|
Lawmaker criticized for 'population' bill OLYMPIA, WA- Democratic State Rep. Maralyn Chase of Edmonds is being critized for sponsoring a bill titled "Population Sustainability." The measure died in committee Friday in Olympia. It would have directed the state Secretary of Health to develop a pamphlet emphasizing the benefits of couples having only one or two children. No other legislator was willing to co-sponsor the legislation. Chase said she believes poor family planning has left too many unwanted children in the hands of jail systems and social welfare programs. She said birth rates are soaring and overpopulation strains the environment more and more each year. Many of Chase's colleagues in Olympia balk at the notion of government becoming involved in recommending how many children a couple should have. Sen. Dave Schmidt, a Mill Creek Republican, said the bill is a prime
example of government intrusion into the rights of citizens.
|