| The single mom getting pre and post-natal care for her newborn. The elderly woman having her blood pressure checked for hypertension or her blood sugar checked for diabetes. Countless young people who get tested for HIV/AIDS and other sexually-transmitted diseases. Women across our state whose lives are literally saved--saved by breast or cervical screenings that detect cancer early, before it's too late.
The truth of the matter is, women's health care funding provides essential services that save lives. Unfortunately, the Governor's veto leaves many middle to low income women who can't afford health insurance out in the cold. Not only does his veto mean sicker families, it also means more cost to taxpayers in the form of increased charity care. That's why I and many of my legislative colleagues sponsored A-3019, which will restore women's health care funding in a revenue-neutral way.
Unsurprisingly, the Governor and other critics have responded loudly. Some have said this funding is about abortion. It's not--this funding is about women's health, and the legislation prohibits these funds to be spent on abortion. Some have said women have plenty of alternatives, such as the Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC's). Yet they can't handle such a sudden influx; thousands of new patients would stretch our FQHC's and ER's perilously thin.
Still other critics have accused us of grandstanding. Nothing could be further from the truth. This debate is about the women and families of New Jersey. It shouldn't be an issue of rigid ideology, and indeed this funding originally passed the Legislature with bipartisan support. Now is the time to put partisan politics aside and stand up for women's health care.
I and my fellow sponsors of this legislation need your help. Please call your legislators and urge them to override the Governor's veto. I appreciate your help, and I welcome your input. To receive updates on women's health care and other issues, "like" me on Facebook today. |
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