LAWSUIT COULD MEAN LOSS OF WOMEN’S HEALTH CARE SERVICES

          HARRISBURG, October 26 – State Senator LeAnna M. Washington (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) today stood up with several state lawmakers and women’s health advocates to urge Republican leaders to drop a lawsuit that could cost Pennsylvania $18 to $27 million in federal funds for low-income women.

          “It is important that we work hard to secure federal dollars for health care for these women, not contradict these worthy efforts to fuel political agendas” Washington said.

          The 2005-06 state budget, passed in July, included Republican-authored language that would have restricted Pennsylvania’s ability to use federal money for family planning services for low-income women.  Governor Ed Rendell quickly removed the provision by using line-item veto power, but Republican legislative leaders are challenging the veto in court.

          “I don’t see the logic in taking away health care services for women who would otherwise be unable to afford them,” Washington said.  “I thought it was our job as leaders to support our most vulnerable citizens.”

          Washington added that a bill was passed in the House that would provide free breast and cervical cancer screenings for under-insured and uninsured women between the ages of 40 and 49.

          “This lawsuit goes directly against this worthy endeavor,” Washington said.  “It is fiscally irresponsible and callous to cheat these women out of much needed and important healthcare services.”

          Washington added that twenty-one other states, some far more conservative that Pennsylvania have approved this funding.