The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is facing legal action after it terminated nearly $12 billion in public health grants to states without prior notice. A coalition of 23 state attorneys general, spearheaded by Attorney General Kris Mayes, filed a lawsuit against HHS and its Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., over the decision.
The grant cuts have impacted various state agencies that depend on the funds for managing infectious diseases, enhancing emergency preparedness, providing mental health services, and improving public health infrastructure. Attorney General Mayes described the funding slash as "reckless and illegal," criticizing the Trump administration for endangering Arizona's health system and causing potential job losses.
Arizona is particularly hit, facing a loss of over $239 million. This loss affects numerous healthcare initiatives, including employee training, tribal health services, disease surveillance improvements, and vaccination programs, among others. Mayes highlighted the imminent risk posed to essential vaccination efforts by reduced funding, which could lead to more severe disease outbreaks.
"The HHS cuts threaten the urgent public health needs of states around the country," Mayes warned, stressing the danger of increased disease threats like measles and bird flu. She argued that without the grants, more residents are at risk of disease during future outbreaks or pandemics.
The terminated grants were initially authorized and increased through COVID-19 legislation addressing public health needs. Despite this, HHS terminated the grants on March 24, citing the pandemic's end as justification. The lawsuit insists this justification is unfounded, as the pandemic's conclusion does not legally support grant termination.
The attorneys general, led by Mayes, are pursuing a temporary restraining order to void the terminations, arguing they breach the Administrative Procedure Act. Co-leading the litigation alongside Mayes are attorneys general from Colorado, California, Minnesota, Rhode Island, and Washington, among others.