By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
The governor of the state of New Jersey has decided that in order to restore “fiscal sanity” to his state budget, there will be no more taxpayer money given to “family planning” clincs.
New Jersey’s Star Ledger is reporting that Catholic Governor Chris Christie has fulfilled yet another campaign promise to restore the state’s government to “fiscal sanity” by vetoing a bill that would have allotted $7.5 million in state funds to “family planning” clinics, most of which are run by Planned Parenthood.
“State spending has been reset to levels the taxpayers can afford,” said Christie in a stern message to the legislature. “Supplemental spending that would return to the unchecked spending and out of control budget shortfalls of the past will not make it past the Governor’s desk.”
Michele Jaker, executive director of The Women’s Health Matters Campaign, a collaboration between the Family Planning Association of New Jersey and the Planned Parenthood Affiliates of New Jersey, described herself as being “disappointed, angry and frustrated” by the Governor’s veto.
“How else can I describe my feelings about the Governor’s veto of funding for women’s health? What part doesn’t he get – that thousands of women and men in NJ rely on family planning funding to get the health care they need? That funding family planning actually saves the state money? It’s baffling.”
Meanwhile, pro-life groups are applauding the move.
“The taxpayers of New Jersey are under no obligation to fund the radical and failed social agenda of Planned Parenthood,’’ said Marie Tasy, executive director of New Jersey Right to Life. “We commend Governor Christie for his steadfast opposition to restoring these funds.”
Reports indicate that the Democrat-controlled Legislature may seek to mount a veto-override.
To sign a national petition asking the government to defund Planned Parenthood, visit www.defundplannedparenthood.org
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