Ellison Urges President to Support Children's Health
Press Release
Ellison Urges President to Support Children's Health
Congressman Keith Ellison (D-Minneapolis) voted today to reauthorize the Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) and urged President Bush to reconsider his ill-informed threat to veto this vital program.
"Mr. President, 4 million more additional children, including over 30,000 Minnesotans, will be covered by health insurance with the passage of this bill. These are not simply numbers; they are children in need. I implore you to sign this legislation," Ellison stated.
"Contrary to your argument, Mr. President, these children are truly needy. According to a new Urban Institute study, approximately 80% of the 4-5 million uninsured children have incomes below 200% of the federal poverty level," the 5th District Congressman said.The bi-partisan compromise bill will include $35 billion more for the SCHIP program affording 4 million more additional children to be covered, bringing the total number to 10 million low-income children receiving health care coverage.
Next year alone, this new SCHIP bill will provide Minnesota with $50 million in additional dollars to help insure Minnesota's children.
"We are fortunate in Minnesota because our uninsured rolls are half the numbers in the nation. But again, these are not just numbers, they are children in need, and 30,000 uninsured Minnesota children are 30,000 too many," Ellison stated.
The reauthorization of SCHIP has the widespread bi-partisan support of 43 of the 50 Governors, 16 of them Republican, including Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty.
"This bill is a reflection of our humanity. It goes to the heart of who counts, who doesn't; who matters, who doesn't, and what are our priorities. Mr. President, who matters more in our society; who is more vulnerable than our children? Mr. President, let us see the compassion you often speak of. Step up to the plate and truly leave no child behind by signing this SCHIP bill into law," Ellison concluded.
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