SCHIP is known as MIChild and Healthy Kids here in Michigan. In 2006 the programs covered 118,501 children. There are still approximately 171,000 children without health care in our state. With the $50 billion additional proposed for the SCHIP reauthorization, Michigan could get $1.32 billion in funding for it's programs over the next five years.That amounts to three times the current federal funding. Funding to provide care for children who have it and cover the 171,000 who do not. In Michigan, children who's family's income is 200% above poverty ($34,340 for a three person family in 2007) are covered. According to a report by Families USA the funding would also create $528.5 million in increased business activity, $198.7 million in increased wages, and 5,941 additional jobs for Michigan from a ripple effect of spending called "economic multiplier effect".
Our Congressman Pete Hoekstra voted no on SCHIP stating in a press release that " It would be a step toward a massive expansion of government-run health care."
Maybe Pete hasn't been paying attention, but that's what most Americans want. There are 9 million children without health coverage in the United States. The SCHIP program has reduced uninsured children by 2.7 million from 1998-2005. SCHIP funding is a step in the right direction toward a goal of all children receiving health care and the ultimate goal of Universal Health Care for all.
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Hoeksta is such a disappointment. Personally I would like to see a change to someone who could bring some Christian values to health care in this country.
Jesus said what you do for the least of these, you do for me. Hoekstra seems to care little for the poor of this country. His interest seems to be more with the defense industry.
It is an American tradition for government to be involved in health and saftety issues. We have seen an expansion over the years of fire and police protection because we believe government can provide that service better and the poor are not left behind. We offer government health care for our elderly, but Hoekstra doesn't want to help the elderly anymore than he wants to help poor children.
The SCHIP program can literally heal sick children. Isn't it time to ask Hoekstra, "What would Jesus do"? Isn't it time to trade him in for someone who reflects American values?
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