Idaho Dems call on Republicans to stand up to Bush’s SCHIP veto

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Contact: Chuck Oxley (208) 871-4976 (office)

BOISE, Idaho -- State Democratic Party Chairman Richard Stallings today condemned President Bush’s veto of legislation that would have renewed the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) – which currently provides health care coverage to over 6 million children nationwide – and improve it by expanding coverage for more children in Idaho.

President Bush’s veto, which will prevent 18,100 uninsured Idaho children in from gaining health care, comes despite overwhelming support of the American people for expanding SCHIP. According to recent polls, 86 percent of the American people support reauthorizing SCHIP, with seven in ten saying they support the Democratic plan to expand SCHIP by $35 billion over five years. [Robert Wood Johnson Foundation release, 8/23/07; Washington Post, 10/2/07]

Not only have a bipartisan group of 43 governors called on President Bush to extend and expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, but seven states filed lawsuits against the Bush Administration challenging proposed federal rules that would "force poor children to lose health coverage." [Associated Press, 10/01/07]

Stallings called on Senators Larry Craig and Mike Crapo, along with the Republican Presidential candidates, to stand up to President Bush and join Democrats in voting to override President Bush’s veto.

“President Bush and the Republicans trying to replace him may think it makes sense to turn their backs on Idaho’s children, but Crapo and Craig have an opportunity to stand with Democrats in standing up for our children,” said Stallings. “Allowing President Bush’s reckless and irresponsible veto to stand means denying thousands of Idaho children the opportunity to see a doctor, receive preventative care and live healthier and happier lives. Republicans like Craig and Crapo should have the courage to do the right thing and stand up to President Bush by joining Democrats in fighting for the families and children of Idaho.”