Statement on Public Health Committee Bills:

 Public Health Committee Chairman Jonathan Steinberg's stated that the committee won't shy away from "weighty bills". Republicans countered that the short session and an anticipated day-long public hearing on vaccines may crowd out other bills.

Spokesman Chris O'Brien responds:

"If the Chairman is inviting important bills to consider, we have several which could make an impact. A Pregnant Minor Protection bill filed by several legislators would help women escape human trafficking, for example. We also believe that surgical abortion centers should be inspected as often as their outpatient surgical counterparts. But the Chairmen don't seem interested in these "weighty" measures that would make a difference.

O'Brien can be reached at 203-558-5817.

(A previous e-mail had an incorrect title.We regret the error)