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KC Joins Suit; Challenges HHS ‘Unlawful’ Cuts to Public Health Programs

Kansas City, Missouri joins lawsuit against U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Photo credit: Will Crow.

Posted April 30, 2025

Kansas City has joined a coalition filing a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for “unlawful” funding cuts to programs.

The lawsuit, led by Harris County Attorney Christian Menafee, seeks to restore federal grant programs supporting vaccinations, disease tracking, and public health staffing, according to a City of Kansas City, Missouri statement.

The case was filed in the District Court for the District of Columbia.

Other plaintiffs in the suit consist of Harris County, Texas; Columbus, Ohio; Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee; and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO, a labor union representing state and local government workers.

As a result of the HHS’s decision in March 2025 to cut Congress-funded public health programs, 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.

“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,” Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said. “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.”

View the lawsuit here.