Tennessee Governor Proposes Millions In Funds For Crisis Pregnancy Centers

Republican Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee The allocation of $100 million from the state to support women with disabilities was proposed this week “crisis pregnancy,” including resources for crisis pregnancy centers. 

Lee made the comments during his State of the State address on Monday, saying that the funding was a necessary part of the state’s commitment to pro-life values. If approved by state lawmakers, grants will be given to different nonprofit organizations. 

“This year, I’m proposing a $100 million grant program to partner with nonprofits that serve mothers, fathers, and families during a crisis pregnancy,” Lee During his speech. “Our Office of Faith-Based Initiatives has a unique ability, and an important opportunity, to engage nonprofits and community organizations. I believe it’s time to equip them with the resources they need to play a bigger role as we endeavor to better serve children and families.”

“We can have a healthy debate about the policy specifics, but we can also agree that America is rooted in a commitment to human dignity,” He concluded. “There was a significant shift in this country last year when it comes to protecting the lives of the unborn. We now all have an opportunity and a moral obligation to support strong Tennessee families.”

After the repeal of the Tennessee Abortion Act, the proposed funding will be sent to the state legislature. Roe v. Wade June 2022, giving the Volunteer state some of the strongest protections for life in the country. 

According to the governor’s press secretary, Jade Byers, the resources will go to nonprofits that provide direct services for crisis pregnancies, adoption support, counseling around pregnancy, workforce assistance for new moms, housing assistance for mothers needing a place to stay, and other “wraparound services” To support mothers. 

Many nonprofits will be eligible to receive grants, including crisis pregnancy centers. There are Tennessee has 60 such centers. It would seem that $100 million in funding is more than the total funding for such centers in all 50 states between 2021-2022. According To the Associated Press 

Lee has also proposed using state funds to pay for infants’ diapers for their first two years on behalf of mothers who use TennCare, a health coverage program for lower-income individuals.

“In light of the Dobbs decision last year, Tennessee has in place maximum legal protection for unborn children under our law and the opportunity to significantly boost support for mothers, children and families facing a crisis pregnancy, and Gov. Lee is making it a top priority,” Byers spoke to The Daily Wire via email.

Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti Joined On Tuesday, 23 state attorneys general sent a letter asking Yelp about its discrimination against pregnant resource centers.