With just 70 days left, the pace is picking up—bills are being heard in committee, passed out of chambers, and gaining momentum. If you’re curious about what’s being heard this week, click here to view the committee schedule specifically impacting MTHA-related issues.
One important piece of legislation we’re still waiting to see set for a hearing is SB 1645 (Perry) / HB 4210 (Shofner)—a bill that would commission a comprehensive study on chronic disease, nutrition, and rising healthcare costs in Texas. This study would be led by Texas Tech Health Sciences Center, right here in our state, and could lay the groundwork for transformative policy in the years ahead.
I wrote more about the importance of this effort in a recent column featured in the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal and Yahoo!News—you can read it here or below:
Great news: Senate Bill 379 (Middleton)—which would end the use of SNAP benefits to purchase sodas, candy, and other ultra-processed junk foods—was voted out of the Senate Health & Human Services Committee and is headed to the Senate floor this week.
This major step forward came after a whirlwind of national attention, much of it sparked by a surprising moment in last week’s committee hearing: a representative from the American Heart Association (AHA) testified against the bill—despite its clear alignment with their stated mission to reduce heart disease through better nutrition.
After intense backlash, including a segment on Fox Business and a discussion on the Joe Rogan Experience (watch here or below), the AHA walked back its testimony. As reported by The Daily Wire:
"But now, AHA has retracted the testimony, with spokesman Steve Weiss telling The Daily Wire that 'The Association’s position on Texas Senate Bill 379 was miscommunicated during the TX Senate Health and Human Services Committee hearing last week. The Association is not opposed to the bill, which would restrict purchases of sugary drinks and certain other unhealthy foods within the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The miscommunication at the hearing from our representative, who is based in Texas, was unfortunate. We have corrected the record and worked to ensure this will not happen again,' Weiss said via email.
He would not explain how the organization’s lobbyist managed to inadvertently register in advance specifically to testify against the bill, travel to the state capitol, and provide written and oral testimony that was the exact opposite of the organization’s mission. According to the Texas committee’s list of registered witnesses, Puente was joined by Walmart in opposing the law, while representatives from the Texas Radiological Society, Texas Medical Association, Make Texans Healthy Again, and End Chronic Disease showed up to support it."
I’d like to end this update by giving major kudos to Rep. Lacey Hull for her powerful presentation of HB 25—the House companion to Senator Lois Kolkhorst’s “Make Texas Healthy” bill. The legislation strengthens nutrition education for doctors, protects recess and physical activity in schools, and improves food labeling by banning harmful additives already prohibited in other countries.
As Rep. Hull explained: “In the U.S. we spend $4.5 trillion annually on healthcare, with 90% going to chronic and mental health conditions. For comparison, the food industry grosses $1.46 trillion with 45% gross profit... Ultraprocessed foods are 73% of the U.S. food supply and 52% cheaper than minimally processed alternatives—but that cost doesn’t include the healthcare spending, lost productivity, and societal effects of disease.
We hear these statistics and continue spending money to prescribe medications to treat chronic illness and obesity instead of combatting the causes... Members, we need to break the system.”
You can view that hearing here. If you are on Twitter (or X) take a moment to give her some kudos by retweeting this post! Also, give us a follow if you haven’t already!
For Texas,
Travis McCormick
Founder, Make Texans Healthy Again
LAJ: Study Could Hold the Key to Fighting Chronic Disease
By Travis McCormick, Make Texans Healthy Again
Published in the Lubbock Avalanche Journal — Click here to read original.
For decades, we’ve watched as rates of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses have skyrocketed across Texas and the nation. The consequences are dire—rising healthcare costs, reduced workforce productivity, and a declining quality of life for millions of Texans. And yet, despite the growing crisis, we still lack a clear, data-driven understanding of why this is happening and what can be done to stop it.
That’s why SB 1645, filed by Lubbock’s own Sen. Charles Perry, is so critical. This bill would commission a comprehensive study at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center to examine chronic disease, metabolic health, and healthcare costs in Texas over the last 50 years. By pulling together data from multiple agencies and experts, the study would give policymakers, medical professionals, and the public the facts needed to make informed decisions about our state’s health future.
Texas Medicaid spending has tripled over the last two decades, and chronic diseases now account for 90% of all U.S. healthcare expenditures. But here’s the kicker—many of these diseases are preventable. Instead of waiting until Texans are sick and then paying the bill, shouldn’t we be doing everything we can to prevent illness before it starts?
The problem is, we’re flying blind. We don’t have a clear picture of how dietary changes, food policy, lifestyle shifts, and healthcare interventions have contributed to this crisis—or what we can do to reverse the trend.
SB 1645 and HB 4210 would pull together data from multiple agencies and experts to provide a clearer picture of how dietary and lifestyle patterns have shifted over time and their correlation with rising disease rates. The study would also assess the economic burden of chronic disease—not only on Medicaid and other taxpayer-funded healthcare programs but also on private insurance and employers.
This isn’t about reinventing the wheel. It’s about looking at the facts, analyzing what’s working and what’s not, and using real data—not special interest spin—to guide future health policy.
If you’ve ever tried to get healthier, you know the importance of tracking progress. Whether it’s stepping on the scale, checking your blood pressure, or monitoring your diet, data drives better decisions. Our state needs to do the same.
We can’t fix what we don’t measure. If we are serious about improving public health, reducing healthcare costs, and ensuring future generations of Texans don’t suffer the same fate, we need this study. The cost of doing nothing is far greater than the cost of getting the facts.
Texas has the opportunity to lead the nation in tackling the root causes of chronic disease, but we must start with a foundation of knowledge. I urge lawmakers to support SB 1645 and ensure that Texas Tech can lead the charge in uncovering the root causes of our state’s chronic disease crisis.
Travis McCormick is the founder of Make Texans Healthy Again, an advocacy group focused on advancing state-level policies that prioritize prevention, improve nutrition and fitness, and promote transparency, affordability, access, and freedom in healthcare and insurance.
Legislative Update (3/17)
Last week was an insanely busy week at the Texas Capitol. The bill filing deadline has officially passed, meaning the deck is now set—no new bills can be introduced this session.
Final bill totals:
5,647 House Bills
3,028 Senate Bills
⏳ 76 days remain in the session.
SNAP Testimony & National Attention
Last week, we testified in favor of Senator Mayes Middleton’s bill to remove junk food like soda and candy from the SNAP program. The hearing made national news after the American Heart Association came out against the bill, drawing shock from Chairwoman Lois Kolkhorst, who said: "I often say that I can never be surprised in this building, but for the American Heart Association to be against this bill, that might be the surprise of the session so far."
📺 Watch coverage on Fox Business (where I cameo) and hear Sen. Kolkhorst’s full interview:
Calley Means wrote an excellent editorial in USA Today about why reforming SNAP is critical to improving public health and reducing healthcare costs. Read it here.
This Week’s Hearings
Senate Health & Human Services will hear bills this week on insurance and drug price transparency, reforms to how complaints against doctors are handled, and expanding Right to Try legislation. House Public Health will consider bills on physician licensing and Chairwoman Lacey Hull will also present the House companion to Sen. Kolkhorst’s SB 25, which includes nutrition education for doctors, protecting PE in schools, and improving food labeling standards.
📍 Click here to learn more about these hearings & how to get involved.
In the News
✍🏻 Bill Would Require Comprehensive Study on Chronic Disease & Insurance Costs
This study is set to analyze trends in chronic disease, nutrition, and healthcare spending over the past five decades in Texas. It will gather data on diet, lifestyle, and healthcare costs to provide lawmakers with information for future policy considerations.
📖 Read more: Lone Star Standard
🔎 Federal dietary guidelines are about to change. What does this mean for Americans?
The USDA and HHS are revising the federal Dietary Guidelines for Americans, a process that happens every five years. These guidelines influence school lunches, SNAP purchases, and more.
📖 Read more: Fox News
🛒 The FDA is redefining what “healthy” means on food packaging.
The FDA’s new proposal would tighten regulations on what products can be labeled “healthy,” limiting it to foods with meaningful nutritional benefits. This move could crack down on misleading marketing, but some argue it doesn’t go far enough.
📖 Read more: FDA Consumer Updates
⚠️ RFK Jr. pushes for stricter oversight of chemicals in food.
RFK Jr. is calling for more transparency on food additives, arguing that the U.S. allows chemicals that are banned in Europe. He met with food industry executives this week to discuss potential changes.
📖 Read more: U.S. News & World Report
🏭 Major food companies under fire for using banned additives.
Kraft Heinz, General Mills, and other food giants are under pressure for using dyes and preservatives that are banned in Europe but still legal in the U.S. The movement to align U.S. food safety standards with international best practices is gaining momentum.
📖 Read more: Fortune
That's all for this week, but I wanted to end with this—five years ago yesterday, we were told it would be “two weeks to flatten the curve,” kickstarting the COVID-19 response that reshaped our world overnight. It wasn’t just the loss of freedom—it was a wake-up call to how public health was weaponized and how little focus there was on true prevention. Many moments led me to start Make Texans Healthy Again, but COVID was a turning point. We need real health freedom in this country—not just the right to choose our care, but the right to stop being fed lies about what makes people sick in the first place.
Travis McCormick
Founder, Make Texans Healthy Again
Legislative Update (3/10)
83 days remain in the legislative session, and things are moving fast. This Friday marks the bill filing deadline, meaning no new legislation can be introduced after that point. With key hearings happening this week, we’re entering a critical phase in advancing our priorities.
Before we dive into the updates, I had the chance to join Lone Star Politics on NBC-DFW yesterday to discuss the Make Texans Healthy Again initiative and what’s happened so far this session. The audio is solid, but excuse the camera quality—looks like my office bandwidth was struggling. I’ll have that sorted before the next one! Watch the interview below.
🔎 Senate Health & Human Services Committee – Wednesday, March 12
A few priority bills will be heard in Senate HHS this week, including SNAP reform, cottage food expansion, and DNA privacy. If you can testify, let me know. The hearing starts at 8 AM in the Senate Chamber, but testimony could go late depending on the schedule. Click here to learn more about the hearing or to send a letter to the members of the committee. (Details)
📆 Other Key Hearings
🛒 House Health and Human Services (View) - Tuesday, 8AM
HB 26 (Hull): Allows Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs) in Texas to offer state-approved nutrition counseling services as alternatives to certain standard Medicaid-covered treatments, without mandating patient participation. The bill ensures cost-neutrality and focuses on preventive care through education.
🌾 House Agriculture and Livestock (View) - Tuesday, 2PM
HB 519 (Gonzales): Redefines "honey production operation," removing previous limitations on production volume and sales venues. Clarifies that extracting honey and packaging honeycomb are considered harvesting and packaging raw agricultural commodities, not requiring additional processing.
Legislative Resources: We’ve updated our website with a Legislative Resources section where you can view our full list of priorities and download one-pagers on key bills we’re supporting. Stay informed and help us spread the word! (Learn more)
📰 MAHA in the News
Politico: RFK Jr. set to meet with the food industry to discuss regulatory reform: Read Here
Lone Star Standard: Coverage on the Make America Healthy Again Caucus in the Texas Legislature: Read Here
I hope to see you around the capitol this week!
Travis McCormick
Founder, Make Texans Healthy Again
Upcoming HHS Hearing (3/12/25)
Hey Everyone,
A few key bills will be heard in the Senate HHS Committee this week, including SNAP reform, cottage food expansion, and a DNA privacy bill. One-pagers and a letter of support for all three are attached (if you can’t attend hearing, please send a letter via email)
Committee: Senate Health & Human Services
Time & Date: ** NOTE NEW DATE/TIME **
1:30PM (or Final Adjournment, Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Location: Senate Chamber
Chair: Senator Lois Kolkhorst
SB 379 (Middleton, et al.) – Prohibits the use of SNAP benefits for sodas, energy drinks, and certain ultra-processed products that contribute to poor health outcomes. (View One Pager)
SB 541 (Kolkhorst) – Expands cottage food laws by increasing sales caps and allowing additional food products to be sold directly to consumers. (View One Pager)
BOTTOM LINE: If you are able to testify on Wednesday in Senate Health and Human Services, let me know. Hearing is set for 8AM, but depending on what time Senators go to the Floor, the order of bills, and how many witnesses sign up — it could be late afternoon before folks have the opportunity to testify. I can text you to keep you in the loop when I know more. The SNAP bill is controversial, so Senator Middleton will need our help getting it passed.
Send a letter:
If you are unable to attend, no problem! Below is a template letter for contacting members of the Senate Health & Human Services Committee in support of three important bills. Please feel free to personalize the letter, so they don’t all look the same (however totally fine to send as if if you prefer). If there is a bill you do not wish to support, feel free to remove that section before sending.
These bills advance nutrition, health freedom, and personal privacy in Texas. Your outreach can make a difference in ensuring lawmakers prioritize these critical reforms.
Instructions:
Copy and paste the letter below into an email.
Personalize it—add your own experiences or reasons for supporting these bills.
Send it to the members of the Senate HHS Committee (you can BCC them all at once): lois.kolkhorst@senate.texas.gov, charles.perry@senate.texas.gov, cesar.blanco@senate.texas.gov, bob.hall@senate.texas.gov, kelly.hancock@senate.texas.gov, bryan.hughes@senate.texas.gov, molly.cook@senate.texas.gov, borris.miles@senate.texas.gov, kevin.sparks@senate.texas.gov
—
Chairwoman Kolkhorst and Members of the Committee,
I am writing to express my strong support for a couple bills being heard in the Senate Health & Human Services Committee that will improve nutrition, protect personal health freedoms, and ensure transparency in healthcare and food policy. These issues are critical to the well-being of Texans, and I urge you to support the following measures:
SB 379 (Middleton) – Improving SNAP Nutrition
This bill ensures that taxpayer-funded SNAP benefits are used to support real nutrition, not products that contribute to obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. SB 379 aligns SNAP purchases with public health priorities by restricting taxpayer funds from being spent on sodas, energy drinks, and ultra-processed junk food. While improving nutrition, this bill also encourages retailers to stock healthier options in underserved areas by reducing market incentives to stock ultra processed foods.
SB 541 (Kolkhorst) – Supporting Small Food Businesses & Expanding Access to Homemade Goods
SB 541 modernizes Texas' cottage food laws, allowing small-scale food producers to expand their operations while maintaining health and safety standards. By eliminating unnecessary income caps and permitting direct-to-consumer sales, this bill promotes local entrepreneurship and gives Texans greater access to fresh, locally made products.
As a supporter of Make Texans Healthy Again, I believe in advancing policies that prioritize prevention, improve nutrition and fitness, and promote transparency, affordability, access, and freedom in healthcare and insurance. Our movement is committed to advocating for meaningful reforms that empower Texans to take control of their health.
These bills take important steps toward improving nutrition and protecting health freedom and privacy in Texas. I urge you to support them and help advance policies that prioritize Texans’ well-being. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Your name
Legislative Update (3/5)
I am completely blown away by the turnout we had for Advocacy Day at the Capitol. We had 22 volunteers going office to office, meeting with legislators and staff, having meaningful conversations about the health policies that matter most, and spreading the word about the Make Texans Healthy Again movement.
We had a great meeting with several members of the Legislative Make America Healthy Again Caucus, including Senator Kevin Sparks and Reps. Ellen Troxclair, Briscoe Cain, Cody Vasut, and David Lowe. Unfortunately, Caucus Chair Carrie Isaac woke up sick and wasn’t able to join us, but she was cheering us on from home (and even joined via FaceTime through her Chief of Staff).
While she wasn’t able to be present, she did email me an update —the caucus is now up to 26 members, making it a bipartisan, multi-cameral force in the legislature. With roughly 15% of the Texas Legislature already on board, this movement is gaining real momentum. See the full list of members below.
Yesterday, we officially unveiled our legislative priorities document, which outlines the key policies we are advocating for this session. This list represents our core priorities, but it is not an exhaustive list of the legislation we will support or oppose. As we continue analyzing bills through the filing deadline, we welcome discussions on additional policies that align with our mission. If you have legislation you believe deserves our support, please reach out—we are committed to working with lawmakers and advocates to advance meaningful, common-sense reforms that improve the health and well-being of Texans. (View the document here.)
Pictured Above: (top) MTHA volunteers take a photo with MAHA Caucus Members and (bottom) Rep. Ellen Troxclair & Sen. Kevin Sparks address attendees about the importance of being involved.
Senator Bryan Hughes and Rep. Carrie Isaac passed resolutions designating March 4th as "Make Texans Healthy Again Day" at the Capitol (read here). This recognition helps elevate the conversation around prevention-focused health policy and reinforces the importance of addressing chronic disease, nutrition, and medical transparency in Texas.
There is plenty of work left to do. Between now and the end of session in June, MTHA will continue engaging on dozens of critical bills that align with our mission. I will continue notifying this list about upcoming hearings, key votes, and opportunities to engage. If you are interested in testifying, attending a hearing, or working the halls to advocate for these issues, please let me know. Every conversation matters, and together, we are pushing Texas toward a healthier future.
For Texas,
Travis McCormick
Founder, Make Texans Healthy Again
P.S. - I didn’t have time to watch the State of the Union last night, but was sent this clip in which RFK and MAHA were given a shoutout by President Trump: “Since 1975, rates of child cancer have increased by more than 40%. Reversing this trend is one of the top priorities for our new Presidential Commission to Make America Healthy Again. Chaired by our new Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Our goal is to get toxins out of our environment, poisons out of our food supply. and keep our children healthy and strong.”
Legislative Update (2/28)
This has been a huge week for Make Texans Healthy Again! We testified on three key bills at the Capitol—a huge thank you to everyone who showed up to testify or show support: Steve, Nina, Monica, Amy, Leslie, DeJarra, Andrea, and Paulina. Your voices are making an impact!
We also helped launch the Make America Healthy Again Caucus in the Texas Legislature, starting with 20 founding members (formal release coming next week, with more legislators expected to join before then).
And we’re gearing up for Advocacy Day at the Capitol this Tuesday! [More details here and below]. We’ve also finalized our MTHA Legislative Priorities document, which we’ll release Tuesday at Advocacy Day to highlight key bills we’re working on this session.
More details on all of this below my signature!
—Travis McCormick (Founder, Make Texans Healthy Again)
Pictured Above: Some of the founding members of the Make America Healthy Again Legislative Caucus visit with Calley Means about strategy and messaging.
MTHA Testifies on First Three Bills of the Session:
On Tuesday, Senator Lois Kolkhorst (Chair, Senate Health & Human Services) hosted a press conference outlining Texas' Make America Healthy Again agenda for the session. She was joined by national health reform leaders, including Calley Means, Brigham Buhler, and Dr. Mark Hyman. You can [watch the press conference here] or read [excellent coverage by the Lone Star Standard here.]
This press conference set the stage for Wednesday’s Senate Health & Human Services Committee hearing, where MTHA supporters and the national leaders above testified in favor of two critical bills:
SB 25 (Sen. Kolkhorst) – Strengthens nutrition education for medical professionals, protects recess and physical activity in schools, increases transparency in food labeling, and creates the Texas Nutrition Advisory Committee to guide public health policy. (Learn more)
SB 314 (Sen. Hughes) – Protects students from harmful food additives and dyes in taxpayer-funded school meals. These chemicals, linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and behavioral issues, have already been banned in other developed countries. (Learn more)
While I am much better at one-on-one conversations and behind the scenes bill analysis, I testified on both bills 😬. You can watch and RETWEET my closing remarks on SB 314 here. I also dropped off written testimony for the bill below in Senate Business and Commerce Committee this morning.
SB 815 (Sen. Schwertner) – Prevents insurance companies from using AI algorithms as the sole factor in denying, delaying, or modifying medical treatments, ensuring human oversight in healthcare decisions. (Learn more)
ADVOCACY DAY AT THE CAPITOL:
Next Tuesday, March 4th is Make Texans Healthy Again Advocacy Day at the Capitol! This is a great opportunity to connect with legislators and staff about our Make Texans Healthy Again initiative and our legislative priorities, and to help build support for the newly formed Make America Healthy Again Caucus.
Itinerary:
9:00 AM: Meet at Sweetwater Coffee Shop (316 West 12th Street in Austin, Texas)
(Plenty of street parking is available near Sweetwater. We will walk to Capitol from the coffee shop)9:30 – 10:30 AM: Office Visits
10:30 – 11:00 AM: Meet-and-Greet with MAHA Caucus Members
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Office Visits
MTHA Applauds Confirmation of RFK
Austin, TX – Make Texans Healthy Again (MTHA) applauds the confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services.
“For too long, our healthcare system has prioritized expensive treatments over prevention, ignoring the root causes of chronic disease—poor nutrition, ultra-processed foods, lack of movement, and inadequate access to proactive care,” said Travis McCormick, founder of MTHA. “RFK Jr.'s confirmation represents a unique opportunity to rethink public health—one that prioritizes affordability, transparency, and health freedom, ensuring individuals have the resources to take control of their own well-being. Together, we can create a healthier, stronger Texas—where thriving, not just surviving, is the standard.”
Chronic issues like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity account for the majority of healthcare costs, with Texas Medicaid spending tripling over the last two decades. Nearly 70% of adult Texans are overweight or obese, mirroring a national trend where obesity rates have soared from 14.5% in 1971 to 42.8% today. Poor nutrition and lack of physical activity are major contributors to this crisis. Ultra-processed foods now account for 57% of the average American’s calorie intake. Shockingly, the consumption of high-fructose corn syrup has increased by 7,300% since 1970, fueling metabolic dysfunction. Today, 93% of Americans fail key metabolic health markers, highlighting the scale of the problem.
The Make America Healthy Again movement continues to gain momentum nationwide, signaling a demand for policies that move beyond pharmaceutical dependency and toward prevention-based solutions. MTHA is a grassroots organization committed to advancing state-level policies that promote transparency, affordability, access, and health freedom.
To learn more or join the fight, visit MakeTexansHealthyAgain.com.
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USLege - MTHA, A Bold Vision for Change
Texas is at a crossroads. Chronic diseases, poor nutrition, and rising healthcare costs are straining our communities, wallets, and the state budget. With bold leadership, we can turn the tide and create a healthier state—where thriving, not just surviving, is the standard.
This vision is at the heart of Make Texans Healthy Again (MTHA). MTHA is committed to fighting for policies that protect personal choice, expand access and transparency, and lower the cost of healthcare, prescriptions, and nutritious food. Focusing on prevention—such as routine health check-ins, education on nourishing the body with whole, unprocessed foods, and encouraging kids to stay active and eat healthy in schools—we can reduce the need for costly treatments and empower Texans to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
This isn’t just a policy issue to me—it’s personal. I’ve witnessed firsthand the devastating toll of chronic disease on my family: my mother suffered a debilitating stroke at just 49, leaving her with lifelong disabilities, and my father’s life was tragically cut short by a late-detected illness. In contrast, my own health journey—losing 80 pounds by cutting out processed foods and prioritizing movement—has shown me the transformative power of prevention and how different the story can be when we address root causes early.
I’ve also experienced the transformative impact of functional medicine in helping my wife and me welcome a healthy daughter after multiple miscarriages. That same approach—combining thoughtful care with lifestyle changes—helped when my dog was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. They said it would surely return, but four years later, with the help of modern medicine and a diet overhaul, she’s still in remission. Real change doesn’t come from a pill but from addressing root causes with better nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle choices. Texans deserve better, and I’m committed to helping create meaningful change.
The Cost of Chronic Disease in Texas
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Chronic issues like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity account for the majority of healthcare costs, with Texas Medicaid spending tripling over the last two decades. Nearly 70% of adult Texans are overweight or obese, mirroring a national trend where obesity rates have soared from 14.5% in 1971 to 42.8% today. Poor nutrition and lack of physical activity are major contributors to this crisis. Ultra-processed foods now account for 57% of the average American’s calorie intake. Shockingly, the consumption of high-fructose corn syrup has increased by 7,300% since 1970, fueling metabolic dysfunction. Today, 93% of Americans fail key metabolic health markers, highlighting the scale of the problem.
The consequences go beyond health—they affect our economy, our families, and even our national security. Over 80% of Americans fail to meet recommended physical activity guidelines, and the average adult spends over six hours a day sitting. These trends have contributed to 77% of Americans being ineligible for military service due to issues like obesity and poor fitness levels.
Low-Hanging Fruit for a Healthier Texas
While tackling chronic disease and poor nutrition is a complex challenge, this legislative session presents opportunities to make meaningful progress with common-sense solutions. Several proposals aim to address key areas that directly impact the health and well-being of Texans.
For instance, Senator Hughes and Representative Harris-Davilla are leading efforts to ensure school meals are free of harmful additives, protecting children from exposure to chemicals linked to long-term health issues. Senator Middleton has proposed preventing tax dollars from subsidizing unhealthy food purchases through nutrition assistance programs, ensuring our most vulnerable communities have access to better choices.
Senator Kolkhorst and Representative Goodwin are fighting to expand cottage food production and empower small businesses to provide fresh, whole foods to more consumers while reducing unnecessary red tape. Senator Kolkhorst is also driving efforts to enhance transparency in prescription drug pricing, empowering patients to make informed healthcare decisions and reducing the influence of Pharmacy Benefit Managers—profit-driven middlemen often tied to big pharma. And Representative Oliverson is spearheading a push to require nutrition education in Texas medical schools, highlighting the critical role diet plays in preventing chronic disease and improving patient outcomes.
These are straightforward, impactful measures that can set the foundation for broader health reform in Texas, and they’re just the beginning. This session, many other great proposals are on the table, tackling everything from healthcare affordability to nutrition education. Families deserve access to better health without being burdened by rising healthcare costs, so their communities can strive for a brighter, healthier future.
Momentum is on our side. The "Make America Healthy Again" movement has become a major political issue nationwide, and all eyes are on Texas to lead. What we do in the next six months has the potential to become the model for the entire country. By prioritizing preventative healthcare, empowering small businesses, and ensuring access to nutritious food, Texas can show the rest of the nation how to build a healthier, stronger future.
Legislative Update (1/27)
Happy Monday!
The 89th Texas Legislative Session is off to a fast start, with only 140 days to address critical issues.
Over the past two weeks, I’ve been busy at the Capitol, attempting to visit all 181 legislative offices—150 in the House and 31 in the Senate. I delivered one-pagers (view here) introducing our mission, along with some electrolytes to keep everyone hydrated. By making these visits early in the session, before things got too busy, I was able to have meaningful conversations with many staff and legislators. These interactions provided a valuable opportunity to introduce them to our organization, share our goals, and offer support as they prepare to tackle the challenges ahead.
Federal News
While our organization primarily focuses on state-level impact, I wanted to ensure you were aware of key federal developments shaping the broader health landscape. The Senate Finance Committee has scheduled a hearing on January 29, 2025, to consider Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination as Secretary of Health and Human Services. Kennedy has been a prominent voice in the Make America Healthy Again movement, energizing national conversations around chronic disease and healthcare reform. (You can watch the hearing here at 9AM CST on 1/29).
Additionally, last week, Texas Congressman Chip Roy released The Case for Healthcare Freedom, a report that spotlights alarming statistics on chronic disease and systemic challenges in the American healthcare system, offering solutions rooted in a free-market approach (you can view the report here). The great thing about the Make America Healthy Again movement is that it highlights an issue that unites people across the political spectrum—showing that, while their solutions may differ, there’s broad recognition of the urgent need to address these challenges.
Texas Legislature
As of Friday, January 24th, 2,092 House Bills and 929 Senate Bills have been filed this session. Among these, I’ve flagged 163 bills as directly relevant to the goals of Make Texans Healthy Again. Some are promising, some concerning, and others neutral, but each could play a role in shaping Texas' health and well-being. Below are a few of the proposals on the table:
Prescription Transparency: Senator Kolkhorst is fighting to prohibit health plan issuers and Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) from preventing pharmacists from disclosing the difference between an enrollee's out-of-pocket cost under their plan and the cost without submitting a claim, ensuring patients can make more informed decisions about their medications. This bill exposes how these practices contribute to rising costs, empowering patients with better information and reducing the impact of profit-driven middlemen on Texans’ access to affordable medications. (View here)
Nutrition Education for Doctors: Representative Oliverson is advocating for mandatory nutrition education in Texas medical schools. This forward-thinking proposal highlights diet’s critical role in preventing chronic disease and improving patient outcomes. (View here)
Supporting Small Food Producers: Senator Kolkhorst and Representative Goodwin are working to expand Texas’ cottage food laws to help small, home-based food businesses grow. Currently, cottage food producers can sell certain homemade, low-risk foods like baked goods and jams, but the rules are restrictive. The proposed legislation would allow more types of foods, including refrigerated baked goods, increase the annual sales cap, and open up more venues, such as farmers markets. These changes are not just good for small businesses but also for Texans looking for healthier options, as cottage food producers often use simple, whole ingredients without the preservatives and additives found in mass-produced items. By cutting red tape and supporting local food producers, this bill would improve access to fresh, minimally processed foods while boosting entrepreneurship and local economies. (View here)
Improving Nutrition in SNAP: Senator Middleton has introduced legislation to prevent tax dollars from subsidizing unhealthy food purchases through nutrition assistance programs (SNAP), aiming to encourage healthier purchasing decisions within our most vulnerable communities. (View here)
Improving Nutrition at School: Senator Hughes and Representative Harris-Davilla are working to prevent harmful food additives—like brominated vegetable oil and red dye 3—from being included in free or reduced-price meals provided by school districts. It’s a common-sense measure to ensure taxpayer dollars are used to nourish children, not expose them to substances linked to health risks.
Off-Label Medication Access Legislation: Several bills introduced this session focus on protecting and expanding the use of FDA-approved medications for off-label purposes. These proposals aim to ensure patients and physicians have the freedom to explore evidence-based treatments that may fall outside the FDA’s initial approval parameters. For example, legislation like the "Right to Treat Act" prohibits state officials from restricting physicians from prescribing or administering drugs for off-label use, provided the treatment meets the medical standard of care. Another bill seeks to safeguard physicians’ licenses against adverse actions solely for prescribing off-label treatments. Additionally, a related proposal would prohibit pharmacists from substituting their personal judgment for that of the prescribing physician, specifically ensuring that off-label use is not a valid reason to refuse dispensing a prescription. Collectively, these measures seek to empower doctors, protect patient access to innovative treatments, and remove unnecessary barriers to care.
Vaccine-Related Legislation: This session has seen the introduction of numerous bills focused on vaccine policies, reflecting a wide range of priorities and concerns. Proposals include limiting government and institutional authority over vaccine mandates, such as requiring health care facilities and employers to honor exemptions based on religious or personal beliefs. Other bills address transparency and accountability, like mandating that adverse vaccine reactions be reported to federal systems and ensuring informed consent prior to vaccine administration. Additionally, legislation seeks to streamline processes for obtaining vaccine exemption forms while enhancing privacy protections for those requesting exemptions.
As we dive into this legislative session, I’m committed to keeping you informed and engaged in the fight to Make Texans Healthy Again. Whether it’s through sharing updates on impactful bills, talking to legislators and staff, hosting opportunities to connect, or preparing for advocacy day on March 4th, we’re building momentum together.
Your passion and involvement are what make this movement strong, and I look forward to seeing you on our call as we continue working toward a healthier Texas for all. Let’s make an impact—together!
-Travis
Lone Star Standard: Time to Make Texans Healthy Again
VIEW OP-ED HERE or below:
When you hear the word “crisis,” your mind probably goes to national security concerns. But there’s a quieter, insidious crisis looming—and it’s threatening the future of Texas: the health of our people. Chronic disease, preventable illnesses, and poor nutrition are claiming lives, driving up costs, and preventing individuals from living up to their full potential.
The statistics are staggering. Chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes account for 90% of the $4.1 trillion in annual healthcare costs nationwide (1). Obesity rates have skyrocketed from 14.5% in 1971 to over 42% today (2). In Texas alone, healthcare spending has ballooned to unsustainable levels, with total Medicaid spending growing by just over 300 percent from 2002 to 2022 (3)—a trend that shows no signs of slowing.
The system wasn’t built to handle this. We excel in acute care but when it comes to long-term prevention and chronic disease management, we’re failing. And Texans are paying the price with their health, their wallets, and their futures.
This isn’t just a policy issue for me; it’s personal. My family has experienced the toll of a reactive healthcare system. Just two years ago, my father’s life was cut short by a late-diagnosed illness. My mother suffered a debilitating stroke in 2012 at just 49, leaving her with lifelong disabilities and countless subsequent hospitalizations. To this day, she cannot drive and relies on countless medications to manage her conditions.
My wife and I also endured the pain of multiple miscarriages. It was only when she sought functional medical care and addressed underlying issues that we were finally able to welcome our healthy daughter into the world.
My own health journey further underscored this truth. At 27, I weighed over 260 pounds, constantly fatigued and trapped in a cycle of brain fog and depression. In 2017, I made a commitment to change. Through exercise and incremental improvements to my diet and lifestyle, I lost 80 pounds and have kept it off ever since. The transformation was more than physical—it was mental and emotional. For the first time, I felt clear-headed, energized, and capable of living up to my potential.
The difference was so profound that I can only describe it as going from living in a black-and-white box to a full-color, widescreen world. That’s the opportunity I want to give every Texan.
I recently founded Make Texans Healthy Again (MTHA) to address the health crisis in our state. This non-partisan initiative is dedicated to empowering Texans with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to take control of their health.
We’re starting small, but we’re ambitious. This legislative session, we’ll analyze and support bills that align with our mission—promoting preventative care, better nutrition, and holistic wellness. We’ll also build relationships with legislators, stakeholders, and health advocates to lay the groundwork for long-term change in future sessions.
We’re not just about policy. During COVID, I saw firsthand how powerful community action can be. When gyms closed, I hosted daily workouts in my driveway and garage. At its peak, 10-15 people would gather—not just to exercise but to connect, support one another, and share ideas about improving health and well-being. That’s the kind of grassroots movement I want to cultivate statewide, both in local communities and at the Capitol.
Here’s where you come in. I’m not a doctor or a nutritionist, and I don’t claim to have all the answers. What I do have is a deep passion for this cause, backed by years of experience in government relations, communications, and grassroots organizing. I’ve spent my career building coalitions and finding solutions, and now I’m ready to apply that expertise to tackle this critical issue. But I can’t do it alone.
We need your voice, your story, and your support. Whether you’re a parent concerned about your child’s future, a professional with expertise to share, or just someone fed up with the status quo, there’s a role for you in this fight. Together, we can advocate for smarter policies, build healthier communities, and give every Texan the opportunity to thrive.
Visit MakeTexansHealthyAgain.com to learn more, get involved, and help us turn the tide. This is our moment to step up, take action, and ensure a brighter, healthier future for the Lone Star State.
Sources
Press Release: MTHA Launches
Make Texans Healthy Again officially launched today, aiming to educate and empower Texans to take control of their health by educating and advocating for state-level policies prioritizing personal freedom, preventative care, and holistic wellness.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 16, 2024
MAKE TEXANS HEALTHY AGAIN LAUNCHES AHEAD OF LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Austin, TX -A powerful new movement has taken shape to address the growing crisis of chronic disease, poor nutrition, and preventable health challenges in Texas. Make Texans Healthy Again (MTHA) officially launched today, aiming to educate and empower Texans to take control of their health by educating and advocating for state-level policies prioritizing personal freedom, preventative care, and holistic wellness.
“We love our doctors, nurses, and frontline healthcare professionals—they’re the best in the world at handling acute care like injuries, illnesses, and life-saving procedures,” said MTHA Founder Travis McCormick. “But with a growing shortage of primary care providers, our already stretched system isn’t built to prevent chronic disease. Our goal is simple: make Texans healthier so they rely less on the system, reducing costs, and easing the burden on providers.”
MTHA draws inspiration from the national Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, championed by prominent voices like Calley and Casey Means and Department of Health and Human Services Secretary nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. In Texas, the urgency of this mission has been underscored by recent legislative attention, including a Senate Committee on Health and Human Services hearing examining the connection between poor nutrition and chronic disease. With bipartisan momentum building, growing public demand for health freedom, and a healthcare system stretched to its limits, now is the time to act in the Lone Star State.
“This mission is deeply personal to me. My father’s life was cut short by a late-detected illness, and my mother has lived with severe disabilities since her stroke at 49,” continued McCormick. “At 27, I faced my own health crisis: overweight, fatigued, and trapped in a cycle of brain fog and depression. By focusing on movement and cutting out processed foods, I lost over 80 pounds and transformed my health. For the first time, I felt clear-headed, energized, and capable of living up to my potential. Every Texan deserves that chance, and that’s what this movement is about.”
The statistics are startling:
Obesity: Over the last 50 years, obesity rates have increased from 14.5% (1971) to 42.8% (2018).
Diabetes Epidemic: Diagnosed diabetes cases have increased from 1.6 million in 1958 to over 37 million in 2022, with 96 million more Americans estimated to have pre-diabetes.
Dementia: Between 2000 and 2021, the number of deaths from Alzheimer’s disease in the U.S. more than doubled, increasing 141%. The number diagnosed with dementia increased 373% among 30- to 44-year-olds, 311% among 45- to 54-year-olds and 143% among 55- to 64-year-olds from 2013 to 2017.
Depression: Antidepressant use among U.S. adults has seen a staggering rise over the past three decades, increasing from approximately 2.5% in the early 1990s to 13.2% by 2018—a more than fivefold increase. Between 2011 and 2021, the percentage of high school students reporting persistent sadness or hopelessness rose from 28% to 42%, with those seriously considering suicide increasing from 16% to 22%.
Autism: Autism has increased dramatically over the past two decades. In 2000, approximately 1 in 150 children were diagnosed with ASD; by 2020, this number had risen to 1 in 36.
Infertility & Miscarriages: The total fertility rate in the United States has dropped from 3.7 births per woman in 1960 to just 1.6 in 2020, sperm counts dropped by 1.2% per year from 1973 to 2000, accelerating to 2.6% per year from 2000 to 2018, and the rate of reported miscarriages has increased 1% a year since 1970.
Military Readiness: A 2020 Pentagon Qualified Military Available Study revealed that 77% of Americans are ineligible for military service, with 60% of males aged 17 to 24 failing to meet medical fitness standards, according to the U.S. Office of People Analytics.
Make Texans Healthy Again is dedicated to addressing these alarming trends by promoting policies that prioritize preventative care, proper nutrition, medical freedom and flexibility, and holistic health practices to reduce the burden of chronic disease. In a state facing a growing physician shortage, preventative care and healthier communities are essential to ensuring the system can meet future demands.
“I’m not an expert and I don’t have all the answers, but I am passionate about leveraging my government relations experience to make tangible differences for my fellow Texans,” continued McCormick. “If you are passionate about this as well, I invite you to join me and together we can ensure better health outcomes for the next generation!”
Make Texans Healthy Again is calling on Texans from all walks of life to join the movement. Whether you have policy expertise, a personal story to share, a willingness to testify or meet with legislators, or a desire to volunteer, there’s a role for you. We’re also seeking dedicated board members and financial supporters to help drive this mission forward. Together, we can create a healthier, stronger future for Texas.
For more information about Make Texans Healthy Again or to get involved, visit MakeTexansHealthyAgain.com.
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