Friday, May 15, 2009

Press Release: Positive Alternatives fully funded by Minnesota Legislature in bipartisan consensus

The following news release was issued on May 15, 2009. Learn more about the Positive Alternatives program and its tremendous impact on the lives of women and children across the state.

ST. PAUL – The state’s Positive Alternatives program remains fully funded for the 2009-2010 biennium, thanks to the support of pro-life Gov. Tim Pawlenty and state legislators in both parties. Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life (MCCL) worked tirelessly to ensure that pregnant girls and women would continue to find the help they need to bring their pregnancies to term through organizations funded by the Positive Alternatives grant program.

"Positive Alternatives is one of Minnesota’s most essential and successful programs for women," said Scott Fischbach, MCCL Executive Director. "This modest program offers a lifeline to women in need every day across the state, and MCCL is pleased that lawmakers -- both Democrats and Republicans -- agreed on the importance of keeping funding intact."

Positive Alternatives funding was expected to be cut due to the state budget shortfall. However, the DFL-controlled Legislature understood the crucial nature of the program and both the House and Senate recommended full funding for Positive Alternatives in their Health and Human Services (HHS) omnibus bills. The final HHS bill was signed into law by Gov. Pawlenty last night.

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