On Eve of Override Vote Governor Urges Congressional Delegation to Support SCHIP Program
Override of veto would prevent thousands of children from losing health insurance
Salem - On the eve of the scheduled vote in the U.S. House of Representatives to override the President’s veto of the bipartisan State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), Governor Ted Kulongoski is urging the Oregon Congressional delegation to support the program’s reauthorization and vote to override. Earlier this month the Governor sent letters to the Oregon Congressional delegation pointing out that the President’s veto put health insurance coverage for thousands of Oregon ’s children in jeopardy.
“I urge you to continue siding with Oregon's children and vote to uphold the passage of SCHIP,” Governor Kulongoski wrote in the letters. “This bill represents a common-sense and bipartisan approach that will ensure that health coverage for millions of currently enrolled children is not jeopardized.”
While the SCHIP program has been temporarily reauthorized, the Governor stresses in the letters that this approach will not serve the children who currently count on the program.
“This piecemeal approach to reauthorization destroys the promise of SCHIP and leaves the program in tatters: it puts the coverage of children currently enrolled in peril while leaving us unable to expand coverage to other eligible children,” Governor Kulongoski wrote.
After the House of Representatives’ vote on Thursday, the Senate vote will follow. The Governor finishes the letters by urging members to stand in support of Oregon children when they have the opportunity to vote to in support of the SCHIP legislation. He encouraged those members of the delegation that have already supported the reauthorization of SCHIP with these words: “Please know that I--together with thousands of Oregon families and children--am standing beside you as you hold your ground.” He also reminded the entire delegation that “America is the richest nation in the world and I believe that means we have a responsibility to make sure no child is left without health care.”
Contact:
Patty Wentz, 503-378-6169
Kristina Edmunson, 503-378-5040
Rem Nivens, 503-378-6496
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