Federal Judge Says She Will Temporarily Block Billions in Health Funding Cuts to States

A federal judge has temporarily blocked a plan to cut $11 billion in federal health funding, a move that would have significantly impacted COVID-19 initiatives, mental health and substance use programs, and core public health services. The ruling came in response to a lawsuit from 23 states and D.C., which argued the cuts would devastate the nation’s public health infrastructure and leave states vulnerable to future disease outbreaks.

The funding at stake supports immunizations, long-term care, and workforce retention—critical components of pandemic preparedness and public well-being. This temporary order allows public health departments to continue essential services while the case proceeds. Read more from AP here.