KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Kalamazoo city commissioners have tentatively agreed to fund a controversial reproductive health program, and another YWCA effort that helps human trafficking victims.
The grant was recommended after Adrienne Zaya, director of public policy at the YWCA, made a pitch for it.
The money will come from the Commission Initiatives Fund, $100,000 set aside annually for the board to fill gaps in the social safety net and handle pressing needs.
Several members of the commission wanted to keep some in reserve for their top priority which has been reducing gun violence, including Vice Mayor Jeanne Hess, commissioner Qianna Decker & Mayor Dave Anderson.
But commissioner Don Cooney asked why wait?
Cooney proposed giving the YWCA $50,000 for each of its two programs, spending the rest, about $44,000, helping indigent residents pay their water bills, and it passed.
Agreements with the outside agencies would need to be vetted and drafted and come back to the commission for final approval.
Opponents of public funding for the reproductive health program spent months trying to prevent Kalamazoo County from approving funds last year, unsuccessfully. The program helps the indigent get birth control, doula care, gender identity treatments and abortions.
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