Attorney General Jeff Jackson of North Carolina initiated legal action in response to the alleged unlawful removal of $230 million in federal health funding allocated to the state. Jackson emphasized his role in protecting the health care of North Carolina residents and criticized the federal decision to rescind the funds, which were designated by Congress.
“My job is to be a shield for the people of North Carolina – and that includes protecting their health care. The federal government can’t just cancel nearly a quarter billion dollars that have already been congressionally allocated to our state. It’s unlawful – and dangerous. That money supports rural hospitals, health care workers, emergency services, and public health programs that protect seniors and families across North Carolina,” Jackson stated, highlighting the potential risks of withdrawing funds without legal authority.
The cuts are expected to cause significant disruption to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, as well as local health departments and community organizations. These agencies might face challenges in maintaining public health services and staffing, potentially affecting access to health care for residents.
The lawsuit is a collective effort involving multiple state Attorneys General from California, Colorado, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and Wisconsin. Additionally, the governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania have joined the litigation.
“My job is to be a shield for the people of North Carolina – and that includes protecting their health care,” reiterated Jackson. “There are legal ways to improve how tax dollars are used, but this wasn’t one of them. Immediately halting critical health care programs across the state without legal authority isn’t just wrong – it puts lives at risk. That’s why we’re going to court.”
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