TRENTON — Democrats and Republicans are finding common ground on at least one budget issue: restoring funding for women's services. But they disagree where the money should go. Assembly Republicans plan to sponsor a resolution that would allocate $6.2 million to Federal Qualified Health Centers and $1.3 million for New Jersey cancer education and early detection. No public funding...
State sen. Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen) has been very vocal about Gov. Christie restoring funding for women's health and family planning clinics. TRENTON — Democrats and Republicans are finding common ground on at least one budget issue: restoring funding for women's services.
But they disagree where the money should go.
Assembly Republicans plan to sponsor a resolution that would allocate $6.2 million to Federal Qualified Health Centers and $1.3 million for New Jersey cancer education and early detection.
No public funding would go toward Planned Parenthood and the resolution would change budget language from “Family Planning Services” to “Women and Family Health Services."
“This makes sure the money we spend goes to legitimate clinics that perform actual health services for our New Jersey women and children in need. This is a responsible and compassionate approach to make sure important health needs are not neglected,” said Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande (R-Monmouth).
Senate Democrats announced their own budget plan Thursday that included $7.5 million for woman’s services, including money for family planning services, which Christie cut last year.
Critics say the governor cut the money for ideological reasons, instead of budgetary ones as he claims. Family planning services has been associated with abortions.
Related coverage:
• N.J. Sen. Weinberg demands Christie restore funding for family planning centers
• State Sen. Weinberg says she will fight budget unless $1M for women's health is included
• Christie vetoes bill to expand Medicaid to more women seeking family-planning services
• N.J. lawmakers encourage Gov. Christie to restore $7.5M for women's health, family planning clinics