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Reauthorization of SCHIP Is About Saving Lives (Rep. Joe Baca)

by Calif. Dem. Rep. Joe Baca - 08/03/07 2:21 PM ET

The reauthorization of SCHIP is about saving lives. By giving the states the tools and incentives necessary to increase SCHIP enrollment – this bill will give health insurance to 11 million American children who would otherwise be uninsured.

Providing health coverage to children whose parents cannot afford it is a moral responsibility Congress must meet. No parent should have to worry about being able to take their child to the doctor or the dentist. Every child, no matter how rich or poor, deserves the proper care to live a healthy, productive life.

I urge the President to act quickly to pass this legislation. In my home state of California, over 1.2 million children stand to lose health coverage if SCHIP is not reauthorized by September 30.