Kentucky Mass Moral Monday prayer protest

FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Kentuckians gathered at the state Capitol on Monday to urge federal lawmakers to extend health care subsidies and to call on state legislators to protect vulnerable communities.

The demonstration was part of the nationwide “Moral Mondays” movement, which held coordinated actions in 16 states.

A pastor participating in the protest said the event highlighted how people in the community continue to support one another amid mounting economic and health challenges.

Organizers in Kentucky described Monday’s gathering as both a mourning for lives lost due to cuts in health care and a stand against what they called ongoing attacks on vulnerable populations.