Cuts to public health infrastructure threaten public safety

Deep cuts to state and local public health departments are eliminating the workers who inspect restaurants, monitor wastewater for new and harmful germs, and respond to outbreaks before they expand, making individuals and communities less safe. The administration pulled $11 billion in direct federal funding from public health agencies because the pandemic is over and eliminated 20,000 jobs at national health agencies that assist and support local public health work. It is proposing billions more in cuts. Prevention work results in long-term cost savings, but people often do not realize how it extends their lives ─ making it easier to underfund until emergencies occur, note public health officials. (The Associated Press article, 6/2/25)