TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Planned Parenthood lobbyist says Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback’s move to deny Medicaid funds to the group will cost it $61,000 a year.

The Republican governor announced Tuesday evening that he’s directed the state health department’s secretary to prevent Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri from receiving any Medicaid funds.

Medicaid provides health coverage for the needy and disabled and reimburses health care providers for their care.

Planned Parenthood lobbyist Elise Higgins called Brownback’s announcement an attempt to divert attention from his policy failures. She said women will be hurt by what she called the governor’s scapegoating.

Brownback announced the move in his annual State of the State address and said the state must continue to protect innocent life. He’s signed numerous anti-abortion measures since taking office in 2011.

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JOHN HANNA, AP Political Writer

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Gov. Sam Brownback has announced that Kansas will prevent Planned Parenthood from receiving any funds through its Medicaid program.

In his annual State of the State address Tuesday evening, the Republican governor also encouraged the GOP-dominated Legislature to enshrine his directive into law.

Brownback used his speech to outline a broad legislative agenda on issues such as taxes, health care and education. He announced his action against Planned Parenthood near the end.

The governor is a strong abortion opponent. He signed a law in 2011 to prevent Planned Parenthood from receiving federal family planning dollars through the state health department.

The governor said Tuesday that he directed the health department’s secretary to see that no taxpayer money goes to Planned Parenthood through Medicaid, which provides health coverage for the needy.