UNDATED (WKZO AM/FM) — Vice-President Mike Pence was once again called upon to break a tie in the U.S. Senate to push a controversial proposal over the top.
This time it was to to pass a bill that would allow states to redirect federal funds from Planned Parenthood to other medical clinics. It still needs President Trump’s signature.
There is already a ban on using federal funds for abortions. This would reverse an Obama administration rule that prevented the states from withholding other federal funds from Planned Parenthood.
That would include funding for programs that provide family planning and cancer screening for low income residents.
Just over a dozen states have already decided to redirect that funding to other healthcare providers, drawing lawsuits challenging the practice. Passage of the law would make legal challenges more difficult.
Michelle Richards is with Pro-Kazoo says she really doesn’t know was state lawmakers or Governor Snyder might do, but she says it would be a test of just how moderate the Governor really is, with Republicans controlling both houses, the Governor’s office and the State Supreme Court.
Pro-Choice advocates demonstrated at the Kalamazoo clinic this past Friday.
They also needed Pence to break the tie was for the appointment of Betsy Devos as Secretary of Education.
