Budget cut would be costly

The Great Recession has put financial stress on virtually everyone and, like most states, Washington is facing a terrible budget crisis. The government has devised a plan for balancing the budget by cutting numerous programs across the board. Although it is upsetting to see any program cut, the elimination of the Take Charge Medicaid family planning program would be devastating.

Washington currently receives $9 in federal funds for every $1 we put into this family planning program. If Take Charge is cut, our state would save $4 million, but what the government may not realize is $50 million in new state costs would be generated in unintended pregnancies.

Take Charge provides funding for over 50,000 low-income families in Washington who depend on this program for family-planning services. To date, Take Charge has helped over 400,000 Washingtonians prevent unintended pregnancies and with the elimination of this program the state will have to cover the $50 million in maternity care for low-income families not receiving Take Charge services.

We must encourage the state government to reconsider cutting this vitally important program. Balancing our budget is crucial, but eliminating Take Charge is not sensible or the fiscally responsible thing to do.

Caroline Johansen

Spokane