Haridopolos Renews Push Against Tax-Funded Abortions -- and Continues to Raise His Profile on National Issues

Having sent a letter to U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson earlier in the month, incoming Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, continued focusing on national issues, blasting Pennsylvania for permitting taxpayer dollars topay for abortions. While attacking policies in the Keystone State, Haridopolos also reminded Floridians about an amendment prohibiting tax dollars from being used for abortions, that he and Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach, added to HB 1143 -- the measure requiring women considering abortions to have an ultrasound that was vetoed by Gov. Charlie Crist.

Pennsylvanias decision to allow taxpayers to pay for abortions is exactly why Representative Gaetz and I filed an amendment to make sure this will not happen in Florida, said Haridopolos. No matter where you stand on the issue of abortion, we should all agree that taxpayers should not foot the bill.

In a tough economy we need to focus on what is best for Floridians, said Haridopolos. As president, I intend to focus on responsible spending and not support taxpayer-funded abortions.

Florida cannot duplicate Pennsylvanias tragic mistake, added Gaetz, a new member of the House who is starting to raise his profile both here and on the campaign trail with Marco Rubio.With President-designate Haridopolos taking the helm in the Florida Senate, I am confident that we can block the taxpayer funding of elective abortions.