Overview

• The alliance debuts with governors from California, New York, Illinois, Colorado and 11 other Democratic-led states plus Guam pledging to share data, align guidance and strengthen emergency preparedness.
• Organizers describe plans to issue joint recommendations, pool expertise and explore bulk purchasing of vaccines and medical supplies as governance and operational tools are developed.
• The move follows federal shifts that narrowed COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and restructuring at the CDC, with reports of layoffs tied to a partial government shutdown.
• GovAct will support the effort, drawing on a bipartisan advisory board of former governors and advisers that include former CDC director Dr. Mandy Cohen.
• Several member states have already acted to preserve vaccine access, with Illinois ordering continued availability beyond federal recommendations and regional compacts laying groundwork for cross-state coordination.