Minnesota Department of Health Postpones Layoffs Amid Federal Funding Cuts

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has delayed the layoffs of approximately 170 employees to May 13, 2025, following a temporary restraining order issued by a federal court in Rhode Island.

These layoffs were initially planned due to the unexpected termination of over $220 million in federal grants that supported various public health programs.

The funding cuts, attributed to the Trump administration and have prompted MDH to issue layoff and separation notices to affected employees.

With these latest layoffs, around 300 staff members received "at risk" notices, and nearly 20 job offers were rescinded.

The layoffs are expected to impact services such as disease outbreak responses, wastewater surveillance, and vaccination efforts.

MDH Commissioner Dr. Brooke Cunningham expressed concern over the sudden funding withdrawal, stating that it forced the department to make difficult decisions affecting critical public health services.

The temporary restraining order provides MDH with additional time to reassess the layoffs and explore alternative funding options to maintain essential health services for Minnesotans.