The St. Louis Board of Aldermen approved on Friday the spending of a million dollars in federal money to give city residents rides to out-of-state abortion clinics. The vote was 15-8. Alderman Joe Vaccaro was a 'no.'
"This isn't about pro-life, pro-choice, it's about passing legislation that is just gonna tie up funds that are needed throughout the city for a lot of things," Vollmer said.
Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt had vowed to file a lawsuit, claiming the funding violates state law.
St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones released a statement on Twitter after the bill passed, lauding the Board of Alderman for their willingness to work together. She mentioned that besides the abortion access bill passing, they've gotten a lot of work done.
"Last month, the Board of Aldermen passed a budget for the first time in two years," her statement reads. "While we may not always agree, I appreciate President Joe Vollmer and Board members for collaborating with my administration on issues where we can work together."
The Board also passed bills regarding efforts to curb COVID, increase police accountability and expand community intervention programs.
