Koutoujian “outraged” by Romney public health cuts - 11/10/2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Nov. 10, 2006
BOSTON – State Rep. Peter Koutoujian, D-Waltham, House Chairman of the Joint Committee on Public Health, today expressed outrage at Gov. Mitt Romney’s decision to cut more than $5.1 million in public health spending that included programs that are vital to protecting the public health and safety.
Romney’s cuts completely eliminate a line item for domestic violence and sexual assault services, and reduce spending for dozens of other programs, including the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) and Pedi-SANE programs, HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention, suicide prevention, breast cancer prevention and substance abuse services.
“These cuts are completely unacceptable and outrageous,” said Koutoujian. “The Legislature included funding for these items in the budget because they are vital to protecting the public’s health and safety. From SANE to prostate cancer screening, this is smart spending that saves us millions in future costs.”
Other cuts include funding for ovarian cancer, smoking cessation and Hepatitis C prevention.
“This is an example of an absentee governor who has been no friend to public health, gutting what’s left as he makes his exit and leaves the public holding the bag,” said Koutoujian. “This is certainly not in the public’s best interest.”
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