Legislation & Politics

Letter to Senate in support of Children's Health Care Bill

July 30, 2007


Dear Senator:

On behalf of the 1.4 million members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), I am writing to express our support for the Children’s Health Insurance Reauthorization Act of 2007 and to urge you to vote for it.

The bipartisan effort in the Senate has yielded a bill that makes significant progress in reducing the number of uninsured children.  We commend Senators Baucus, Grassley, Rockefeller, and Hatch for a determined effort to move this legislation forward. 

The increase in funding for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) provides states with an additional $35 billion over five years to cover more low-income children.  As a result, it is estimated that approximately four million more children will have health coverage by 2012.  This represents substantial progress in fulfilling the promise of SCHIP.  Importantly, the bill also allows states to cover most pregnant women without the need to seek a waiver.  There is no doubt that a healthy start in life begins with prenatal care.

I urge you to support this vitally important legislation.

Sincerely,

Charles M. Loveless
Director of Legislation

 

 

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