Grandmas Urge Funding for CHIP
None by KCPW
(KCPW News) Tomorrow Congress will attempt to override the president's veto of CHIP - the children's health insurance program that states use to cover uninsured children who don't qualify for Medicaid. Local grandmothers have mobilized to convince Utah Congressmen Chris Cannon and Rob Bishop not to block the override.I have five grandchildren and the two youngest have been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis," says Utahn Gerry Marti. "Because of this program, my two youngest grandchildren are alive."
Marti's grandchildren were covered by CHIP in Utah shortly after their mother lost their job and they were diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. Congress passed a bill earlier this month that would increase spending for CHIP by 35-billion dollars over five years. President Bush wants only a five-billion dollar increase. Critics - including many Republicans - say expanding CHIP is a step toward government-run healthcare.
Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom. Copyright 2009 KCPW
1. Jan Gates said:
No one is questioning the validity of somone who is temporarily unemployed and has children with health issues. It's assumed that once back to work and insurance is available that individual quit's using my paycheck and funds their own. The problem lies with a program that will define the same person hit with the Alternative Minimum Tax, as qualifying for the SCHIP Program. So while they may have to pay additional taxes above and beyond the regular income tax because they make so much money, my taxes will go to pay for their kids health care. If I wanted to donate to other kids I'd pay my own grandkids premiums. I AM AGAINST IT.
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