APRIL 25, 2025:

Kansas City has joined a coalition of four local governments and a labor union representing state and local government workers in filing a federal lawsuit challenging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) unlawful decision to terminate critical public health programs funded by Congress. The lawsuit, led by Harris County Attorney Christian Menafee, seeks to restore federal grant programs supporting vaccinations, disease tracking, and public health staffing. Though funded through pandemic-related legislation, Congress never tied these programs to the public health emergency declaration and explicitly preserved them in 2023.

"At a time when measles threatens our young people and Kansas Citians in need of lifesaving cures see federal research funding slashed, I believe it's important that we as cities and people stand up for common sense and public health in the courts,” said Mayor Lucas. “I am proud to join other mayors and cities who will continue working to save lives in Kansas City and around our country while the federal government plays politics."

The Kansas City Public Health Department is unable to proceed with plans for an infectious disease testing laboratory despite having already invested in staff training and certification. Community health worker programs in underserved neighborhoods also face closure.

HHS terminated these grant programs in March, citing the end of the federal public health emergency, despite Congress never placing that condition on the funds. A separate lawsuit by 17 states temporarily blocked the cuts, but only for those states, leaving Kansas City residents vulnerable.

“This funding was never meant to be temporary—it was a critical investment in our country’s ability to respond to current and future health threats,” said Dr. Marvia Jones, Director of the Kansas City Health Department. Cutting these programs now is not just shortsighted, it’s dangerous. Kansas City is standing up because our residents deserve consistent, reliable public health protections—not uncertainty driven by bureaucratic decisions that ignore Congressional intent.”

The case, Harris County et. al v. HHS et. al., was filed in the District Court for the District of Columbia.