"It has come to my attention, that at the request of Sen. Ray Jones (D-Pikeville), Attorney General Greg Stumbo will initiate an investigation of the bidding process used to award state health insurance contracts for teachers and state employees, and the assumed role that Mark Birdwhistell, Undersecretary of Health for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services played in the negotiations.

I am disappointed that Mark's character and reputation are being unjustly questioned for an investigation that certainly appears to be driven by political motive rather than based in fact. The citizens of the Kentucky are fortunate to have someone of Mark's character, integrity and ability serving them.

Unfortunately, this type of partisan tactic serves only to divide and further politicize the ongoing efforts of this administration to find solutions to the critical issue of health insurance for state employees and teachers across the Commonwealth – a problem that previous administrations have ignored."

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