California Attorney General Bonta announced that a temporary restraining order has been issued by the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island, restoring $11 billion in public health funding to state and local agencies nationwide. California will receive $972 million of this funding. The temporary order was secured two days after the 9th lawsuit against the Trump Administration was filed by Bonta.
"Two days after filing our 9th lawsuit against the Trump Administration, we have secured a temporary order that restores public health funding and ensures communities nationwide are prepared for public health threats," said Attorney General Bonta. "As our lawsuit continues, we remain steadfast in our commitment to ensure state and local health agencies have what they need to keep Americans healthy and safe."
The termination of funding by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, without any prior notice, began on March 24, 2025. The funding supported vital public health needs such as handling infectious diseases, ensuring access to immunizations, and modernizing infrastructure. The funding, initially appropriated by Congress, was intended to keep the nation ready for future health threats.
Attorney General Bonta has co-led a coalition of 23 states and the District of Columbia in a lawsuit against the Trump Administration’s Department of Health and Human Services and its Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., due to the termination of public health funding. The court's decision to grant the temporary restraining order temporarily reinstates programs for Californians, particularly benefiting children, rural areas, and nursing homes.
Funding restored includes over $800 million for the California Department of Public Health, aiming to vaccinate 4.5 million children and assist hospitals during emergencies. Additionally, $119 million is reinstated to the California Department of Health Care Services to support programs addressing substance use disorders and services for youth. Meanwhile, $45 million is to enhance the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health's capacity to combat measles and influenza.
A copy of the order will soon be available.