Walker's elimination of state family planning funds could jeopardize federal dollars, close clinics

Gov. Scott Walker's budget proposal to eliminate all state funding for family planning services for low-income residents could also jeopardize federal dollars for pregnancy prevention. In the last two years, the state has spent $1.9 million annually on federal planning services at centers around the state. This past year, the state also distributed $1.5 million in federal family planning dollars. This federal funding is part of the $10.7 million received by the state through the federal Maternal and Child Health Block Grant, commonly referred to as the Title V program. The federal planning dollars require a state match, but it is unclear how the state would meet that requirement given the elimination of its own funding for family planning. (CAPITAL TIMES, 3/8)