Federal spending on public health is a large absolute amount, but only a very small part of this total. Estimating the total expenditures requires work; one careful 2013 study found: “Annual federal public health expenditures average only 0.08 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), 1.5 percent of federal health-related expenditures, and 0.5 percent of total health related US public and private sector expenditures.” (p3-4: https://www.norc.org/content/dam/norc-org/pdfs/PH%20Financing%20Report%20-%20Final.pdf )
It is true that “Public health has traditionally received the majority of its funding from federal sources, with the largest percent generally coming from USDA (which funds WIC), followed by CDC, HRSA, EPA, FDA, and the DHS.” Case studies showed federal funding ranged from 27% to75% for local departments, with most over 50%. (2013 study p73)
You can correctly say that federal funding is crucial for US public health programs, and that Trump’s vaccine policy could do serious damage. But if you say the federal finding is “vast”, you tell Republican voters that defunding public health will make a significant contribution to balancing the budget and reducing taxes.
In fact, public health funding has tended downward for many years, with both state and federal funding decreasing, apparently because of a lack of public support. To give a local example, the public health department in Whitman County in conservative eastern Washington had 20 full-time employees in 2002. During the pandemic in 2021, they had 8 full time employees, and when the professionally-trained Administrator resigned (to take a federal public health job), the County made only minor efforts to replace him.
In a better United States, the act of originating or spreading demonstrable lies about vaccine would be a criminal offense punishable by a gag order, monetary penalties and imprisonment for repeated offenses. If that sounds extreme, remember that except for imprisonment, those are standard remedies in successful defamation cases.
Free speech fundamentalists who still believe the way to stop the assault on vaccinations is by putting out more and better information in Ye Olde Marketplace of Ideas can knock themselves out but it won't do a bit of good.
Great summary for something he doesn't call out as often. This is one of those decisions that could be devastating in a generation. I'm always surprised by this because it fits with their immigration eugenics strategy to deny entry to people who are unvaccinated.
Darwin's Law sure does wreak havoc.
This will be a valuable series; thank you.
One small but important criticism: You say:
“... the federal government’s vast public health funding...”
“Vast...funding” gives a dangerously incorrect message in the context of a political debate about vaccines and public health.
The US spends a “vast” amount on all forms of health care, 17% of Gross Domestic Product according to one 2022 analysis. (https://www.cms.gov/data-research/statistics-trends-and-reports/national-health-expenditure-data/historical# )
Federal spending on public health is a large absolute amount, but only a very small part of this total. Estimating the total expenditures requires work; one careful 2013 study found: “Annual federal public health expenditures average only 0.08 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), 1.5 percent of federal health-related expenditures, and 0.5 percent of total health related US public and private sector expenditures.” (p3-4: https://www.norc.org/content/dam/norc-org/pdfs/PH%20Financing%20Report%20-%20Final.pdf )
It is true that “Public health has traditionally received the majority of its funding from federal sources, with the largest percent generally coming from USDA (which funds WIC), followed by CDC, HRSA, EPA, FDA, and the DHS.” Case studies showed federal funding ranged from 27% to75% for local departments, with most over 50%. (2013 study p73)
You can correctly say that federal funding is crucial for US public health programs, and that Trump’s vaccine policy could do serious damage. But if you say the federal finding is “vast”, you tell Republican voters that defunding public health will make a significant contribution to balancing the budget and reducing taxes.
In fact, public health funding has tended downward for many years, with both state and federal funding decreasing, apparently because of a lack of public support. To give a local example, the public health department in Whitman County in conservative eastern Washington had 20 full-time employees in 2002. During the pandemic in 2021, they had 8 full time employees, and when the professionally-trained Administrator resigned (to take a federal public health job), the County made only minor efforts to replace him.
Guy Carden
Spokane, Washington
In a better United States, the act of originating or spreading demonstrable lies about vaccine would be a criminal offense punishable by a gag order, monetary penalties and imprisonment for repeated offenses. If that sounds extreme, remember that except for imprisonment, those are standard remedies in successful defamation cases.
Free speech fundamentalists who still believe the way to stop the assault on vaccinations is by putting out more and better information in Ye Olde Marketplace of Ideas can knock themselves out but it won't do a bit of good.
Great summary for something he doesn't call out as often. This is one of those decisions that could be devastating in a generation. I'm always surprised by this because it fits with their immigration eugenics strategy to deny entry to people who are unvaccinated.
This is why the Orange menace needs to be defeated in November. Great discussion of why he needs to be sent packing.