Commentary

In a stunning development, the Idaho House Health & Welfare Committee approved legislation to provide Planned Parenthood of Idaho with a windfall of some $29 million in new public funding.

HB 563, sponsored by Democrat Leader Matt Erpelding, was approved on an 8-3 vote, with Rep. John Vander Woude missing from the Committee.

There were just 3 Republicans who opposed the legislation: Reps. Karey Hanks, Mike Kingsley and Bryan Zollinger.

That means a majority of Republicans backed the measure – which stated purpose is to provide additional “family planning” monies to low-income women. Voting for the measure:

• Chairman Fred Wood (R- Burley)
• Vice Chairman Kelley Packer (R-McCammon)
• Rep. Christy Perry (R-Nampa)
• Rep. Eric Redman (R-Athol)
• Rep. Megan Blanksma (R-Hammett)
• Rep. Jarom Wagoner (R-Caldwell)

We urge pro-Lifers from around the state to immediately contact their House members to urge a resounding defeat of HB563.

This is the same committee which has failed to give us a hearing on HB 572, legislation to end taxpayer funding of Planned Parenthood.