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Posted: 6:21 PM Apr 1, 2010
House Budget Cuts Healthy Start Funding
Healthy Start Officials Protest Cuts The Florida House of Representatives passed its version of the state budget this afternoon, balancing the books without raising taxes. That means cuts in spending -- and some are not sitting well with one local organization.
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The Florida House of Representatives budget cuts $4 million for the Florida Association of Healthy Start Coalitions.
The organization oversees 31 statewide coalitions that help at-risk pregnant mothers receive proper medical care.
Supporters of the budget measure say county health departments will pick up the slack.
But, officials with the Bay-Gulf-Franklin chapter of Healthy Start say that's not the case. They say they use the state funds to raise about $32 million for their cause, and health departments can't solicit donations like that.
"We're talking about actually losing babies if this happens," said Trey Hutt, president of the Healthy Start Board of Directors. "I know that sounds dramatic, but about 300 infants, or fetuses, will die every year in the state of Florida if they cut this funding. "
Legislators will now meet in conference committee to iron out differences between the House and Senate versions. Hutt, and some legislators, hope they can eliminate the cut to Healthy Start during the reconciliation process.
Latest Comments
These coalitions have helped to save babies' lives...and keep moms healthy... and they want to just wipe this out?
Further proof that our Republican legislature really cares nothing about human life including the unborn.
Why defund a program that brings additional grant money, volunteers, services and resources for mothers and infants? We need Healthy Start Coalitions!
