Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Health Funding topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
York Bureau of Health warns of possible loss of federal pandemic-era funds; court hearing set
Summary
York City’s Bureau of Health told council it is monitoring a federal termination of supplemental COVID-era grants and a restraining order issued April 3; the department said it is planning contingencies and working with the state.
Monica Krueger of the York City Bureau of Health told City Council that a federal decision to terminate certain supplemental grants awarded in response to the COVID-19 pandemic has put local public-health funding at risk and that a court hearing is scheduled the following day.
“Tomorrow, there is a hearing regarding all of this,” Krueger said during public comment. She said Governor Josh Shapiro joined 22 other states in challenging the federal action and that on April 3 a judge granted a temporary restraining order that, for now, prevents the termination of the funds. Krueger said the department “remain[s] hopeful that the funds…will continue.”
Krueger said the grants had supported both pandemic response and investments in public-health infrastructure and technology used by the York City Bureau of Health. She told council staff are preparing contingency plans in case the funding is cut and that the department is coordinating with the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
“We are doing everything we can to anticipate if those funds don't come forward or are cut off, what will we do?” she said. “I at least bring this to your attention so that you're aware of it.”
Krueger did not specify which federal grant programs would be affected or the dollar amounts at risk; she said some funds were “promised” but not yet allocated. She pledged to keep council informed and said the outcome of the court proceeding will determine next steps for the department’s operations and local public-health services.
