Liberty Institute Statement on SB 7 Passage, Planned Parenthood Funding Cut

AUSTIN, Texas, June 27, 2011 – Earlier today, both houses of the Texas Legislature voted to approve Senate Bill 7 (SB 7), which along with other legislation passed this session, strikes at and could effectively end taxpayer funding of Planned Parenthood in the state. The bill will now be sent to Gov. Rick Perry for his signature, which is expected.

In regard to the vote, Liberty Institute released the following statement:

“The passing of this legislation is a defining moment in Texas history for the pro-life and taxpayer protection movement.  Texas leaders have sent a clear message-Planned Parenthood and similar abortion groups should not use taxpayer funds to support their agenda”, said Jonathan Saenz, Liberty Institute legislative director who supported SB 7 at the Texas Capitol and has provided legal analysis and advocacy efforts to support pro-life strands of SB 7.

SB 7 prevents abortion providers and their affiliates from receiving tax dollars through the “Women’s Health Program” (estimated $34 million loss for PP).  SB 7 prioritizes other funding that PP usually goes after, to give priority of funding to community-based centers that provide comprehensive primary care to women, not just “family planning”.   Planned Parenthood does not fall into this category. SB 7 also prevents county tax dollars from being used for abortion, like Travis County Healthcare District has been doing for years with approximately $450,000.

Record Vote of Senate on SB 7: http://www.journals.senate.state.tx.us/sjrnl/821/pdf/82S106-27-F1.PDF#page=3

Record Vote of House on SB 7: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/RecordVote.aspx?LegSess=821&Bill=SB7&RcdVtNo=128&Ch=H&Dt=06/27/2011

Liberty Institute is a nonprofit legal and policy group dedicated to protecting freedoms and strengthening families. Visit www.libertyinstitute.org for more.