In a move as predictable as a CNN panel defending Joe Biden’s bedtime, 23 Democrat-led states—plus the always-efficient District of Columbia—have filed a lawsuit against the federal government for cutting off their COVID-era healthcare gravy train.
Yes, the pandemic is over. Yes, the emergency has officially ended. And yes, these states are still demanding emergency money like it’s March 2020 and people are still Clorox-wiping their groceries.
The lawsuit, filed faster than California can mismanage a budget, claims that the Biden administration’s decision to pull the plug on $11 billion in Medicaid funding is a “violation of federal law.” Because apparently, if you receive temporary aid during an emergency, it becomes a lifelong entitlement. Who knew?
According to the states, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) acted illegally when it told them, “Hey, time’s up.” The federal government’s position is simple: the money was tied to the pandemic. The pandemic is over. Ergo, so is the funding. Seems pretty straightforward unless you’re a blue-state budget planner who penciled in “infinite federal bailout” under “revenue.”
Let’s be clear—this isn’t about healthcare. It’s about dependence. These states built massive, bloated bureaucracies on the back of temporary federal dollars, and now that the spigot is turning off, they’re panicking. Without Washington’s constant cash infusion, they might have to—brace yourself—make budget cuts. Or worse… prioritize spending.
But don’t worry, the lawsuit is filled with the usual tear-jerking rhetoric: “vulnerable communities,” “public health infrastructure,” “moral obligation,” etc. Translation: “We spent too much and now we need someone else to clean it up.”
Meanwhile, red states—many of which managed to balance budgets, reopen schools, and return to normal life without turning into government-run daycare centers—are shaking their heads. They didn’t depend on endless emergency handouts, and they’re not suing anyone because Washington remembered what the word “temporary” means.
This is the modern progressive mindset in a nutshell: create unsustainable programs with someone else’s money, then scream “injustice” when the ATM card gets declined.
So now we get to watch as these states battle in court for the right to perpetual crisis funding. Because nothing says “return to normal” like suing to keep the emergency going forever.
Grab your popcorn—and your tax returns. You’re probably funding the legal fees.
