TRENTON — Legislation Assemblyman Vince Mazzeo sponsored to include in the state’s budget funds that would help low- and middle-income New Jersey residents access health care was advanced by an Assembly committee on Thurs.
The bill (A-3492) would provide $7,453,000 in supplemental funding for Family Planning Services grants through the state Department of Health.
“The priorities we choose show our character as a state,” said Mazzeo (D-Atlantic). “From a financial perspective, this relatively small investment pays enormous dividends and is a cost-effective way to improve the health and well-being of women and children in New Jersey.”
Mazzeo noted that in 2009 this funding helped support life-saving services for over 136,000 patients, including cancer screenings, birth control, prevention and treatment of STIs, breast health services, Pap tests and other health screenings. However, since taking office in 2010, Gov. Christie routinely has eliminated $7.5 million for women’s health care services in the state budget. Assembly Democrats repeatedly have attempted to restore the funding, only to have it vetoed by Christie.
As a direct result of the governor’s cut, six out of 58 women’s health and family planning centers closed while other health centers had to cut back staff or hours. In 2013, New Jersey’s family planning providers saw at least 37,000 fewer patients compared with 2009 – a 27 percent drop in patients served.
The funding has been prohibited from being used for abortion services, as is expressly stated in the legislation approved Thurs.
The measure was advanced by the Assembly Budget Committee.
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