TRENTON — The rallies here continued this afternoon with more than 200 people, many donning pink t-shirts, gathered in front of the Statehouse in support of women’s rights and to call for the restoration of $7.5 million for family planning clinics. Last year, Gov. Chris Christie cut the money from the budget and said the state could not afford...
Senator Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen) in this January Star-Ledger file photo. Weinberg has called for a restoration of funds to family planning clinics in New Jersey. TRENTON — The rallies here continued this afternoon with more than 200 people, many donning pink t-shirts, gathered in front of the Statehouse in support of women’s rights and to call for the restoration of $7.5 million for family planning clinics.
Last year, Gov. Chris Christie cut the money from the budget and said the state could not afford to support services for residents that they could get elsewhere. The Democrat-controlled Legislature passed a bill to restore the money, but Christie vetoed it.
Another bill introduced this year has been passed by the Senate.
“If the governor vetoes this again, we have the votes to override the veto,” said state Sen. Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen), an outspoken advocate on women’s issues. Weinberg said the cuts have led to the closure of six family planning clinics during the past year.
A string of Democrats who spoke at the rally said Christie’s decision was based on “far right, anti-government ideology” and not based on budget concerns.
“This is a war being waged on women’s health,” said Sen. Barbara Buono (D-Middlesex).
Hazel Stix, a 40-year advocate for women’s rights and a supporter of Planned Parenthood, said if she were to rank all of the New Jersey governor’s she could remember on their support for women’s rights, Christie would be at the bottom of the list.
“He’s been just terrible,” Stix said.
Related coverage:
• Gov. Christie vetoes bill restoring $7.5M grant for family planning
• N.J. health chief is questioned about Christie's $7.5M grant cut for family planning clinics
• N.J. female lawmakers continue to demand restoration of $7.5M for family planning