Urgent Request for Florida to Challenge NIH Indirect Cost Funding Cut

I urge you to direct the Attornery General to join the multi-state lawsuit or file a separate suit challenging the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) decision to slash indirect cost reimbursements for research grants. This reckless policy will devastate Florida’s research institutions, harm our economy, and weaken our medical innovation leadership. The NIH has historically reimbursed institutions for indirect costs, which cover essential infrastructure, compliance, and administrative support for research. The new policy caps these reimbursements at 15%, well below the 27-28% average, leaving Florida institutions millions of dollars short. Why This Matters for Florida: 1. Threat to Medical Research - Institutions like UF, UM, FSU, Moffitt Cancer Center, and Mayo Clinic Jacksonville rely on NIH funding for research into cancer, Alzheimer’s, and heart disease. These cuts to indirect funding WILL force layoffs, slow clinical trials, and disrupt life-saving research. 2. Economic Harm - NIH grants generate $2.78 billion in economic activity and support 14,000+ jobs in Florida. Reduced funding will hurt scientists, administrators, and skilled workers who keep these institutions running. 3. Other States Are Fighting - Florida Must Too - 22 states have sued NIH over this decision and received a temporary injunction preserving their funding. Florida cannot afford to stand by while other states protect their research institutions. 4. Federal Overreach & Legal Violations - Congress has rejected similar cuts before, yet NIH is ignoring legislative intent and violating existing agreements with research institutions. Action Needed: I urge you to direct the Attorney General to join the lawsuit or file Florida’s own legal challenge. Our state must act now to protect our research institutions, economy, and medical advancements. Thank you for your leadership. I look forward to your response.