The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials says they are "deeply disappointed" by the $5 billion cut to the Prevention and Public Health Fund that was made in order to partially pay for extending unemployment benefits and fixing Medicare's sustainable growth rate.

"While we recognize the importance of these policies, unless we control the costs of health care through proven public health prevention programs, which result in a healthier and more productive work force, we will not lessen the burden of health care costs on our nation's economy," the association says.

ASTHO Executive Director Paul Jarris says they will continue to work with Congress and the administration to "stress the importance of supporting public health prevention programs that will improve the health of our population, save lives, lead to a more productive economy, and reduce federal and private health care expenditures."