Austin’s public health officials are sounding the alarm over severe repercussions stemming from substantial federal funding cuts, which have resulted in a $22 million budget deficit for Austin Public Health (APH). The recent cuts, part of a larger trend in federal public health funding reductions nationwide, have led to program closures and job losses, with additional cuts anticipated shortly.
“Programs are being shut down, colleagues are facing job losses, and over time, our community members may fall ill and potentially lose their lives,” stated Ashlee Kraus, a board member of Austin Public Health.
In a significant development, the Big Cities Health Coalition has revealed that nationwide public health funding has been reduced by a staggering $12 billion in 2025. Protesters gathered outside Austin City Hall, vocally expressing their demands for action from city leaders with chants of “Save public services.”…