Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear joined 22 other states in filing a lawsuit against the federal government over its decision to cut public health funds.

According to a lawsuit filed Tuesday, March 25 in Rhode Island, federal health officials announced they plan to cut $11.4 billion in COVID-19-related funds.

The coalition of 23 Democratic-led states, now including Kentucky, is seeking immediate legal intervention to halt the funding cuts, saying such actions could cause “serious harm” to public health infrastructure and preparedness for future health crises, according to the lawsuit.

According to The Associated Press, the rescinded funds were initially designated for COVID-19 testing, vaccination efforts and other public health initiatives. 

The Trump administration’s decision to pull back these funds has raised concerns about potential disruptions to essential health services and job losses among healthcare workers, according to the lawsuit.

“These funds were appropriated in a law passed by Congress. The President cannot say he just isn’t going to do it,” Beshear said in a statement to the Herald-Leader. “At a time when we are seeing measles outbreaks — and at a time we are worried about bird flu — this is an investment in our health care system that our Kentucky families cannot afford to lose.”