The day after Iowa Governor Terry Branstad used his executive authority to bypass the Iowa Legislature to prevent bullying he says that he is unable to defund Planned Parenthood.
“It appears to me, and the advice that we have received from the attorney general’s office, is that we cannot defund Planned Parenthood,” Branstad told media at the Iowa Capitol. “The attorney general’s office has notified us that we don’t have reasons; they haven’t violated their responsibilities under the grants that they have received from the state.”
Branstad said he’s willing to work with legislators, but it’s unlikely anything will make it out of the Iowa Senate. Branstad can take executive action.
He’s relying on a divided legislature that won’t pass a bill and a partisan Attorney General as a crutch. Planned Parenthood of the Heartland is under investigation. He is surrendering before the fight has even begun.
That should be reason enough. Also does the language of the contracts state that either party has to have a reason to pull out of the contract?
Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, at the request of the FAMiLY Leader, wrote a letter to Branstad explaining how he defunded Planned Parenthood in his state. Jindal cancelled all of the organizations Medicaid contracts they had with the state. Branstad can do the same in Iowa.
“Videos have been released which show in detail Planned Parenthood’s abhorrent practices and disregard for human life,” Jindal wrote. “After viewing the first of these videos in July, I directed the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) to investigate.”
“I encourage you to watch these videos and to take similar action in your state as well. If you have any questions about the specific actions our state has taken to protect life, please do not hesitate to call me,” Jindal added.
Branstad has been under pressure to take action, but it is abundantly clear he will not honor his campaign pledge. Where are Branstad’s pen and phone? He can probably find them where he left his backbone.