states have very expansive public health legal authority, derived from their police powers — unlike federal powers, which are enumerated/limited by the country's constitution. we are just starting to see states flex some of those powers.
Replies
I think people would be surprised to see the degree to which the CDC are not top-down administrators of public health, but 'coordinators' of state-level public health agencies.
aug 29, 2025, 5:37 pm • 14 2 • view
absolutely
aug 29, 2025, 5:41 pm • 5 1 • view
Just because I was curious: Texas Department of Public Health - ~5,000 employees NYSDOH - 'greater than' 5,000 employees California's CDPH - 3,900 employees CDC - 12,000 employees? It's certainly not 1:1 in job function or responsibility, but still an interesting comparison.
aug 29, 2025, 5:44 pm • 4 0 • view
this won't be a fix-all — states will have state fiscal limitations and federal legal barriers + right wing opposition in the courts. also, balkanization will likely result in some public confusion. but it's an emergency, and governors need to act. the response cannot be inaction
aug 29, 2025, 5:40 pm • 10 0 • view
i am reminded of covid vaccine development efforts at state universities
aug 29, 2025, 6:19 pm • 3 0 • view