Governor Kaine Calls On Congress To Override President's Schip Veto

Press Release

Governor Kaine Calls On Congress To Override President's Schip Veto

- Joined by General Assembly leaders and advocacy groups -

Governor Timothy M. Kaine today called on Congress to override President Bush's veto of the expansion of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Joining Governor Kaine were General Assembly leaders and members of children's health advocacy and faith-based organizations.

The Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007 is a bipartisan compromise that would provide health coverage to 4 million more uninsured American children. Under the SCHIP Reauthorization Act, Virginia could extend health care coverage to over 18,000 more of its low-income children who are still uninsured.

"The SCHIP Reauthorization Act would help Virginia and other states give our most vulnerable children and pregnant women access to health care," Governor Kaine said. "I support the bipartisan effort to prioritize the health of our nation's children, and urge Congress to override President Bush's veto of this important piece of legislation."

The Governor applauded Senators John Warner and Jim Webb, and Representatives Bobby Scott, Jim Moran, Rick Boucher, Frank Wolf, and Tom Davis for their support of the bill, encouraging them to continue to support the bill by voting to override the President's veto.

The Act would include changes to the program's funding formula and a mandate for dental health services and mental health parity. The proposed $35 billion increase in SCHIP funding over the next five years would bring total funding to approximately $60 billion over that period.

Currently, Virginia's combined SCHIP program, operated by FAMIS (Family Access to Medical Insurance Security), covers children who live in families with incomes above the Medicaid guidelines, but are at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), or $41,300 a year for a family of four. Today, Virginia's combined SCHIP program covers over 83,500 children and over 850 pregnant women.

Governor Kaine was joined by leaders in the Virginia General Assembly in calling for Congress to override the veto.

"The SCHIP program is critical to making sure thousands of children receive just the basics in healthcare," said Senator Mary-Margaret Whipple. "This is one program that almost everyone can agree on would be beneficial for Virginia's children."

Senator Dick Saslaw added, "This program is an investment that saves money. By providing the basics in preventative healthcare to children whose parents cannot afford health insurance, we are saving millions of dollars down the road."

"Providing quality healthcare to our children is a smart investment that ensures a productive, prosperous life," said House Democratic Caucus Chairman Brian J. Moran. "Children are our most vulnerable citizens and we have a fundamental moral obligation to protect them. I urge congress to invest in our kids by overriding the President's veto."

Children, family, and health advocacy groups across the state joined in supporting the SCHIP Reauthorization Act, as well:

"SCHIP is one of the smartest investments we can make. In Virginia, we have shown that it opens the door to the kind of stable medical care all parents want for their children. SCHIP also provides protection from overwhelming medical expenses for hard-working families struggling to get ahead. Of course, there must be priorities for government spending. This one pays some of the highest dividends. Voices joins others in urging Congress to override the President's veto." -Suzanne Clark Johnson, President of Voices for Virginia's Children

"SCHIP is the smart, proactive, cost-efficient way to pay for children who are otherwise uninsured. If we cover the basics…well care, immunizations, care for minor illnesses, preventive dental care, mental health…we avoid expensive hospitalizations and emergency room care. As a nation, should we pay for the health care of uninsured children in expensive and inefficient hospital care for illnesses that could have been easily treated if diagnosed earlier? Or will we choose the smart, efficient, comprehensive care that our children deserve through SCHIP?" -Dr. Colleen Kraft, President of the Virginia Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics

"Providing health care for children in need, especially preventative care, is the most important action we can take to break the bonds of poverty in America. SCHIP represents our core belief that future generations will only be stronger if we begin investing in our children today. We must create a legacy of health for tomorrow's leaders and that must begin right now. " -Rev. C. Douglas Smith, Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy

"Republicans and Democrats have come together to create a compromise bill to reauthorize the SCHIP program. They have put the interests of America's children above partisan politics. Congress has a clear choice - health care for four million of America's uninsured children or sticking with the President's extreme ideological agenda that does nothing to solve this problem." - Jill Hanken, attorney with the Virginia Poverty Law Center and spokesperson for the Virginia Coalition for Children's Health

"The NAACP stands with those of good will and call on the U.S. Congress to override the Presidents veto of SCHIP. While it is fine to give almost $1 trillion to the President's buddies who receive no-bid contracts, he denies disadvantaged children adequate health care."- King Salim Khalfani, President of the Virginia State Conference NAACP:

"Bon Secours is deeply disappointed by the President's veto of this important piece of bipartisan legislation, which will extend health insurance coverage to four million more children. The conference agreement does not increase the federal deficit by one nickel, and its provisions overwhelmingly target resources to genuinely poor children. We respectfully but strongly urge members of the Virginia Congressional Delegation to examine their consciences and vote to override the President's veto."- Sister Anne Marie Mack, President, Bon Secours Richmond Health System

"I am proud to support the reauthorization and expansion of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) and ask that Congress override President Bush's veto. Quality health care is essential for the well-being of our nation's children and families. My Association's members care deeply about children's health issues and believe that all children deserve the chance for a healthy start in life. Children's access to quality health care can impact on their ability to learn and succeed in school. Children without health insurance forgo the regular check-ups and doctor visits that every child needs, leading to unnecessary illness and increased school absenteeism. Yet, too many families lack insurance to cover needed health services. SCHIP provides health care assistance to families who would otherwise not have access to quality health care." Princess R. Moss, President, Virginia Education Association

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