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PrintOn August 1, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to reauthorize and expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Plan (SCHIP). I would like to applaud the members of the House who voted in favor of the bill. Unfortunately, Rep. Kenny Hulshof was not one of them.
What kind of a message is Hulshof sending to Missouri families by voting against funding health care for children, when he has no trouble finding billions of dollars to fund a disastrous war with Iraq? It is a matter of values, plain and simple.
Let’s look at the facts. The SCHIP program provided health coverage for six million children in 2006. Under the new bill, an additional 5 million children will be eligible for coverage through this program, for a total of 11 million children.
It is unfortunate that anyone would oppose providing health care for children out of blind loyalty to President Bush, who has threatened to veto the legislation. Considering that every representative and their families get free health care, do Missouri’s uninsured children deserve any less? I am certain my fellow constituents will join me in sending that message to Rep. Hulshof in November 2008.
Show Me the Errors 
Comments
The SCHIP program initally provided health insurance to children of families who couldn't afford private insurance. The expanded version provides insurance to families making in excess of $80,000 a year. Government cannot take the place of family responsbilities. It CAN assist those with no other options. Taxpayers don't mind targeted assistance but they do mind handing a blank check to parents who won't care for their own children. Kenny Hulshof knows how to manage effective government; I expect this is why he is one of the most respected congressman in Washington.
The "children" in this bill included some up to the age of 25. THANK YOU CONGRESSMAN HULSHOF for doing the right thing and voting against this bill.
P.S. It actually would provide welfare for some families making up to $83,000 a year.