For several women?s groups and lawmakers, the state comptroller doesn?t just affect taxes ? his or her decisions could affect women?s lives.
“We felt obligated, and we felt it was the right thing to do,” said Scott Henderson, an official with Planned Parenthood, which, for the first time, endorsed a Maryland comptroller candidate, Democrat Peter Franchot.
Representatives from NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland, Maryland National Organization for Women and Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington D.C. Inc. joined Del. Elizabeth Bobo, D-District 12B, and other lawmakers and candidates at a rally to support Franchot.
“The comptroller does more than manage tax policy,” Bobo said.
The comptroller, as a member of the public works board, approves millions for state contracts, many of which include those for health services, that affect women directly, she said.
Franchot can support the capital improvement projects of women?s clinics and advocate for women?s issues, Henderson said.
Franchot said the public works board is concerned with a full range of issues, not just finances.
He referenced a June 2003 vote by the Maryland Board of Public Works to cut Medicaid funding for breast and cervical cancer screenings, a budget cut he called “unnecessary.”
The comptroller also can affect school construction funding, the affordability of education and land preservation, said Howard County Council Member Ken Ulman, D-District 4, who is running for county executive and previously served as a staff member for the Board of Public Works under former Gov. Parris Glendening.
“Having the right people with the right values is critical,” he said.
Franchot, the five-term delegate from Montgomery County, challenges Republican Anne McCarthy in next week?s general election.
