Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Monday that nearly $8 million in grants would be awarded to advance security at 21 abortion and reproductive health facilities….

The latest measure, known as the Physical and Digital Infrastructure Security Grant Program is to be administered by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) in coordination with the Department of Health Care Access and Information. Under the program, $7,879,108 will be awarded to 21 abortion and reproductive health facilities across the state to fund security enhancements, especially those that have encountered large protests and vandalism. While independent facilities are included under the program, Planned Parenthood locations are also covered….

While the additional security funding was applauded by many groups in favor of abortion rights, many others said that the money could have gone elsewhere, citing that the state is facing a $22.5 billion budget deficit.

“Groups like Planned Parenthood already receive tens of millions through state funding each year, with a lot of that coming from Medi-Cal reimbursements,” said Sarah Gomes, a state budget researcher. “Looking beyond morality or where you stand on abortion, the added costs are worrying. Compared to that $22.5 billion, $8 million isn’t all that much. But the groups are already getting so much back from the state, and when divided up, it comes to less than $500,000 each for these improvements. With all what they’re getting, you would think that they could already afford it on their own without more state-funding….”

Original story from California Globe.