Mike Haridopolos Representing Florida Senate District 26

PRESS RELEASE: Haridopolos on Decision to Allow Taxpayer Funded Abortions in PA

Jul 16, 2010

Merritt Island, Fla. -  Incoming Senate President Mike Haridopolos (R- Merritt Island) and Representative Matt Gaetz (R- Fort Walton Beach) today expressed concern with Pennsylvania’s decision to allow taxpayers to pay for abortions.  The Obama administration recently authorized $160 million for Pennsylvania’s high-risk insurance pool, which can be used to pay for any abortion that is legal in the state. 

During the 2010 Legislative Session, Senator Haridopolos and Representative Gaetz filed an amendment to HB 1143 that continued existing Florida policy that public funds cannot be used to pay for elective abortions.  Although the amendment was adopted, the bill was later vetoed by Governor Charlie Crist.  Today, Haridopolos pointed to the Pennsylvania decision as additional proof that the law was, and is, necessary in Florida.

“Pennsylvania’s decision to allow taxpayers to pay for abortions is exactly why Representative Gaetz and I filed an amendment to make sure this will not happen in Florida,” said Haridopolos.  “No matter where you stand on the issue of abortion, we should all agree that taxpayers should not foot the bill.”

“Florida cannot duplicate Pennsylvania’s tragic mistake,” said Gaetz.  “With President-Designate Haridopolos taking the helm in the Florida Senate, I am confident that we can block the taxpayer funding of elective abortions.”

Haridopolos said he will continue to fight to prevent this from happening in Florida.  “In a tough economy we need to focus on what is best for Floridians.  As President, I intend to focus on responsible spending and not support taxpayer-funded abortions.”