KEY POINTS
- California, Colorado, Illinois and Minnesota sued to block $600 million in federal health grants.
- The lawsuit claims the cuts are politically driven and harm essential health programs.
- Cuts affect disease monitoring, outbreak response and HIV prevention funding.
Four Democratic-led states filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration to halt planned cuts to public health funding.
California, Colorado, Illinois and Minnesota lodged the complaint in a Chicago federal court on Wednesday. The suit targets a decision to withdraw about $600 million in grants for public health programs.
State officials argue the funding supports essential services such as disease monitoring and outbreak response. They say the cuts are politically motivated, not driven by public health needs.
The lawsuit claims the cuts are tied to broader disputes over federal immigration enforcement. Funding at risk is administered through the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
That funding helps states track health threats and respond to emergencies. Programs targeted include those for HIV prevention and disease surveillance.
State attorneys general argue the cuts undermine core public health infrastructure. The complaint seeks a court order blocking the cuts from taking effect.
It says the termination of funds violates federal law and harms citizens. The Department of Health and Human Services, which notified Congress of the cuts, has defended the move.
HHS officials say the funding no longer aligns with updated agency priorities. They argue shifting funds reflects changing public health strategies. The states reject that rationale, calling the cuts retaliatory.
Legal experts note similar federal funding disputes have reached the courts before.
Last month a judge stopped the Trump administration from freezing over $10 billion in social service funds for other states. That decision related to child care, family assistance and other programs.
The current case focuses specifically on health grants. State officials say cutting disease prevention programs could heighten public health risks.
Community health advocates echoed concerns about gaps in outbreak readiness. The lawsuit contends that federal power cannot be used to coerce political compliance.
California’s attorney general characterized the cuts as an unlawful attempt to leverage funding. Lawyers for the states are seeking injunctive relief to preserve the grants.
A judge has not yet ruled on a request to block the funding rescission. The case adds to ongoing legal battles over federal funding and state rights.
