Colorado Congressional Delegation Supports State’s Coronavirus Grant Request

Washington, D.C. – Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D) and Cory Gardner (R), along with Colorado’s entire congressional delegation, wrote to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Health and Human Services in support of the State of Colorado’s grant request to strengthen preparedness for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak.  

“We are writing to request your full and fair consideration of requests by the State of Colorado to suspend the current application process and extend current contracts with the same funding levels for the following grants, so state public health professionals can focus on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) response,” wrote the Colorado congressional delegation. “While we understand this request falls out of the traditional grant management protocols, this funding is critical for the State of Colorado’s efforts to prepare for and fight the potential spread of COVID-19. We request that the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention coordinate with the State of Colorado to ensure essential, robust, and swift funding.” 

The text of the letter is available HERE and below. 

Dear Director Redfield and Assistant Secretary Kadlec, 

We are writing to request your full and fair consideration of requests by the State of Colorado to suspend the current application process and extend current contracts with the same funding levels for the following grants, so state public health professionals can focus on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) response. Currently, staff capacity is extremely limited and this flexibility will enable states to dedicate valuable, limited staff time to this public health priority. We are requesting this flexibility for the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program, the Hospital Preparedness Program, the Epidemiology and Laboratory Program, the Immunization and Vaccines for Children Program, the Public Health Tracking Program, and the Occupational Health and Safety Surveillance Program to ensure preparedness for COVID-19. 

While we understand this request falls out of the traditional grant management protocols, this funding is critical for the State of Colorado’s efforts to prepare for and fight the potential spread of COVID-19. We request that the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention coordinate with the State of Colorado to ensure essential, robust, and swift funding. 

We look forward to continuing to serve as a collaborative partner in this effort and request updates on the status of this critical funding for the state of Colorado. Thank you for your full and fair consideration. 

Sincerely,