New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill Joins Governors Public Health Alliance
The Governors Public Health Alliance (PHA), a nonpartisan coalition of governors working together to protect public health across state lines, today announced that New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has joined its ranks.
Governor Sherrill’s participation maintains New Jersey’s critical involvement in PHA’s cross-state collaboration at a moment when governors are increasingly stepping up to safeguard public health amid federal uncertainty and evolving health challenges.
“Public health challenges don’t stop at state lines — and neither should our response, especially as RFK, Jr. and the Trump administration spread misinformation and put our communities in danger,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill. “I’m proud to join the Governors Public Health Alliance to strengthen coordination across states so New Jersey can respond faster to emerging issues, share critical information, and build systems that keep our communities healthier, safer, and ready for what’s ahead.”
“Governor Sherrill’s decision to join the Governors Public Health Alliance in her first 100 days in office reflects a clear commitment to protecting public health,” said Angela Botticella, Managing Director of the Governors Public Health Alliance. “New Jersey has long been a leader on public health, and Governor Sherrill’s participation strengthens the PHA’s ability to coordinate across states to protect families, support clinicians, and respond effectively to emerging health threats, especially looking ahead to major events like the FIFA World Cup games.”
PHA launched in October 2025 with 15 governors from across the country, including then-New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. The alliance represents more than one-third of the U.S. population and provides a forum for governors and their teams to share best practices, engage public health experts, and strengthen coordination on issues such as disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, vaccine access, and public health communication.
The Governors Public Health Alliance continues to grow as governors look for durable, science-driven ways to collaborate across states and safeguard public health amid ongoing federal uncertainty and changes, including the U.S.’s withdrawal from the World Health Organization. Following the WHO withdrawal, PHA announced that it is coordinating with Boston University’s Center on Emerging Infectious Diseases to utilize information from BEACON — the Biothreats Emergence, Analysis, and Communications Network — to track disease, share vital information, and collaborate on solutions for community protection and preparedness.
In recent months, the Governors Public Health Alliance also provided a vaccine access toolkit to help governors navigate the shifting federal landscape on vaccine access, sharing model actions governors could take — and 28 states now have. PHA also recently called on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to reverse its recent decision to remove childhood immunization measures from the Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Core Sets and applauded the recent childhood immunization recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics following changes to federal guidance.
PHA is an initiative of GovAct, a nonprofit nonpartisan organization that helps governors work across state lines to champion fundamental freedoms and improve people’s lives.
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About the Governors Public Health Alliance
The Governors Public Health Alliance (PHA) is a nonpartisan coalition of governors working together to strengthen public health systems, protect access to evidence-based care, and coordinate responses to health threats across state lines. Supported by GovAct, the Alliance brings together governors and senior state officials to reinforce scientific integrity and ensure communities receive clear, credible health information. To learn more, visit www.govsforhealth.org.
About GovAct
Governors Action Alliance (GovAct) is a nonprofit nonpartisan initiative that helps governors work across state lines to champion fundamental freedoms and improve people’s lives. GovAct serves as a centralized platform for collaboration across governors’ offices—incubating, launching, and supporting alliances of governors. To learn more, visit www.GovActAlliance.org.
Governors Public Health Alliance Statement in Response to Federal Court Ruling Affirming Science-Based Vaccine Policy
Today, a federal judge blocked key parts of an effort by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to reshape federal childhood vaccine policy, including proposals to reduce the number of vaccines routinely recommended for children.
In response, Angela Botticella, Managing Director of the Governors Public Health Alliance – a nonpartisan alliance of 15 governors working across borders to protect public health – released the following statement:
“Today’s ruling affirms that major changes to vaccine policy cannot be made behind closed doors, without a transparent, science-based review process. Harm has already been caused because of the disruption to long-standing public health guidance, upending the best practices for clinicians, schools, families, and the state systems responsible for protecting children’s health.
“Governors and state health leaders rely on stable, evidence-driven guidance to implement vaccination programs and protect communities from preventable disease. When that process becomes uncertain or politicized, it injects uncertainty into state public health systems and risks eroding public confidence in vaccines that have protected generations of children.
“The Governors Public Health Alliance will continue working with trusted medical experts and partners from every corner of the country to ensure families have clear, reliable vaccine guidance so that states remain prepared to quickly respond to public health threats.”
PHA is an initiative of GovAct, a nonprofit nonpartisan organization that helps governors work across state lines to champion fundamental freedoms and improve people’s lives.
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About GovAct
Governors Action Alliance (GovAct) is a nonprofit nonpartisan initiative that helps governors work across state lines to champion fundamental freedoms and improve people’s lives. GovAct serves as a centralized platform for collaboration across governors’ offices—incubating, launching, and supporting alliances of governors. These alliances share cutting-edge policy and legal approaches to some of the most challenging and critical issues we face. To learn more, go to www.GovActAlliance.org.
About the Governors Public Health Alliance
The Governors Public Health Alliance (PHA) is a nonpartisan coalition of governors working together to strengthen public health systems, protect access to evidence-based care, and coordinate responses to health threats across state lines. Supported by GovAct, the Alliance brings together governors and senior state officials to share best practices, reinforce scientific integrity, and ensure communities receive clear, credible health information. To learn more, go to www.GovsforHealth.org.
Governors Public Health Alliance Calls for ACIP to Maintain Evidence-Based Vaccine Guidance Ahead of March Convening
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ahead of the March 18–19 meeting of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the Governors Public Health Alliance (PHA) submitted public comment urging the Committee to maintain evidence-based vaccine guidance and commit to transparent, scientifically grounded processes that states, providers, and families can rely upon.
According to the meeting notice, the agenda will include updates from ACIP workgroups and discussions on COVID-19 vaccine injuries, Long COVID, and the methodology used to develop ACIP recommendations. PHA’s comment emphasizes that discussions on these topics must be grounded in rigorous scientific review and conducted through transparent advisory processes.
“Governors are responsible for protecting the health of millions of residents and ensuring that families can access safe and effective vaccines,” said Angela Botticella, Managing Director of the Governors Public Health Alliance. “ACIP’s recommendations help shape how vaccines are delivered, covered, and communicated across the country. Maintaining rigorous scientific standards and transparent processes is essential to sustaining public trust and protecting community health.”
In its comment, PHA urges ACIP to:
- Maintain access to safe and effective vaccines that protect children and communities from preventable disease.
- Ground recommendations in the highest-quality scientific evidence, including the established GRADE evidence review process.
- Ensure transparency and predictability in decision-making, particularly when recommendations have significant implications for state health systems and vaccine access.
- Consider the operational impact of policy changes, including effects on insurance coverage, provider workflows, and public health programs.
PHA also raised concerns that recent federal vaccine policy decisions appear to have been made outside of ACIP’s established advisory and evidence review process. When policy decisions are announced first and the advisory process occurs afterward, it undermines the purpose of ACIP’s public deliberations and weakens the transparency that is essential for maintaining public trust in vaccination programs.
The full public comment submitted by the Governors Public Health Alliance is available here.
PHA is an initiative of GovAct, a nonprofit nonpartisan organization that helps governors work across state lines to champion fundamental freedoms and improve people’s lives.
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About the Governors Public Health Alliance
The Governors Public Health Alliance (PHA) is a nonpartisan coalition of governors working together to strengthen public health systems, protect access to evidence-based care, and coordinate responses to health threats across state lines. Supported by GovAct, the Alliance brings together governors and senior state officials to reinforce scientific integrity and ensure communities receive clear, credible health information. To learn more, visit www.govsforhealth.org.
About GovAct
Governors Action Alliance (GovAct) is a nonprofit nonpartisan oganization that helps governors work across state lines to champion fundamental freedoms and improve people’s lives. GovAct serves as a centralized platform for collaboration across governors’ offices—incubating, launching, and supporting alliances of governors. To learn more, visit www.GovActAlliance.org.
Governors Urge CMS to Reinstate Childhood Immunization Measures in Medicaid and CHIP Care Metrics
Governors Public Health Alliance warns decision undermines states’ ability to track vaccination rates and protect children’s health
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Governors Public Health Alliance (PHA) sent a letter to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz urging CMS to reverse its recent decision to remove childhood immunization measures from the Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Core Sets. Core Sets are the standardized measures states use to track how well Medicaid and CHIP are delivering care, including whether children are receiving recommended vaccines. The letter is available here.
PHA – a nonpartisan coalition founded by 15 governors in October 2025 and representing approximately one-third of the U.S. population – warned that eliminating these measures reduces visibility into vaccination trends for millions of children, limits states’ ability to assess the impact of recent federal vaccine policy changes, and bypasses the standard public process used to generally update the Core Sets.
While CMS has removed these measures from the Core Sets, states represented in the Governors Public Health Alliance will continue tracking childhood immunization data to ensure states have the information needed to protect kids and respond to emerging risks.
“These measures are essential tools that governors and state health leaders rely on to understand vaccination coverage, identify gaps, and protect children’s health. Removing them without state consultation or public input undermines transparency, accountability, and the ability of states to respond effectively to emerging public health risks,” said Angela Botticella, Managing Director of the Governors Public Health Alliance. “States cannot effectively manage Medicaid and CHIP programs without reliable, comparable data. At a time when federal vaccine recommendations are shifting and preventable diseases are resurging, reducing access to this data makes it harder to protect children and communities.”
In the letter, PHA governors raised concern that CMS announced the removal of the childhood immunization measures on December 30, 2025, without advance consultation with states or a public comment period. The Core Sets are typically updated through a structured, evidence-driven process involving state officials, clinicians, public health experts, and other stakeholders that CMS bypassed.
Governors also emphasized that the decision comes at a particularly dangerous moment, as the United States faces a resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases, including measles. Eliminating standardized reporting on childhood immunization rates reduces states’ ability to track trends across state lines, anticipate outbreaks, and coordinate responses to public health threats that do not respect borders. It is unclear why CMS would make this abrupt and dangerous decision in this moment, as it claims to want to better analyze vaccines. Collection of this sort of information does exactly what HHS has said it wants to do—examine the public health impacts of vaccination.
The Governors Public Health Alliance urged CMS to immediately restore childhood immunization measures to the Child Core Set, reaffirm the importance of transparent, science-based decision-making, and engage states and stakeholders in any future changes to quality measurement.
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About the Governors Public Health Alliance
The Governors Public Health Alliance (PHA) is a nonpartisan coalition of governors working together to strengthen public health systems, protect access to evidence-based care, and coordinate responses to health threats across state lines. Supported by GovAct, the Alliance brings together governors and senior state officials to share best practices, reinforce scientific integrity, and ensure communities receive clear, credible health information. To learn more, go to www.GovsforHealth.org.
About GovAct
Governors Action Alliance (GovAct) is a nonprofit nonpartisan initiative that helps governors work across state lines to champion fundamental freedoms and improve people’s lives. GovAct serves as a centralized platform for collaboration across governors’ offices—incubating, launching, and supporting alliances of governors. These alliances share cutting-edge policy and legal approaches to some of the most challenging and critical issues we face. To learn more, go to www.GovActAlliance.org.
Governors Public Health Alliance Endorses American Academy of Pediatrics Vaccine Recommendations
Governors Warn U.S. Withdrawal from World Health Organization Undermines Public Health Preparedness & Reaffirm Their Commitment to Protecting Heath
In response to the United States’ reported exit from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Governors Public Health Alliance (PHA) warned that disengaging from global public health institutions weakens preparedness and puts people in the U.S. at greater risk from new and re-emerging diseases that know no borders. PHA also reaffirmed its commitment to work with partners across the country and the globe to continue monitoring for disease outbreaks, sharing critical health information, and protecting the health of their people.
Global disease surveillance, early warning systems, and international information-sharing are essential public health infrastructure that have long helped states detect outbreaks early, coordinate responses, and save lives. Walking away from that infrastructure shifts risk downstream to states, clinicians, and families — and makes the nation more vulnerable to global health threats and less prepared for the next public health emergency.
PHA is coordinating with Boston University’s Center on Emerging Infectious Diseases to utilize information from BEACON — the Biothreats Emergence, Analysis, and Communications Network to track disease, and to share vital information, and collaborate on solutions for community protection and preparedness.
PHA Governors urged federal leaders to reconsider actions that undermine global cooperation and to remain engaged in the international systems that support disease surveillance, early warning, and rapid response.
PHA is a nonpartisan coalition launched in October 2025 by 15 governors, representing more than one in three people in the U.S. The Alliance exists to strengthen cross-state coordination, preparedness, and response against a backdrop of cross-border threats and federal uncertainty.
Through PHA, governors are already working together to:
- Share timely public health information and best practices across state lines
- Engage trusted public health experts to assess emerging risks
- Coordinate state-level strategies to preserve access to evidence-based guidance and protections
- Prepare for large-scale public health challenges that require multistate collaboration
PHA will continue facilitating coordination among states and work with public health experts and partners to build durable, science-driven systems that protect communities today and remain in place regardless of political shifts at the federal level.
As the U.S. withdraws from the World Health Organization, here’s what PHA Governors are saying:
California Gov. Gavin Newsom: “The Trump administration’s reckless decision to pull the United States out of WHO puts decades of progress at risk, creating a real uncertainty about the advancement of public health both in our country and around the world. As responsible leaders working to mitigate the damage of this decision, our alliance will continue to stand up for science, cooperation, and the wellbeing of the people we serve.”
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis: “The United States leaving the World Health Organization is a step back from global leadership, and is a reckless decision that weakens public health preparedness and puts American lives at risk. Disease doesn’t stop at state or national borders. Governors have a responsibility to protect the health and safety of our residents and, through GPHA working with other governors, Colorado is stepping up to share information, coordinate across other state governments, and ensure we are ready to detect and respond to emerging health threats.”
Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont: “Removing the United States from the world’s premier health organization is irresponsible and eliminates our country’s voice in responding to public health emergencies. As we know all too well, illnesses do not know borders. The World Health Organization provides an incredibly valuable service for all nations in responding to new and emerging illnesses. We have a responsibility to the people we represent to participate in the coordination of health and safety matters, and even though the federal government has decided to no longer engage with the global health community, our states are prepared to lead to protect public health to the best of our abilities.”
Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer: “Public health is not partisan. It is about preparedness, prevention, and protecting lives. Withdrawing from the World Health Organization weakens our ability to detect outbreaks early, coordinate responses, and protect our residents, especially children, seniors, and individuals with underlying health conditions. Delaware will continue to follow the science, work with trusted partners, and advocate for strong global health coordination.”
Hawai’i Gov. Josh Green: “As a governor and physician, I have a responsibility to protect the people of Hawaiʻi, and I care about protecting our entire nation. Globally, we have seen recent outbreaks of serious illnesses such as Ebola, Marburg and chikungunya, as well as a resurgence of polio. Meanwhile, the U.S. is about to have an influx of international travelers for the World Cup competition. We must strengthen partnerships with other countries to share information and contain outbreaks before they reach our shores. Withdrawing from the World Health Organization (WHO) is not only irresponsible, but dangerous. We should treat public health as the global concern that it is — and remain in the WHO.”
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker: “Withdrawing from the World Health Organization is another reckless move by the Trump Administration that puts lives at risk. Just six years out from a pandemic that transcended borders in record speed, Trump is abandoning global cooperation, and it makes all of us less safe. Illinois will continue to work with trusted partners to protect lives and follow the science.”
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore: “Preserving a global approach to public health will help ensure that we are better prepared to respond to emerging public health threats. Outbreaks and disease know no border; we have a sacred responsibility to safeguard the health and wellbeing of our residents.”
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul: “Withdrawing from the World Health Organization is wildly irresponsible and puts Americans’ health at risk. This reckless move endangers New Yorkers and all Americans. That’s why we’re stepping up through the Public Health Alliance to coordinate across states, protect vaccine access and ensure everyone has the resources they need and deserve to stay safe. When Washington fails, New York will always lead to protect public health.”
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein: “In the wake of the United States’ withdrawal from the World Health Organization, it’s more important than ever that states step up and work together to safeguard against global health threats. We all benefit from cooperation to prevent illness and disease, and here in North Carolina we’re committed to doing the critical coordination required to keep people and communities safe and healthy.”
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek: “Oregon’s economy is deeply connected to trade, travel, and commerce across borders, which makes global public health cooperation not optional, but essential. Withdrawing from the World Health Organization is a reckless step that weakens our ability to anticipate and respond to health threats that can disrupt supply chains, businesses, and livelihoods here at home. Oregon is committed to protecting public health, supporting science-based coordination, and continuing to work with trusted partners around the world however we can. Public health is a shared responsibility, and Oregon will not step back from it.”
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee: “We’ve proven time and again that when the federal government falls short on protecting public health, Rhode Island steps up. Withdrawing from this international health agency is reckless and short-sighted. The World Health Organization is essential to coordinating responses to new health threats, and we have a responsibility to stay engaged. Even as the federal government steps back, governors are ready to continue working together to protect the health of our residents.”
Here’s what Dr. Raj Panjabi, PHA Advisor and former White House Senior Director for Global Health Security and Biodefense, said:
“Global disease threats don’t recognize borders, and neither can our public health response. International surveillance and information-sharing are not abstract concepts, they are practical tools states rely on to detect outbreaks, respond quickly, and protect communities. Withdrawing from these systems weakens our collective ability to prepare for and respond to emerging threats.”
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About the Governors Public Health Alliance
The Governors Public Health Alliance (PHA) is a nonpartisan coalition of governors working together to strengthen public health systems, protect access to evidence-based care, and coordinate responses to health threats across state lines. Supported by GovAct, the Alliance brings together governors and senior state officials to share best practices, reinforce scientific integrity, and ensure communities receive clear, credible health information. To learn more, go to www.govsforhealth.org.
About GovAct
Governors Action Alliance (GovAct) is a nonprofit nonpartisan initiative that helps governors work across state lines to champion fundamental freedoms and improve people’s lives. GovAct serves as a centralized platform for collaboration across governors’ offices—incubating, launching, and supporting alliances of governors. These alliances share cutting-edge policy and legal approaches to some of the most challenging and critical issues we face. To learn more, go to www.GovActAlliance.org.
Year in Review: Governors Coordinate to Push Back on Federal Overreach, Tariffs, and Democratic Erosion and Stand Up for Reproductive Freedom and Public Health
As instability in Washington, D.C. deepened in 2025, Governors increasingly stepped up as the country’s front line of defense. GovAct and its alliances supported Governors as they took coordinated action to defend democracy, protect families from economic disruption, and preserve access to essential services, public health, and health care.
COORDINATED RESPONSE TO FEDERAL OVERREACH
- GovAct mobilized 33 bipartisan former Governors to defend AmeriCorps, 27 bipartisan former Governors to stand up for the SNAP program in federal court, and 25 bipartisan former Governors to oppose National Guard takeovers in California and Illinois, including before the Supreme Court, which ruled against the National Guard deployments.
GOVERNORS PUSH BACK ON TARIFF-DRIVEN ECONOMIC CHAOS
- As tariffs fueled price hikes and disrupted supply chain and companies decided not to disclose the consequences, Governors across the country took action to collect and share economic data, laying bare the harmful impacts on families and small businesses.
- Six Governors formally aligned to mitigate economic fallout and protect key state industries:
GOVERNORS PROTECT REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM AND PUBLIC HEALTH
- 11 Governors collectively committed $226+ million in state funds to ensure continued access to reproductive care in response to the defunding of Planned Parenthood
- 22 Governors signed a joint letter defending veteran access to abortion care
- 15 Governors, representing one-third of the U.S. population, launched a new Governors Public Health Alliance, coordinating to protect vaccines, global health data, and affordable care
- 25+ states took action to protect vaccine access for nearly 195 million people
WHAT THIS SIGNALS
This year underscored a clear shift: when federal leadership falters, Governors are increasingly acting together—across state lines and in real time—to stabilize democracy, the economy, reproductive rights, and public health. GovAct has functioned as the connective tissue enabling that coordination. Looking ahead to 2026, Governors will continue to be at the forefront as federal-state tensions shape the political landscape.
Governors Public Health Alliance Submits Public Comment Urging ACIP to Protect Children’s Access to Safe, Effective Vaccines
Alliance calls on federal advisory committee to ground recommendations in strong scientific evidence and consider real-world implications for states
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the Governors Public Health Alliance (PHA)—a nonpartisan coalition of 15 governors committed to safeguarding public health—submitted formal public comment to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) ahead of its December 2025 meeting. The Alliance urged ACIP to maintain science-based, transparent, and consistent childhood immunization recommendations that protect families and support states’ ability to implement effective vaccination programs.
In its comment, the Alliance emphasized the shared responsibility of federal and state leaders to ensure that every child has access to safe and effective vaccines and outlined concerns about potential changes – such as modifications to the Hepatitis B schedule – that could have significant downstream effects across the full childhood immunization program.
“Across the country, governors are working to preserve trust in public health and protect children’s health with strong, evidence-based vaccination programs,” said Angela Botticella, Managing Director of the Governors Public Health Alliance. “ACIP’s recommendations carry tremendous weight. Any changes must be grounded in rigorous science and accompanied with an understanding of how those recommendations will impact families, providers, insurers, state immunization systems, and overall public health.”
In its submission, the PHA urged ACIP to:
- Maintain access to and confidence in safe and effective vaccines that protect children’s health and wellbeing;
- Ground all recommendations in high-quality scientific evidence, including established evidence review frameworks;
- Consider the operational implications for governors, state agencies, and the families they serve, recognizing that such changes are likely to reduce immunization rates and impose significant financial burdens on states;
- Ensure transparency, clarity, and predictability, which are foundational to public trust in vaccination programs.
The Alliance also highlighted that major shifts in long-standing schedules, particularly those affecting infants and young children, require comprehensive consideration of implementation, coverage impacts, insurance frameworks, and continuity of care.
The full comment submitted by the Governors Public Health Alliance is available here.
The ACIP meeting will take place December 4–5, 2025, with vaccine recommendations to be considered publicly.
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About GovAct
Governors Action Alliance (GovAct) is a nonprofit nonpartisan initiative that helps governors work across state lines to champion fundamental freedoms and improve people’s lives. GovAct serves as a centralized platform for collaboration across governors’ offices—incubating, launching, and supporting alliances of governors. These alliances share cutting-edge policy and legal approaches to some of the most challenging and critical issues we face. To learn more, go to www.GovActAlliance.org.
About the Governors Public Health Alliance
The Governors Public Health Alliance (PHA) is a nonpartisan coalition of governors working together to strengthen public health systems, protect access to evidence-based care, and coordinate responses to health threats across state lines. Supported by GovAct, the Alliance brings together governors and senior state officials to share best practices, reinforce scientific integrity, and ensure communities receive clear, credible health information.
Bipartisan Coalition of Former Governors Urges U.S. Supreme Court to Protect SNAP Benefits in New Amicus Brief
Washington, D.C. — A bipartisan group of 27 former governors from across the United States today filed an amicus curiae brief in the U.S. Supreme Court, urging the court to direct the delivery of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to millions of Americans.
The former governors, from across the political spectrum, warn that halting or reducing SNAP funding would endanger vulnerable children, seniors, veterans, and working families, while creating chaos for state governments that rely on federal consistency to administer the program.
In the brief, the former governors emphasize:
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Protecting Public Health and Children’s Development: SNAP reduces food insecurity, improves child development, and lowers healthcare costs. Nearly 40% of SNAP recipients are children, and over a million are veterans. Delays or cuts would immediately harm families who often face choosing between food, rent, childcare, or medicine.
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Stabilizing Local Economies: Every federal dollar spent on SNAP generates approximately $1.54 in economic activity, supporting grocery stores, farmers, and local businesses—especially in rural communities.
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State Governments Cannot Replace Federal SNAP Funds: The SNAP program is a federally funded program that totals more than $93 billion annually. States, already required to balance budgets, cannot absorb these costs or redesign complex delivery systems to issue partial benefits without causing delays, system failures, or hunger.
Since its inception in 1964, SNAP has never been halted—not even during prior government shutdowns. The governors argue that breaking this precedent violates decades of bipartisan policy, destabilizes state systems, and places millions at risk of hunger.
The governors urged the Court to affirm the lower court’s ruling and require the federal government to continue full SNAP benefit payments while the case proceeds.
The signers of the brief conclude by saying:
“Families facing delayed SNAP payments must make desperate short-term decisions: skipping meals, missing work to seek emergency food assistance, falling behind on rent to buy groceries, or turning to high-interest debt. And in turn, these choices will put a strain on state and local resources that may have side effects for years to come. Hunger does not wait, and neither should this Court.”
The former governors signed on to the U.S. Supreme Court brief include:
Janet Napolitano (AZ-D)
Jerry Brown (CA-D)
Gray Davis (CA-D)
Bill Ritter, Jr. (CO-D)
Jack Markell (DE-D)
Tom Vilsack (IA-D)
Pat Quinn (IL-D)
Bill Graves (KS-R)
Kathleen Sebelius (KS-D)
Deval Patrick (MA-D)
Bill Weld (MA-R)
Parris Glendening (MD-D)
Martin O’Malley (MD-D)
Jennifer M. Granholm (MI-D)
Arne Carlson (MN-R)
Marc Racicot (MT-R)
Roy Cooper (NC-D)
Steve Sisolak (NV-D)
Eliot Spitzer (NY-D)
Ted Strickland (OH-D)
John Kitzhaber (OR-D)
Terry McAuliffe (VA-D)
Howard Dean (VT-D)
Christine Gregoire (WA-D)
Gary Locke (WA-D)
Jim Doyle (WI-D)
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About GovAct
Governors Action Alliance (GovAct) is a nonprofit nonpartisan organization that helps governors work across state lines to champion fundamental freedoms and improve people’s lives. GovAct serves as a centralized platform for collaboration across governors’ offices—incubating, launching, and supporting alliances of governors. These alliances share cutting-edge policy and legal approaches to some of the most challenging and critical issues we face, from reproductive freedom and democracy to immigration and public safety. To learn more, go to www.GovActAlliance.org.
About Governors Safeguarding Democracy
Governors Safeguarding Democracy (GSD) is a nonpartisan initiative of governors working together to uphold and fortify American democracy, supported by GovAct. Directed by an Executive Committee of governors or their designees and co-chaired by Governor JB Pritzker of Illinois and Governor Jared Polis of Colorado, GSD helps governors collaborate to strengthen democracy by advancing policy that protects fundamental freedoms and improves people’s lives. Together, GSD aims to help push back against anti-democratic threats and protect the rule of law and systems of democracy our country and our states depend on.
GovAct Announces Angela Botticella, Experienced Public Health Leader, as Managing Director of the Governors Public Health Alliance
With two decades of experience in health policy and public service leadership, Botticella will lead efforts to help governors strengthen coordination and safeguard public health across borders
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Governors Action Alliance (GovAct) today announced that Angela Botticella has joined the organization as Managing Director of the Governors Public Health Alliance, a nonpartisan coalition of governors committed to strengthening cross-state collaboration and public health preparedness.
Botticella brings more than two decades of experience in federal government, health policy, and public health advocacy. Most recently, she served as Chief of Staff in the Office of the Deputy Secretary at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), where she helped lead strategic initiatives to modernize the Department’s operations and strengthen the nation’s public health infrastructure.
“Angela is an extraordinary public health leader who brings decades of policy, government, strategic coordination experience to the Governors Public Health Alliance,” said Julia Spiegel, Founder and CEO of GovAct. “Her acumen, deep understanding of the challenges that states face, and track record of driving real results will be invaluable as the Alliance continues to work hand-in-hand with governors and their teams to safeguard the health of their people.”
Dr. Mandy Cohen, former CDC Director and senior advisor to the Governors Public Health Alliance who worked closely with Botticella at HHS, added: “Public health works best when leaders align around practical, nonpartisan solutions. Angela’s experience at HHS and her commitment to advancing public health makes her the right person to help governors coordinate effectively and deliver results for families and communities.”
“Angela’s career has been defined by her commitment to public service and her ability to bring people together around shared goals,” said former HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, who serves on GovAct’s bipartisan advisory board. “That spirit is exactly what our public health system needs right now — leaders who can bridge divides and keep the focus on protecting people’s lives. Her leadership at the Governors Public Health Alliance will help ensure states remain the driving force for evidence-based, equitable health policy at a moment when their voices are needed most.”
Prior to her service at HHS, Botticella held senior roles at the Catholic Health Association of the United States, where she helped shape national health equity and access initiatives, and at Know Your Care/Protect Your Care, where she led large-scale public engagement and coalition-building campaigns around health reform. She has also managed major national and congressional campaigns and served in multiple leadership roles at HHS during implementation of the Affordable Care Act.
“I’m honored to join GovAct and the Governors Public Health Alliance at such a critical moment for public health,” said Botticella. “State leadership has never been more essential to protecting the health and well-being of our communities. I look forward to helping strengthen coordination and ensuring governors have the resources, tools, and partnerships they need to prepare for the challenges ahead.”
The Governors Public Health Alliance, launched in October 2025, supports governors across the country in strengthening public health preparedness and response. GovAct supports and incubates alliances, including the Governors Public Health Alliance, which helps governors and their teams in advancing proactive, nonpartisan public health solutions.
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About GovAct
Governors Action Alliance (GovAct) is a nonprofit nonpartisan initiative that helps governors work across state lines to champion fundamental freedoms and improve people’s lives. GovAct serves as a centralized platform for collaboration across governors’ offices—incubating, launching, and supporting alliances of governors. These alliances share cutting-edge policy and legal approaches to some of the most challenging and critical issues we face. To learn more, go to www.GovActAlliance.org.
GovAct Press Release: 15 Governors Launch Governors Public Health Alliance to Safeguard Public Health, Strengthen Preparedness, and Coordinate Across Borders
Nonpartisan initiative will be supported by GovAct and help states and territories to coordinate and address health threats across state lines
WASHINGTON – Today, Governors Bob Ferguson (WA), Josh Green (HI), Maura Healey (MA), Kathy Hochul (NY), Tina Kotek (OR), Ned Lamont (CT), Lou Leon Guerrero (GU), Dan McKee (RI), Matt Meyer (DE), Wes Moore (MD), Phil Murphy (NJ), Gavin Newsom (CA), Jared Polis (CO), JB Pritzker (IL), and Josh Stein (NC) announced the launch of the Governors Public Health Alliance, a new coalition of governors designed to protect the health of people across the U.S.
The Governors Public Health Alliance will serve as a nonpartisan coordinating hub for governors and their public health leaders. The Governors Public Health Alliance will support Governors and their states in coordinating and collaborating to protect the public’s health by facilitating data sharing and communication about health threat detection, emergency preparedness and response, public health guidance and policy, and deployment of experts.
The Governors Public Health Alliance supports national coordination on public health at the gubernatorial level – complementing existing mechanisms and interfacing with entities like the Northeast Public Health Collaborative and West Coast Health Alliance. The Governors Public Health Alliance will serve as a unified, cross-state liaison with the global health community and will facilitate cross-state collaboration by bringing together regional and other groups to share best practices and surface common challenges, elevating national considerations for vaccine policy and regulatory solutions to keep science front and center.
The Alliance welcomes further engagement across Governors’ Offices and with public health associations and other relevant groups.
From the Governors
“We can no longer rely on the information coming out of Washington, D.C., but our states are coming together to unequivocally state that science still matters,” said Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson. “Diseases don’t stop at state borders — and preparedness shouldn’t either. By joining forces, we will act faster and communicate better to ensure our communities stay healthy.”
“Viruses and illness don’t stop at state borders and our preparedness shouldn’t either,” said Hawaiʻi Governor Dr. Josh Green, the nation’s only sitting governor who is also a physician. “I am proud to be part of this new effort, giving governors and our public health teams new tools to coordinate and deliver clear, consistent, science-based guidance to the public at a time when we are facing unprecedented public health challenges.”
“While Donald Trump and RFK Jr. turn their backs on public health, Governors are stepping up to make sure our residents have the health care they need and deserve,” said Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey. “Massachusetts is glad to join this coalition with states from across the country to build on the work we’ve been doing in the northeast to safeguard public health, including access to vaccines.”
“From undermining vaccine access and abortion rights to slashing billions in Medicaid funding from those in need, the federal government is wreaking havoc on public health and the institutions we rely on,” New York Governor Kathy Hochul said. “The Governors Public Health Alliance will allow our states to share resources, coordinate with global partners, and deploy the tools and information needed to meet public health threats and protect the American people.”
“Oregonians deserve a health system that’s ready to meet the moment — whether that’s a wildfire smoke event, a virus outbreak, or a long-term public health challenge,” Oregon Governor Tina Kotek said. “This alliance is about staying one step ahead and making sure every Oregonian has access to the care, information, and protection they need. I’m proud that Oregon is working with other states to make that happen.”
“Connecticut is proud to join an alliance that strengthens our collaboration with other states and protects the health and wellbeing of our residents, while preparing against future threats,” said Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont. “Whether it was during the COVID pandemic or any other public health crisis, it’s important for governors to speak with one voice and communicate clearly with our communities to keep them safe. Once again states are stepping up, amid federal uncertainty, to ensure our residents have the information they need to stay protected.”
“On Guam, we see the effects when people – especially children – are not vaccinated,” said Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “We’ve had cases of measles and other communicable diseases when our neighbors from the outer islands visit or pass through Guam, and they haven’t had the chance to be vaccinated. So we know how important it is to protect access to vaccines and other public health protective measures.”
“Public health is the foundation of everything that makes our states strong: our economy, our schools, our families,” said Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee. “At a time when public health leadership from Washington D.C. is increasingly unstable, we are committed to stepping up to create clear, coordinated leadership led by facts and science. I’m proud to join this alliance of fellow governors because when we work together, we get results and that’s exactly what this moment demands.”
“Protecting the health of our communities doesn’t stop at our state borders,” said Delaware Governor Matt Meyer. “This alliance is a commitment to transparency, preparedness, and coordination so that no state faces health threats alone. By working together, governors can share data, resources, and lessons learned to strengthen our preparedness for the next public health challenge. Delaware is proud to join this effort to make our state—and our nation—safer and healthier.”
“At a time when the federal government is telling the states, ‘you’re on your own,’ governors are banding together,” said Maryland Governor Wes Moore. “In Maryland, we believe that everyone should have access to affordable, effective health care. We proudly stand with our peers across the country who share in that vital mission.”
“New Jersey’s approach to public health will always be grounded in collaboration and science. I am proud to formalize these partnerships as we navigate uncertain times and build trust in evidence-based practices,” said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. “Through this collaboration, we look forward to working closely with governors across our nation to combat serious public health threats.”
“California is proud to help launch this new alliance because the American people deserve a public health system that puts science before politics,” said California Governor Gavin Newsom. “As extremists try to weaponize the CDC and spread misinformation, we’re stepping up to coordinate across states, protect communities, and ensure decisions are driven by data, facts, and the health of the American people.”
“Every American deserves access to health care and this alliance will strengthen public health for everyone. Colorado is proud to be a leader in healthy living, and with this new opportunity to work together, we can share our best practices and innovative approach to public health, while learning from our colleagues around the country. With regular uncertainty and less resources from Washington D.C., Governors are on the front lines of public health. This new partnership will help states deliver consistent, commonsense solutions that prevent the spread of disease, save lives, and protect our freedom,” said Colorado Governor Jared Polis.
“When the Trump Administration abandons its responsibility to protect public health, Illinois steps up. We are proud to join the Governors Public Health Alliance and stand alongside state partners in helping provide reliable public health information,” said Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. “We will continue to follow the science, listen to medical experts, and do everything in our power to ensure families across the country and in Illinois receive the health care they need.”
“In North Carolina, we believe in neighbors helping neighbors, and that is exactly why I joined 14 other Governors and their public health officials across the country to form this partnership,” said North Carolina Governor Josh Stein. “I look forward to working with them to learn from each other and share timely information, ideas, and workable solutions to address the biggest health problems Americans face today.”
Supported by GovAct and Public Health Experts
The Governors Public Health Alliance is supported by GovAct, a nonprofit, nonpartisan initiative that supports governors in protecting fundamental freedoms, including public health. The Alliance is guided by a bipartisan set of public health advisors: Dr. Mandy Cohen, former CDC Director and North Carolina Secretary of Health and Human Services; Dr. Anne Zink, former Alaska Chief Medical Officer; and Dr. Raj Panjabi, former White House Senior Director for Global Health Security and Biodefense; as well as Amb. Nina Hachigian, former U.S. Special Representative for City and State Diplomacy. As an initiative of GovAct, the Alliance is also guided by GovAct’s Bipartisan Advisory Board of former governors — Arne Carlson (R-MN), Jim Doyle (D-WI), Deval Patrick (D-MA), Marc Racicot (R-MT), Kathleen Sebelius (D-KS), and Bill Weld (R-MA) — and former senior federal officials Sally Yates and Larry Thompson.
“With many health threats at our doorstep, collaboration and communication between Governors is essential to protect the health of families and save lives,” said Dr. Mandy Cohen, former CDC Director and former North Carolina Secretary for Health and Human Services. “This alliance creates the framework to support the national coordination needed to safeguard communities.”
Participating states have already begun sharing best practices, receiving briefings from public health experts, and coordinating on executive actions governors can take to strengthen public health protections, including standing orders or directives to preserve access to COVID-19 vaccines.
The Alliance will continue to provide governors and their teams with toolkits and timely briefings on major policy developments in public health, share coordinated strategies ahead of high-profile events and offer opportunities to discuss health security issues.
“Governors are being asked to do more with less—daily. And yet the challenges keep growing,” said Julia Spiegel, founder and CEO of the Governors Action Alliance (GovAct). “GovAct is here to help bring capacity, expertise, and know-how so that governors have the tools they need to act decisively, together, to protect the health and well-being of their people.”
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About GovAct
Governors Action Alliance (GovAct) is a nonprofit nonpartisan initiative that helps governors work across state lines to champion fundamental freedoms and improve people’s lives. GovAct serves as a centralized platform for collaboration across governors’ offices—incubating, launching, and supporting alliances of governors. These alliances share cutting-edge policy and legal approaches to some of the most challenging and critical issues we face. To learn more, go to www.GovActAlliance.org.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Court Grants TRO in Illinois Case, Marking Victory for State Sovereignty Following Bipartisan Governors’ Amicus Brief
In a major victory for state sovereignty and the rule of law, a federal judge has granted a temporary restraining order (TRO) blocking the Trump Administration’s unlawful federalization and deployment of the National Guard in Illinois.
The ruling comes after 26 former governors — Republicans and Democrats alike — filed an amicus brief supporting the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago’s lawsuit challenging the President’s actions. The brief, organized by the Governors Action Alliance (GovAct) and Governors Safeguarding Democracy (GSD), urged the court to grant the TRO and defend the constitutional balance between state and federal authority.
Background on the Bipartisan Brief
A bipartisan coalition of 26 former governors filed an amicus brief in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois in support of the State of Illinois and City of Chicago.
The brief warned that the Administration’s unilateral deployment of the National Guard over the governor’s objections “threatens to upend the constitutional balance of state and federal authority” and could “exacerbate tensions” by overriding local law enforcement.
“In amici’s experience, local law enforcement agencies are best equipped to respond to issues that arise in connection with local protests,” the governors wrote. “The hasty federalization and deployment of the National Guard without consultation and cooperation from Illinois authorities—while local and state law enforcement are successfully maintaining order—will only increase risk to civilians and officers alike.”
The signatories include former governors from both parties: Jerry Brown (CA-D); Steve Bullock (MT-D); Arne Carlson (MN-R); Mark Dayton (MN-D); Jim Doyle (WI-D); Parris Glendening (MD-D); Jennifer Granholm (MI-D); Bill Graves (KS-R); Christine Gregoire (WA-D); Jay Inslee (WA-D); Tony Knowles (AK-D); Gary Locke (WA-D); Terry McAuliffe (VA-D); Janet Napolitano (AZ-D); Martin O’Malley (MD-D); Deval Patrick (MA-D); Marc Racicot (MT-R); Bill Ritter Jr. (CO-D); Kathleen Sebelius (KS-D); Steve Sisolak (NV-D); Eliot Spitzer (NY-D); Ted Strickland (OH-D); Tom Vilsack (IA-D); Bill Weld (MA-R); Christine Todd Whitman (NJ-R); and Tom Wolf (PA-D).
ICYMI
The New York Times:
“Some bipartisanship still exists — with former governors.”
“More than two dozen of them filed a motion on Wednesday afternoon requesting permission to enter a legal brief objecting to the Texas Guard mobilization in Illinois. Among the Republicans were William Weld of Massachusetts, Bill Graves of Kansas, Arne Carlson of Minnesota, Marc Racicot of Montana and Christie Whitman of New Jersey.”
“The president’s assertion of authority to deploy military troops on domestic soil based on his unreviewable discretion, and without the cooperation and coordination of state authorities, threatens to upset the delicate balance of state and federal authority that underlies our constitutional order.”
Read more from The New York Times →
Capitol Fax:
“Republican governors, bipartisan group of former governors file dueling amicus briefs in Illinois v. Trump.”
Politico:
“Illinois has support: A group of GOP-led states filed an amicus brief Wednesday in the case: 26 former governors from both parties say they support state sovereignty.”
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About Governors Action Alliance (GovAct) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan initiative that helps governors work across state lines to champion fundamental freedoms and improve people’s lives. GovAct serves as a centralized platform for collaboration among governors’ offices—incubating, launching, and supporting alliances that address critical issues from democracy to public safety.
About Governors Safeguarding Democracy (GSD) is a nonpartisan initiative of governors working together to uphold and fortify American democracy, supported by GovAct. Co-chaired by Governor JB Pritzker of Illinois and Governor Jared Polis of Colorado, GSD helps governors collaborate to strengthen democratic institutions, protect fundamental freedoms, and defend the rule of law.