© 2024 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

New Budget Would Bar Payments To Planned Parenthood

Michigan Capitol Building
WKAR File Photo

The Legislature has sent Governor Rick Snyder the new state budget, which he is expected to sign.  

As we hear from Capitol Bureau Chief Rick Pluta, the budget attempts to cut funding to Planned Parenthood.  

A provision in the budget would require county health departments to favor family planning clinics that don’t also abortions. State law already forbids the direct use of public money funds for abortions.    

But the Legislature’s gesture may be symbolic, says Governor Snyder’s press secretary, Anna Heaton.     “We’re concerned that portions of the boilerplate language are unconstitutional.”      

A different state law already governs how family planning money is distributed. The provision cannot be line-item vetoed, but the governor could issue a signing statement that says it’s not enforceable.  

Rick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He has been covering Michigan’s Capitol, government, and politics since 1987. His journalism background includes stints with UPI, The Elizabeth (NJ) Daily Journal, The (Pontiac, MI) Oakland Press, and WJR. He is also a lifelong public radio listener.
Journalism at this station is made possible by donors who value local reporting. Donate today to keep stories like this one coming. It is thanks to your generosity that we can keep this content free and accessible for everyone. Thanks!