Advocacy

Stand up for health coverage for children

On Thursday, Oct. 18, 2007, the House of Representatives sustained President Bush’s veto of legislation that would provide health insurance coverage for children of working families struggling to make ends meet.

The vote on funding for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) was 273-156, just 13 votes short of the two-thirds needed for an override.

We thank all who wrote House members asking for their support of SCHIP.  Your voices were heard.  Rep. Tim Murphy (R-Upper St. Clair) and Rep. Phil English (R-Erie) voted to override the veto.

Now, Democrats are preparing to continue SCHIP with a stop-gap measure.  It is critical that children from families who cannot afford health insurance coverage continue to receive immunizations, prescription medications, dental care, routine check-ups and up to 90 days hospitalization a year.

Just as Democrats plan to sit down with the president to discuss next steps, we will keep you updated on what we can do next to ensure the continuing health coverage for our children of Western Pennsylvania – children whose parents can’t afford the high cost of private health premiums.

Please continue to check back for updates.