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7 | Page May 9 I ssuethe company remains at the forefront of innovation in the animal health sector. This initiative also reflects our dedication to advancing animal health and our on-going investment in the communities where we operate.%u201dSince the advent of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Merck has allocated more than $12 billion to enhance domestic manufacturing and research capabilities, with additional planned investments of more than $9 billion over the next four years.Merck Animal Health%u2019s significant investment in its research and development laboratories will enhance its research capabilities, focusing on advancing global drug discovery and development initiatives. The investment will continue to drive Merck Animal Health%u2019s innovative research and development of novel parasiticides and therapeutics, reinforcing the company%u2019s dedication to improving animal health and welfare worldwide.%u201cMerck%u2019s massive expansion in De Soto further elevates Kansas%u2019 long-established status as a global leader in animal health,%u201d Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. %u201cThe opportunities and ripple effects of having almost $1 billion surge into the local economy will have far-reaching and long-lasting reverberations across the entire state. Historic investments such as these truly benefit all Kansans, both now and into the future.%u201dTrump Administration Cuts Critical State Health Funds, Eliminating Access to Vital Services During Disease Outbreaks~Grant Terminations Harm Mental Health Programs and Response to Disease Outbreaks~TOPEKA (5.8.2025)%u2013 Governor Laura Kelly announced Thursday that the Trump administration%u2019s abrupt unilateral termination of more than $33 million in health care and mental health service grants has forced the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) to abolish 56 positions in vital health posts, leaving communities without access to critical services. This marks the first large-scale state employment dismissal initiated by the Trump administration%u2019s cuts to congressionally authorized funds.On Tuesday, March 25, the Trump administration notified KDHE and the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) that six of the grants they administer were immediately terminated as of the previous day, Monday, March 24. The mission of the grants and employees paid through that funding was to strengthen the state%u2019s epidemiology and laboratory work, monitor and respond to disease outbreak, administer critical programs that provide vaccines for children, and address health disparities for underserved communities and rural Kansans. These actions also eliminated $7.4 million in funding that goes directly to local non-profits in Kansas. After receiving notification that the grants were terminated, Governor Kelly called upon Attorney General Kobach to bring a case on behalf of Kansas to fight back against federal cuts to vital state health services. The attorney general declined.%u201cThe Trump administration%u2019s abrupt and unilateral funding cuts will have severe and immediate consequences for the health, safety, and quality of life of Kansans across the state, especially in rural areas,%u201d Governor Laura Kelly said. %u201cThese cuts come when Kansas is in the midst of fighting two outbreaks %u2014 tuberculosis and measles %u2014 and has no additional resources to continue this work.%u201d