The Lt. Governor says Republican budget cuts to reproductive healthcare could damage Wisconsin's economic future.
The budget from Assembly Republicans would cut state funding to about 30 private family planning clinics around the state. Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton says the proposal "pulls the rug out" from under Wisconsin women by reducing access to critical care for low-income women. Those facilities provide screenings for cervical and breast cancer, as well as birth control counseling.
Lawton says the proposal also puts the state at risk for losing federal aid. She says ending state assistance could result in Wisconsin losing $35 million from the Medicaid Family Planning Waiver.
Lawton says cutting back on reproductive healthcare for low-income women also makes it difficult for them to contribute to the state economy.
The Lt. Governor joined with legislative Democrats Tuesday in denouncing the plan.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 1:09)
