Bramnick Explains Family Planning Vote Abstention

A Westfield state legislator said he abstained from voting on the family planning funding bill because although he supported the concept, he opposed the funding.

Assemblyman Jon Bramnick (R-Westfield) said he became one of 13 Republican legislators to abstain on the bill, which was vetoed by Gov. Chris Christie, due to the cost of continuing the program. The bill, which would have restored $7,5 million in funding for 58 family planning centers statewide, passed the Legislature in June before the governor's veto.

"I abstained because I think the underlying goal is good but it's about money," Bramnick said.

Bramnick said he has an appreciation for the work of the family planning centers, which provided birth control counseling, abortion services and other women's health services, around the state, but could not see the need to continue the cost during the current state budget crunch.

He said he decided to abstain on the vote, instead of voting no due to the funding situation, so he could continue to show support for the program.

"I support the concept of women's health and I wanted to show my support for the concept," Bramnick said.

Bramnick was joined in abstaining by his district colleague, Assemblywoman Nancy Munoz (R-Summit).

While Assemblywoman Linda Stender (D-Fanwood) and State Sen. Loretta Weinberg (D-Teaneck) have started a campaign to override Christie's veto, Bramnick said he will not be supporting the effort. A close Christie ally and the second highest-ranking Republican in the Assembly, Bramnick said he will be standing behind the governor's action due to the budget situation.

Bramnick said his office has been talking with state health officials and health care advocates in order to obtain resources for women who are looking for family planning centers. He also said he has been looking for ways to restore the funding but it will likely not occur through the state treasury. He said a recent meeting with state Treasurer Andrew Sidamon-Eristoff confirmed the lack of state funds for the program.

"I have asked the treasurer about this and at this point in time we don't have the money," Bramnick said.