A coalition of 23 states has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, opposing the decision to rescind $11 billion in federal funds designated for COVID-19 initiatives and public health projects. The lawsuit contends that these cuts are unlawful and jeopardize public health nationwide.
The suit was filed in federal court in Rhode Island by attorneys general and officials from states including New York, Colorado, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania, along with the District of Columbia. They argue that the federal government lacked a “rational basis” for the cuts and failed to provide supporting evidence. The plaintiffs assert that these actions will cause “serious harm to public health” and increase vulnerability to future pandemics and preventable diseases.
The contested funds were allocated by Congress during the pandemic to support efforts such as COVID-19 testing, vaccination programs, addiction treatment, and mental health services. New York Attorney General Letitia James emphasized the potential negative impact, stating that reducing this funding could reverse progress on the opioid crisis, disrupt mental health systems, and burden hospitals.
The U.S. Health and Human Services Department (HHS) began issuing dismissal notices to employees, with expectations of up to 10,000 layoffs. HHS has refrained from commenting on ongoing litigation but previously stated that it aims to avoid “wasting billions of taxpayer dollars responding to a nonexistent pandemic that Americans moved on from years ago.”
State health departments are assessing the ramifications of the funding cuts. For instance, the Minnesota Department of Health issued layoff notices to 170 employees funded by terminated federal grants and warned that approximately 300 additional positions are at risk. California faces a potential loss of nearly $1 billion, affecting programs related to substance use disorder prevention, vaccination efforts, and bird flu prevention.
North Carolina anticipates a $230 million reduction, impacting local health departments, hospital systems, universities, and rural health centers. State health officials estimate that at least 80 government jobs and numerous contractor positions would be affected. North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson criticized the cuts, stating that halting critical healthcare programs without legal authority endangers lives.
This legal action underscores the tension between state governments and the federal administration regarding public health funding and highlights the ongoing debate over the appropriate allocation of resources in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
