Momnibus Bills: Boosting Doula Access & Essentials for New Parents
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Pennsylvania has proposed providing free period products in public schools, a move that has sparked debate among lawmakers. The state House approved a bill that would allocate $3 million for a free period product program, but it has faced opposition from some Republicans who have criticized it as excessive spending leading to communism. The bills now go to the Republican-controlled state Senate, which has typically criticized Democrat’s spending proposals but might consider some new spending due to higher-than-expected state revenues.
Free Newborn Kits and Period Products Discussed by Pennsylvania State House
From 2018 to 2022, Pennsylvania reported an average of 133,000 births every year, according to the department statistics. Supplying each newborn with a kit would cost the state almost $36 million each year.
State Rep. Kate Klunk (R., York) critiqued the proposal, stating it doesn’t target those in greatest need. The state House also acted on another priority, introducing free period products in public schools.
“Girls deserve peace of mind so they can concentrate on their education,” announced the governor at his February budget address. However, Karla Coffman, a school nurse at York Suburban High School, witnesses daily students struggling due to the lack of period products.
Substitutes like toilet paper are unhygienic and pose health and embarrassment risks. Coffman buys period products each year to support students, but the school district considers the expense nonessential.
A bill allocating $3 million for a free period product program won the state House’s favor with a vote of 117-85. State House Speaker Joanna McClinton (D., Philadelphia) emphasized the necessity of addressing period-related demands.
However, most Republican representatives, including State Rep. Stephanie Borowicz (R., Clinton), opposed the bill, equating it to steps towards communism. Following the governor’s address, state Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R., Westmoreland) criticized the proposal as excessive spending.
Later, in a TV interview, Ward softened her stance, stating the proposal was affordable and that provision would be made if a need arises. The bills are now in possession of the Republican-majority state Senate, which has routinely critiqued Democrat spending proposals. Nevertheless, with state revenues exceeding expectations, some new spending might be plausible.
“Divided government invariably requires a degree of give and take,” state Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R., Indiana) commented.
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