Judge grants TRO blocking federal government from cutting public health funding to the state

A temporary restraining order (TRO) blocking the federal Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) directive to cut about $38 million in public health funding to Minnesota was granted Thursday.

The TRO is part of a lawsuit filed by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and attorneys general from California, Colorado and Illinois.

The lawsuit alleges the federal government is clawing back around $42 million in grants already awarded to Minnesota as part of a “campaign of revenge and retribution.”

AG Ellison said in a statement, “I’m pleased to have won a temporary stop to the Trump administration’s unlawful attempt to slash millions in public health funding to Minnesota. It should go without saying, but the president is supposed to represent and serve all Americans, and it is unspeakably tragic that President Trump has instead decided to deliberately inflict pain and suffering on Minnesotans. As long as President Trump’s campaign of revenge and retribution goes on, I will do everything in my power to protect the people of Minnesota from his lawless actions.”

Minnesota public health officials spoke out against the cuts Thursday, with Minnesota Commissioner of Health Dr. Brooke Cunningham saying, “There is simply no need or valid justification for these targeted cuts that put Minnesotans at risk. These cuts by the federal government, and other cuts to public health funding over the past year, highlight a total disregard for promoting health and wellbeing. The ongoing cuts create an environment of chaos and confusion for communities. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ actions directly contradict their claims that they are working to make Americans healthier. They are making us less healthy, less safe and less prepared to respond to emergencies.”
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