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. 

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 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.”

Read more from Capitol Fax →

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.”

Read more from Politico →

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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.

Bipartisan Group of 25 Former Governors Join Amicus Brief Urging the Ninth Circuit to Uphold Blocking the Unprecedented Federalization of the National Guard

Washington, D.C. — A bipartisan coalition of 25 former governors filed an amicus brief in the Ninth Circuit opposing President Trump’s unconstitutional takeover of California’s National Guard. GovAct, a nonprofit, nonpartisan initiative that helps governors work together across state lines, and Governors Safeguarding Democracy (GSD), an alliance supported by GovAct, represented the former governors as President Trump considers federalizing the National Guard in additional American cities and states.

Download Amicus Brief

The former governors’ brief supports California Governor Gavin Newsom and the State of California, urging the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit to affirm the district court’s order enjoining the federalization and deployment of the California National Guard under 10 U.S.C. § 12406 without the Governor’s consultation or consent.

Drawing on decades of executive experience managing disasters, public health emergencies, and civil unrest as the commanders in chief of their states, the former governors explain that the Administration’s action threatens the constitutional balance of federal and state authority, undermines public safety by diverting critical state resources, and breaks sharply with the nation’s historic practice of federal–state cooperation regarding the National Guard.

The brief stresses: “Throughout our history, and notwithstanding our nation’s political, social, and geographic diversity, the federal government has rarely and only under the most extraordinary circumstances imposed military authority on the citizens of a state against the wishes of the state’s executive.  The structure of our federalist system, and the language of the relevant statutory provisions at issue in this case, impose legal constraints on the president’s authority to take such extreme measures.”

Former Governors signed onto the brief include:

• Jerry Brown (CA-D)

• Steve Bullock (MT-D)

• Arne Carlson (MN-R)

• Mark Dayton (MN-D)

• Jim Doyle (WI-D)

• Parris N. Glendening (MD-D)

• Jennifer M. Granholm (MI-D)

• Bill Graves (KS-R)

• Christine Gregoire (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)

• Tom Wolf (PA-D)

GovAct and Governors Safeguarding Democracy are represented pro bono by Free + Fair Litigation Group and Joseph T. Baio LLC.

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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. To learn more, go to www.GovsforDemocracy.org.

ABOUT US

Brief Urges Ninth Circuit to Reinforce State Sovereignty and Block Unprecedented Federalization of National Guard

Washington, D.C.— GovAct, a nonprofit nonpartisan initiative that helps governors work together across state lines to champion fundamental freedoms and improve people’s lives, and Governors Safeguarding Democracy, an alliance of governors supported by GovAct, announced the filing of an amicus curiae brief on behalf of a bipartisan group of 25 former governors in Newsom v. Trump, No. 25-3727 (9th Cir.). The brief supports California Governor Gavin Newsom’s motion for a preliminary injunction to prevent the president’s unilateral federalization and deployment of California’s National Guard, under 10 U.S.C. § 12406, without consultation with or consent by the governor. In the brief, the former governors support a request for a rehearing of the case before an 11-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. GovAct and Governors Safeguarding Democracy are represented pro bono by Free + Fair Litigation Group.

Drawing on decades of collective experience, the former governors argue that the Trump Administration’s action threatens the balance of state and federal authority entrenched in the Constitution. Governors with experience say federalizing the National Guard endangers public safety by diverting critical state resources from emergencies, like wildfires and floods, that are plaguing states now.

The brief stresses:

“In amici’s experience, incidents requiring a federal military response are nearly unprecedented—state and federal officials have worked together in good faith to avoid the use of federal forces in situations normally handled by state and local law enforcement. The President’s action disrupts that trust and undermines the Guard’s unique dual-role purpose.”

Among the key points highlighted:

Federalism: It is well-established that, under the 10th Amendment, “police powers” are reserved for the states, not the federal government, and any federal action displacing state authority must be unmistakably authorized by Congress. Here, it was not.

Historical Practice: Only in the most extraordinary circumstances have presidents federalized National Guard troops over objections, notably, when governors have openly defied federal law. Usually, state and federal officials work together to avoid use of federal forces in situations normally handled by state and local law enforcement.

Public Safety Risks: Uncoordinated deployment undermines local disaster response, strains military readiness, and leads to confusion on the ground.

“Our nation’s founders designed a system of dual sovereignty so that local leaders, accountable at the ballot box, could manage civil emergencies with precision and care,” said former Gov. Arne Carlson (R-MN). “By bypassing that system, this Administration imperils both public safety and the rule of law.”

“As former governors, we counted on our courageous National Guard troops to fight wildfires, respond to floods, and support public health,” added former Gov. Jim Doyle (D-WI). “Federalizing the Guard without state consent not only breaks with tradition—it jeopardizes the very missions the residents of our states depend on.”

Former Governors who signed the brief include:

• Jerry Brown (CA-D)
• Steve Bullock (MT-D)
• Arne Carlson (MN-R)
• Mark Dayton (MN-D)
• Jim Doyle (WI-D)
• Parris N. Glendening (MD-D)
• Jennifer M. Granholm (MI-D)
• Bill Graves (KS-R)
• Christine Gregoire (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)
• Tom Wolf (PA-D)

Former Governor Marc Racicot (R-MT) and former Governor Kathleen Sebelius (D-KS), both members of GovAct’s advisory board, also recently authored an op-ed in Newsweek about the threats to our democracy and system of federalism from President Trump’s politicization of the National Guard.

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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, from reproductive freedom and democracy to immigration and public safety.

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.

Washington, D.C. — Monday, May 12— GovAct, a nonprofit nonpartisan organization that helps governors work across state lines to champion fundamental freedoms and improve people’s lives, today announced that it filed a bipartisan amicus curiae brief on behalf of 33 former governors in State of Maryland, et al. v. Corporation for National and Community Service, a lawsuit challenging the federal government’s abrupt dismantling of AmeriCorps programs. 

The brief, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, supports a coalition of 23 attorneys general and the governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania in seeking a preliminary injunction to halt mass terminations and funding cuts imposed by the Corporation for National and Community Service, operating as AmeriCorps, under the directive of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative. 

The brief’s signatories include a bipartisan array of respected former governors from across the country, from Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Their collective experience underscores the brief’s assertion that eliminating AmeriCorps would “cause irreparable harm to state services and communities across the country.” 

Drawing on decades of firsthand experience, the former governors argue that eliminating AmeriCorps will irreparably harm critical state services across education, disaster response, public health, conservation, and more. The amicus brief stresses: 

“On a national scale, AmeriCorps works with all 50 states to offer a wide variety of programming that supplements—but does not duplicate—state resources. This means that AmeriCorps, by design, offers services that would otherwise be unavailable—and which will be unavailable should AmeriCorps be dismantled.” 

These national service programs are embedded in state infrastructure. They provide over 200,000 annual placements and deliver essential resources through state service commissions and nonprofit partners. AmeriCorps funding and personnel enable everything from disaster recovery and trail maintenance to tutoring children with special needs and combating the opioid epidemic. Many of these efforts are coordinated through governor-led state commissions. 

Statement from Former Governor Marc Racicot (R-MT)

“I had the privilege of serving as governor of Montana in 1993 when the Governor’s Office of Community was first established in Montana. Not long thereafter, also in 1993, the Corporation for National and Community Service was created, AmeriCorps was launched and I was selected to serve on the Board of the Corporation. From those beginnings, and every day since, I have witnessed the power of community service to transform lives, to strengthen our states and communities, and to provide the adhesive that holds our republic together,” said former Governor Marc Racicot (R-MT).  “Terminating funding for AmeriCorps is a mindless and cruel move that will have devastating impacts on communities across the country from the most rural to the most urban. Abruptly precluding young AmeriCorps volunteers from mentoring students in need and seniors delivering the essentials of life to their home-bound neighbors cripples our communities and endangers our most vulnerable populations. The proposed cuts also dash the civic commitment and energy of those who raised their hands to serve a cause and a mission larger than themselves. I’m unequivocally committed to joining this friend-of-the-court brief to call attention to how critical AmeriCorps is and has been, and to urge the court to block these catastrophic funding cuts.” 

Statement from Former HHS Secretary and Governor Kathleen Sebelius (D-KS)

“As governor of Kansas and while serving as Secretary of Health and Human Services, I saw firsthand the transformative and essential role AmeriCorps plays in our communities. From helping students achieve their potential academically to lifting communities out of poverty to promoting public health, to helping families from devastating natural disasters, AmeriCorps is on the front lines in every corner of our nation,” said former HHS Secretary and Governor Kathleen Sebelius (D-KS). “The devastating funding cuts from the federal administration harm us all, which is why I’ve joined other former governors to urge the court to stop the dismantling of AmeriCorps.” 

Statement from GovAct CEO and Founder Julia Spiegel

“Former governors have a unique and trusted perspective—they have personally sat at the intersection of policy and people, where national decisions become local realities,” said Julia Spiegel, Founder and CEO of GovAct. “We believe it’s critical to lift up the collective voices of governors who have directly managed programs like AmeriCorps, because their leadership and experiences are essential in shaping solutions that work for communities. Their united message in this brief is clear: AmeriCorps is not expendable, it’s indispensable.” 

The litigation follows news that DOGE placed up to 85% of AmeriCorps staff on leave, halting countless initiatives in real time, from wildfire mitigation in the west to elder support in rural communities. The brief includes case studies from states like Wisconsin, Kansas, and Massachusetts, where AmeriCorps has been instrumental in operating education, health, and conservation programs. 

Former governors who joined the brief include:  

Kate Brown	OR	D
Steve Bullock	MT	D
Arne Carlson	MN	R
Roy Cooper	NC	D
Gray Davis	CA	D
Mark Dayton	MN	D
Jim Doyle	WI	D
Parris N. Glendening	MD	D
Jennifer M. Granholm	MI	D
John Hickenlooper	CO	D
Jay Inslee	WA	D
Tim Kaine	VA	D
Angus King	ME	I
John A. Kitzhaber	OR	D
Tony Knowles	AK	D
Gary Locke	WA	D
Joe Manchin	WV	I
Jack Markell	DE	D
Terry McAuliffe	VA	D
Martin O’Malley	MD	D
Deval Patrick	MA	D
Paul E. Patton	KY	D
Marc Racicot	MT	R
Gina Raimondo	RI	D
Edward G. Rendell	PA	D
Kathleen Sebelius	KS	D
Jeanne Shaheen	NH	D
Steve Sisolak	NV	D
Eliot Spitzer	NY	D
Christine Todd Whitman	NJ	R
Bill Walker	AK	I
Bill Weld	MA	R
Tom Wolf	PA	D

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 public health and public safety.  To learn more, go to www.GovActAlliance.org.  

The Trump Administration’s unconstitutional freeze of federal grants and loans is a direct threat to the safety and stability of people across the country. This administration says it champions law and order, yet this freeze appears to cut funding for violent fugitive apprehension, first responder overtime, and programs that protect victims and witnesses.

This far-reaching freeze also jeopardizes bipartisan priorities by threatening to shut down VA housing loans for veterans, adoption subsidies for foster families, and critical resources for firefighters, police, and probation officers. It may disrupt efforts to combat fentanyl, process rape kits, and fund drug and mental health treatment—lifelines for countless people across the nation.

While U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan blocked the implementation of this directive for now, GovAct urges the Trump Administration to reverse course immediately. Americans deserve a government that protects their safety, health, and stability, and we’ll keep fighting to ensure it does.

RELEASE DATE:

November 13, 2024

www.GovsforDemocracy.org

Governors Launch Initiative to Protect American Democracy

Governors Pritzker and Polis Lead Launch of Nonpartisan Governors’ Initiative to Fortify Essential Democratic Rights Nationwide

Nov 13, 2024 – As the nation faces increasing threats against American democracy – including the dangers of authoritarianism and the undermining of democratic institutions – governors will lead a new initiative, Governors Safeguarding Democracy (GSD), chaired by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Colorado Governor Jared Polis. GSD is a historic nonpartisan coalition of governors working together to protect the state-level institutions of democracy, leveraging their unique legislative, budgetary, executive, and administrative powers to deliver results for the American people.

“At this critical moment in our history, we must unite to protect the foundations of our democracy and ensure our institutions withstand threats and persevere in their mission to improve the lives of our people,” said Illinois Governor and GSD Co-Chair J.B. Pritzker. “Governors Safeguarding Democracy will serve as a powerful force in state-level efforts to ensure that our democracy lives up to our ideals and thrives for generations to come.”

“In this moment, protecting democracy has never been more relevant or important, and doing so demands strong leadership at the state level,” said Colorado Governor and GSD Co-Chair Jared Polis. “Governors Safeguarding Democracy shows our shared dedication to defending the democratic principles upon which our country is built.”

Grounded in the belief that saving and strengthening our democracy will require proactive and robust efforts at the state-level, GSD will:

• Leverage our collective strength, experience, and institutional knowledge to design and implement affirmative strategies to protect the rule of law and deliver for people in the states;
• Reinforce key state institutions to protect executive agencies, elections, state courts, and other core democratic bodies; and
• Develop playbooks to enable Governors and their teams to anticipate and swiftly respond to emerging threats.

By supporting state leaders with tools, knowledge, and resources to protect and strengthen state democratic institutions, GSD seeks to ensure that American democracy remains vibrant, resilient, and responsive to the needs of its people.

GSD’s central aim is to fortify democratic institutions in the states and ensure the rule of law serves all people. Through governor-led efforts and the support of a network of senior staff designated by each governor, GSD will foster cross-state collaboration, including the sharing of essential tools, knowledge, and resources.

Supported by GovAct, a nonpartisan organization championing fundamental freedoms, GSD will collaborate with think tanks, legal experts, and democracy advocates to help tackle the unique challenges facing American democracy today.

For more on the Governors Safeguarding Democracy alliance, visit www.GovsforDemocracy.org.

About Governors Safeguarding Democracy

Governors Safeguarding Democracy (GSD) is a nonpartisan alliance of governors working together to uphold and fortify American democracy. Visit www.GovsforDemocracy.org to learn more.

About Governors Action Alliance

Governors Action Alliance (GovAct) is a nonpartisan organization that champions fundamental freedoms. Visit www.GovActAlliance.org to learn more.