Obama Steps Up to the Plate Bigtime

[kpete]

U.S. Objects to New Law on Clinics in Indiana
By ROBERT PEAR

The Obama administration is raising serious objections to a new Indiana law that cuts off state and federal money for Planned Parenthood clinics providing health care to low-income women on Medicaid.

.The objections set the stage for a clash between the White House and Gov. Mitch Daniels, a Republican, over an issue that ignites passions in both parties.

...............

Federal officials have 90 days to act but may feel pressure to act sooner because Indiana is already enforcing its law, which took effect on May 10, and because legislators in other states are working on similar measures.

If a state Medicaid program is not in compliance with federal law and regulations, federal officials can take corrective action, including “the total or partial withholding” of federal Medicaid money. The mere threat of such a penalty is often enough to get states to comply. Actually imposing the penalty would, in many cases, hurt the very people whom Medicaid is intended to help.

MORE:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/23/us/politics/23abort.html?_r=1&src=tptw
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/05/24/978766/-Obama-Steps-Up-to-the-Plate-Bigtime?via=siderec

[barbtries]

1. i think it's bullshit

that the issue "ignites passions" in republicans - they're just pandering to the religious right. it's all bullshit and makes me sick.