ELLY GRIMM
• Leader & Times
There have been multiple negative effects in terms of funding due to decisions made at the federal level, and some of those effects have reached Kansas.
Last Thursday, Gov. Laura Kelly announced the Trump Administration’s abrupt unilateral termination of more than $33 million in health care and mental health service grants has forced the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) to abolish 56 positions in vital health posts, leaving communities without access to critical services. This marks the first large-scale state employment dismissal initiated by the Trump administration’s cuts to congressionally authorized funds, according to a release from the State of Kansas.
“On Tuesday, March 25, the Trump Administration notified KDHE and the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) that six of the grants they administer were immediately terminated as of the previous day, Monday, March 24,” the State of Kansas release noted. “The mission of the grants and employees paid through that funding was to strengthen the state’s epidemiology and laboratory work, monitor and respond to disease outbreak, administer critical programs that provide vaccines for children, and address health disparities for underserved communities and rural Kansans. These actions also eliminated $7.4 million in funding that goes directly to local non-profits in Kansas. “
After receiving notification of the grants being terminated, Gov. Kelly called upon Attorney General Kobach to bring a case on behalf of Kansas to fight back against federal cuts to vital state health services, which he declined, the State of Kansas release noted.
“The Trump Administration’s abrupt and unilateral funding cuts will have severe and immediate consequences for the health, safety, and quality of life of Kansans across the state, especially in rural areas,” Gov. Kelly noted in the State of Kansas release. “These cuts come when Kansas is in the midst of fighting two outbreaks – tuberculosis and measles – and has no additional resources to continue this work.”
The governor is committed to pushing back against such harmful actions that impact Kansans and has directed the Department of Administration to take proactive steps to provide resources to those affected by the separations, including rapid response, outplacement services, and mental health assistance.
The Kelly Administration will continue to monitor federal actions taken and inform employees, partners, and stakeholders of any relevant developments in a timely manner.
