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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT: James M. Dawes Communications Director Professional Licensure Committee |
State Rep. Mike Sturla D-Lancaster Majority Deputy Whip Chairman, Professional Licensure Committee |
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House adopts Sturla resolution to urge Congress to fund SCHIP
HARRISBURG, March 21 – The state House today unanimously adopted a resolution (H.R. 104) introduced by state Rep. Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster, that urges the United States Congress to provide timely and meaningful reauthorization of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program in 2007.
“Pennsylvanians should be proud that the federal CHIP program is modeled after our state CHIP program,” Sturla said. “My resolution will help make sure that the federal government continues its critical funding for the State Children's Health Insurance Program, especially now that our Commonwealth’s Cover All Kids program is operational.”
Sturla noted that about 68 cents of every dollar spent on CHIP in Pennsylvania comes from the federal government.
“With the federal government cutting its funding to the states in various programs, I hope it recognizes the importance of keeping children healthy and will not shortchange State CHIP,” Sturla said.
In June 2006, Sturla introduced legislation for Gov. Rendell’s Cover All Kids proposal. The Cover All Kids initiative then became law and the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approved the final part of the program in February 2007.
To enroll in the expanded CHIP Cover All Kids program, visit www.chipcoverspakids.com or call 1-800-986-KIDS.
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