New York Families Threatened as Trump Administration Slashes Billions in State Health Funds
Canceled Grants Will Harm Infectious Disease Tracking Amid Multiple Ongoing Measles Outbreaks
NEW YORK — Last week, the Department of Health and Human Services announced the cancellation of over $12 billion in federal grants to state health services across the country, including over $400 million to New York. These grants, initially authorized by Congress during the COVID-19 pandemic, have since been turned to other essential health services, including addiction treatment, mental health services, and infectious disease tracking amid multiple ongoing measles outbreaks.
These cuts are part of a sustained effort by the Trump Administration, Elon Musk’s DOGE, and congressional Republicans to slash federal programs and services in order to pay for massive tax breaks for corporations and the wealthy.
“To claim that funding infectious diseases tracking during a deadly measles outbreak is a waste of taxpayer funds is either a sign of deep callousness or that this administration truly has no idea what they’re doing. My best guess is a bit of both,” said Maria Martinez, Executive Director of Empire State Voices. “Defunding these critical health programs directly threatens the safety of millions of New Yorkers, putting them and their families in harm’s way. If Congressman Lawler cares even one bit about the wellbeing of his constituents, he needs to immediately stand up and speak out about this reckless cancellation of lifesaving funds.”
To learn more about Empire State Voices, please reach out to press@empirestatevoices.org
###
About Empire State Voices
Empire State Voices (ESV) is a multi-year campaign dedicated to amplifying the voices of everyday working New Yorkers. ESV is fighting for economic policies that make life more affordable for constituents and holding members of Congress across the state accountable when they fail to do the same.
