Attorney General Aaron D. Ford has joined a coalition of 23 states and the District of Columbia in filing a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and its Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. The legal action challenges the abrupt termination of nearly $12 billion in public health grants to states.
Ford stated, “The Trump administration has illegally cut funding that jeopardizes approximately $35 million in public health services for Nevadans.” He expressed confidence in prevailing in court to halt what he described as an unlawful decision.
The grant terminations have already affected Nevada’s public health infrastructure. According to reports, the state’s Division of Public and Behavioral Health has cut 25 positions funded by these grants, impacting programs like the Nevada State Immunization Program and the Office of State Epidemiology. Layoffs have also occurred at other institutions including three employees at the Central Nevada Health District and twenty at the UNLV School of Public Health.
The cuts come amid rising concerns over emerging disease threats such as measles and bird flu. Congress had authorized increased funding for these grants through COVID-19-related legislation to address critical public health needs.
Secretary Kennedy’s HHS agencies terminated these grants on March 24, citing that they were no longer necessary since “the pandemic is over.” However, AG Ford argues that this reasoning lacks legal authority or explanation.
The lawsuit filed in Rhode Island asserts that ending the pandemic does not constitute a valid reason for terminating these funds under federal law. The coalition seeks a temporary restraining order to invalidate HHS’ actions, arguing they violate the Administrative Procedure Act.
Leading this legal effort alongside AG Ford are Attorneys General Phil Weiser (Colorado), Rob Bonta (California), Keith Ellison (Minnesota), Peter Neronha (Rhode Island), Nick Brown (Washington), among others from various states and territories including Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon and Wisconsin. Additionally involved are governors from Kentucky and Pennsylvania.
