Sununu: Issues statement after vote
We release, as received, the statement of District 3 Executive Councilor Christopher Sununu issued after he cast the tie breaking vote that removed taxpayer funding from Planned Parenthood. Sununu is a supporter of “abortion rights.” ~Publis
CONCORD, NH – Today, the New Hampshire Executive Council refused to support a government contract to provide taxpayer funding to Planned Parenthood in New Hampshire. Planned Parenthood has been embroiled in national controversy surrounding allegations of criminal activity pertaining to their sale of fetal tissue.
Executive Councilor Chris Sununu issued the following statement:
“Today I cast the deciding vote on the Executive Council to oppose taxpayer funding of Planned Parenthood in New Hampshire. In the past, I supported funding for Planned Parenthood as a provider of reproductive health services in my district. However, investigations into potential criminal activity on both a federal and multi-state level have convinced me to withdraw that support.
“Serious ethical and legal questions have been raised nationally about Planned Parenthood. New Hampshire would not even be considering approving such a contract if it were not for the political influence that Planned Parenthood has. There is precedent for rejecting state contracts when the applicant has been under investigation and surrounded by controversy, and given the sensitivity and seriousness of this issue, Planned Parenthood should be held to a similar standard of scrutiny.
“The Executive Council has asked Governor Hassan and her Attorney General Joseph Foster to formally investigate the matter to ensure no illegal activity has occurred. Yesterday the Governor refused that request once again confirming her need to place politics ahead of integrity and accountability in New Hampshire.
“Today, I again called on Governor Hassan to find alternatives to Planned Parenthood in parts of our state where there currently are none. New Hampshire should provide alternatives for women so they can make the best choice for themselves and their families. Unfortunately, the Governor rejected my request to promote choice for women and their health care needs. I will continue working with the Commissioner of Health and Human Services to provide leadership and identify alternative health care providers.
