2009 Legislative Issues to Watch:

Family Planning Funding:

In Minnesota, Family Planning programs receive state funding through Family Planning and Special Projects (FPSP) grants from the Department of Health.  These grants go to 42 clinics across the state that provide access to family planning services for low-income women.  This program serves 27,000 Minnesota women each year.  In addition, for every $1 spent on family planning, the state saves $5.40.  Governor Pawlenty has proposed cutting FPSP funding by almost 20%, which will cost the state an estimated $8 million.  We cannot afford cuts to this vital service.  Stand up and fight and let your legislators know that you want FPSP fully funded. 

Comprehensive Sexuality Education:

Minnesota schools are still to this day not required to teach comprehensive sexuality education to our youth.  With the growing sexual activity among our youth and the ever-increasing STI rates and teen pregnancy rates, we must provide the proper tools to our children. According to a survey conducted in 2007, 89% of Minnesota parents agree that young people should be taught in school how to prevent pregnancy and disease, while also being encouraged to delay sexual activity.^[1] Research shows that effective sex ed programs provide adolescents with the knowledge, attitude, skills, and values to make responsible choices.^[2]  Sex ed programs that discuss both abstinence and contraception, do not increase sexual activity among teens; rather, such programs often delay first intercourse, reduce the frequency of sex, and reduce the number of sexual partners.  Join us in telling your legislators that Minnesota needs a responsible sex ed policy so that our youth can be responsible adults.