Indiana poised to cut Planned Parenthood funding

[The Northerner]

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana is poised to become the first state to cut all government funding for Planned Parenthood.

The move would be a significant victory for anti-abortion activists but could pose a pose a political predicament for Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels as he considers running for president.

The Indiana House voted 66-32 on Wednesday to cut off the $3 million in federal money the state distributes to the organization for family planning and health programs. The Senate approved the measure earlier this month.

Indiana would risk losing $4 million in Medicaid funds if Daniels signs the bill.

A veto could antagonize ardent conservatives wary of Daniels' calls for a truce on "social issues" to focus on the economy. But signing the bill also could provide the political cover he needs from social conservatives.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110427/ap_on_re_us/us_planned_parenthood_states

[Proud Liberal Dem]

1. Well, the "truce" doesn't mean much anymore

since he walked back his "truce" comments (last year) as applying to liberal activists pushing DADT repeal, NOT conservative ones pushing anti-gay/anti-choice measures. On social issues, he has been fairly moderate, even slightly progressive in some areas and, frankly, I don't think that social issues excite him much. He signed an EO prohibiting discrimination based on gender and/or sexual orientation when he first took office despite the wailing and gnashing of anti-GLBT orgs convinced that a brigade of crossdressers would be invading ladies rooms all over the state (:eyes:) and he never got behind the push to enact a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage. I don't think he's spoken out on abortion aside from claiming pro-life (anti-choice) status but he's not exactly pushed hard on it either. I hold out some hope that he will veto the bill but if he signs it, we'll know that he's trying to throw a bone to GOP primary voters/social conservatives whose support he would need in a GOP primary. Of course, that- and his hypocrisy on calling for a "truce" could damage his more moderate "bonafides" in a general election (assuming he could potentially make it that far). The bill, in addition to defunding Planned Parenthood here in Indiana, would also enact a ton of new restrictions on abortion as well. :puke:

[Sadie5]

2. This is crazy

Not only do we need planned parenthood but with the $10 per hour job situation Mitch loves so much, we also need Medicaid to help those who need a doctor but have no money. Indy is becoming a slimy place of late with the Repubs running wild.