H 5074 Concurrent Resolution, By Vick, Gunn and Hart
 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO URGE THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA TO
 ACCEPT TEEN PREGNANCY PREVENTION FUNDS PROVIDED TO STATES PURSUANT TO THE
 FEDERAL PATIENT PROTECTION AND AFFORDABLE CARE ACT.

   06/02/10  House  Introduced HJ-109
   06/02/10  House  Referred to Committee on Invitations and Memorial
                     Resolutions HJ-109

TO URGE THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA TO ACCEPT TEEN PREGNANCY PREVENTION FUNDS PROVIDED TO STATES PURSUANT TO THE FEDERAL PATIENT PROTECTION AND AFFORDABLE CARE ACT.

Whereas, the nation is facing an unprecedented time with regard to teen pregnancy, as state funding for community adolescent pregnancy prevention programs is decreasing, while federal funding for teen pregnancy prevention is increasing; and

Whereas, the State of South Carolina has been presented with a unique opportunity to receive federal funding for teen pregnancy prevention through the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which administers resources through the Assistant Secretary for the Administration for Children and Families within the Department of Health and Human Services; and

Whereas, fifty million dollars will be awarded to states and territories for evidence-based programs to reduce teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections to prepare youth for adulthood; and

Whereas, the funds are ultimately purposed to carry out personal responsibility education programs designed to educate adolescents on both abstinence and contraception for the prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases; and

Whereas, in order for a state to receive these funds, it must submit an application that contains state-established goals for reducing pregnancy rates and birth rates for such youth populations and a description of the State's plan for using the state funds, especially among youth populations that are the most high-risk or vulnerable for early pregnancies; and

Whereas, the Department of Health and Environmental Control, Department of Social Services, and the Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy shall collaborate to develop a state plan for administration of the funds; and

Whereas, state programming must replicate other evidence-based programming, be medically accurate, include an emphasis and activities relating to both abstinence and contraception, provide age-appropriate information and activities, and be provided in a culturally appropriate context; and

Whereas, the Governor of the State is encouraged to accept the funds allotted to South Carolina pursuant to federal law to be used for teen pregnancy education and prevention. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That the members of the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina, by this resolution, urge the Governor of the State of South Carolina to accept teen pregnancy prevention funds provided to states pursuant to the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Governor Mark Sanford.