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Save IMLS and CDC
- centralfloridaindi
- Aug 28
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 1
⚠️ Two Urgent Threats to Public Health; Access to Knowledge — Take Action Now
Across the country, two dangerous federal decisions are unfolding that demand immediate
attention — and your voice.
First, the CDC has scaled back its foodborne illness tracking, quietly reducing surveillance
of pathogens that cause thousands of hospitalizations every year.
Second, the Trump administration is attempting to dismantle the Institute of Museum and
Library Services (IMLS) — the federal agency that funds library services in every state.
Both cuts could put lives and communities at risk — but we can stop them by contacting our
elected officials right now.
Issue #1: CDC Cuts Foodborne Illness Surveillance
As of July 1, the CDC drastically reduced its Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance
Network (FoodNet).
Instead of tracking eight major foodborne pathogens, the CDC is now focusing on just two:
Salmonella and STEC (Shiga toxin-producing E. coli).
No longer actively monitored:
Campylobacter
Cyclospora
Listeria monocytogenes
Shigella
Vibrio
Yersinia
Why it matters:
Active surveillance is how we detect outbreaks early, monitor food safety trends, and respond
before people get seriously ill. Passive systems miss cases, and public health experts warn
that this change could delay outbreak detection and increase foodborne illness risk across
the U.S.
CALL SCRIPT – CDC FoodNet Cuts
“Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I’m extremely concerned about the consequences of
CDC budget cuts. These cuts have weakened programs that prevent youth violence, track
chronic diseases, and now even monitor deadly foodborne pathogens.
Instead of tracking eight major pathogens, they’re only monitoring two. That means outbreaks of
dangerous bacteria could go undetected, putting families like mine at risk.
Please take action to reinstate this critical funding and prevent further erosion of our health
infrastructure. Thank you.”**
Issue #2: IMLS Under Attack
The Trump administration has issued an Executive Order to reduce the Institute of
Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to only its “statutory functions”; and eliminate all “non-
statutory components.” This threatens to:
Eliminate the Grants to States Program (Sec. 9141)
Defund programs supporting tribal, rural, and underserved libraries
End library workforce and leadership training programs
Disrupt existing grants and multi-year awards already funded in FY 2025
Why it matters:
The American Library Association (ALA) and AFSCME are already suing to stop the
dismantling of IMLS — but Congress must fully fund the agency to protect library services
nationwide.
Without this funding, millions could lose access to literacy programs, public internet,
educational resources, and community services — especially in rural areas.
CALL SCRIPT – Save IMLS
**“Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I’m calling to urge you to protect the Institute of Museum
and Library Services.
The administration’s recent Executive Order threatens to dismantle IMLS and cut off essential
programs like the Grants to States Program, which supports libraries in every community.
Libraries are vital — from early literacy and homework help to internet access and job search
assistance. Please ensure IMLS is fully funded in the federal budget and stop any effort to
eliminate its core services. Thank you.”**
Who to Call
Senator Rick Scott – (202) 224-5274
Senator Ashley Moody – (202) 224-3041
Your U.S. Representative – Call the Capitol Switchboard: (202) 224-3121 and ask to be
connected
✊ Take Action Now — Here’s What You Can Do:
✅ Make both calls or send emails using the scripts above
✅ Share this post with friends, family, or your library patrons
✅ Use hashtags #SaveIMLS and #ProtectPublicHealth to spread the word
These two issues may seem separate, but they’re deeply connected: both are attacks on
public services that protect and empower our communities.
Together, we can stop these cuts and defend what matters most.
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