|
For Immediate
Release
5/27/09
Senator White Issues Statement on CHIP Funding
Senate Republicans committed to protecting children's
health care
Senator Don White, (R-41) Chairman of the Senate Banking and Insurance
Committee, issued the following statement reaffirming the Senate Republican
Caucus's commitment to Pennsylvania's Children's Health Insurance Program.
"It is disappointing, but hardly surprising, that Pennsylvania's CHIP
program is being treated by the Governor like a poker chip in his high-stakes
game to increase state spending. Since passage of Senate Bill 850, which reduced
state spending to match the revenues we expect to receive next year, the
Governor has marched out his cabinet members on an almost daily basis to
forecast gloom and doom if the Legislature doesn't accept his budget -- which at
this point is already $1 billion out of balance.
"CHIP is a proven, successful program without a waiting list and no cap on
enrollment. Senate Republicans strongly support CHIP and have since its
inception 16 years ago. This support enabled Pennsylvania to become a model for
the federal children's health insurance initiative. Senate Bill 850 maintains
state spending for CHIP at its current level, ensuring that a monthly average of
195,000 children will receive the health care coverage they need.
"In addition, we don't know and haven't factored into the FY 2009-10
budget what additional funding the Commonwealth will receive as a result of the
federal government's massive tobacco tax increase for the S-CHIP initiative.
"If we truly care about our children, then we must not mortgage their future
through imprudent spending or tax increases. We must make difficult decisions
today to weather the current economic crisis and plan for the future. We must
work together to pass a sensible, practical and fiscally responsible budget."
Contact:
Joe Pittman
(724) 357-0151
Additional Information:
Health Care
 Print this page
E-mail
this page
Back |
