By Staff
LANSING – Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm Wednesday joined U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, state legislative leaders, health care providers and advocates in urging the Michigan congressional delegation to be united in its support of Michigan's children by voting to override the president's veto of the Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) Reauthorization Act of 2007.
Granholm said a united, bipartisan Michigan congressional delegation could help insure that the president's veto will be rejected and that more children are given important access to health care under the program.
"This legislation represents a promise to every Michigan child who needs a vaccination, insulin and other medical services," Granholm said. "It will insure that more of our state's neediest kids can be seen by a doctor and have access to medications and medical care. Every member of Congress, especially those from Michigan, should do the right thing and support Michigan's children by voting to override the president's veto."
Last week, President Bush vetoed a bipartisan bill that would have protected 55,000 Michigan children who are currently supported by this program every month.
The vetoed bill would provide the state with a 44-percent increase in funds, allowing Michigan to cover as many as 80,900 additional children.
At a roundtable discussion at the Ingham County Health Department, Granholm and Stabenow discussed the importance of the SCHIP program to Michigan's children.
While expressing disappointment over the president's veto, Granholm applauded members of the congressional delegation who voted for the legislation, including the following Republican members: U.S. Reps. Fred Upton, Vernon Ehlers and Candice S. Miller.
Granholm also recognized U.S. Rep. John Dingell and Sen. Stabenow, who played key roles in developing this legislation.