|
"I applaud members of Congress for not giving up on the fight to
save SCHIP, and for coming together across party lines to approve a
plan that supports state efforts to make sure children have access
to the health care they need. In Illinois, we became the first state
in the nation to ensure that all kids have access to affordable
health coverage. We'll continue to make sure all children can get
health care, but the federal government needs to do its part as
well.
"Health care should not be a luxury available only to the
wealthy, and this legislation will mean millions of low- and
moderate-income children nationwide will have access to
better-quality health care, dental coverage and mental health
services. In Illinois alone, SCHIP has helped to provide health care
to over 316,000 children. I would like to thank members of Congress
for putting children first and supporting the SCHIP legislation, and
I urge the Senate to do the same. I'm disappointed that President
Bush has announced that he plans to veto this bill. It's time for
him to join the overwhelming bipartisan majority and help us provide
health care to uninsured children."
[Text from file received from
the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information]
 |
 |
