Texas, Ohio, Tennessee, Missouri Sue Over Health Program Funding Cuts
Editorial StaffThe Facts -
- Municipalities sue HHS over pandemic grant cuts, citing unconstitutionality.
- Funding cuts jeopardize health programs, risking public safety and services.
- Local governments seek to restore essential health funding against federal actions.
Municipalities Take Legal Action Over Budget Cuts Affecting Public Health
Washington, D.C. - In a significant legal move, major municipalities including Harris County, Texas; Columbus, Ohio; Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee; and Kansas City, Missouri, along with public service employees under the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), have initiated a lawsuit to combat budget cuts at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). These reductions threaten crucial grants that are vital for infectious disease prevention and pandemic response.
"The pandemic exposed just how urgently we need strong public health systems," stated AFSCME President Lee Saunders. He emphasized that the withholding of funds earmarked for local health departments threatens public health efforts, stating, "These actions threaten their ability to tackle threats like the flu and measles and jeopardize public health." Saunders articulated that the funding is essential and belongs to the communities, not to benefit "the ultra-rich."
Harris County Attorney, Christian Menefee, noted that the funds are crucial for public health services, adding, “The Trump administration doesn’t get to override Congress just because it wants to score political points." The funds were designated for disease detection, vaccination clinics, and maintaining public health during outbreaks.
Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein described the administration's decision as "both dangerous and unconstitutional," citing the need for cities to actively oppose such measures to protect public health. Klein emphasized the necessity of releasing funds as mandated by Congress, to allow health departments to operate effectively.
Metro Nashville's Director of Law, Wally Dietz, highlighted the immediate impact due to the termination of health programs, resulting in layoffs and eliminating vital services like childhood vaccinations. The disruption has halted initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable populations.
On March 24, 2025, President Trump and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. terminated federal grants earmarked for COVID-19 related programs under the Centers for Disease Control, valued at over $11 billion. The funds support municipalities in managing infectious diseases, ensuring immunizations, and preparing for pandemics.
"Cancelling programs that seek to prevent the spread of infectious diseases – in the middle of active pandemics – is not just unconstitutional, it is unconscionable," said Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward. The organization is collaborating with the Public Rights Project to represent the municipalities aiming to preserve public health initiatives.
Jill Habig, founder and CEO of the Public Rights Project, pointed out that the grants were essential investments in public health, extending beyond the initial pandemic response. The loss of these funds creates significant challenges for maintaining community health.
Despite the Trump administration's justification of ending grants due to the conclusion of the COVID-19 pandemic, the affected programs also address other ongoing outbreaks, such as avian flu and measles, which are currently posing threats across various American communities.
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