Columbus, August 17, 2007: Senate Democratic Leader Teresa Fedor (D-Toledo) filed a resolution with the Senate Clerk last week to support the federal State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). 

This resolution shows Ohio’s commitment to critically needed funding for health-assistance programs to uninsured and low-income children without increasing federal taxes, according to Fedor. 

“It is imperative Congress pass and the President sign SCHIP reauthorization and expansion for all children without raising federal taxes,” Fedor said. “We must maintain Ohio’s commitment to provide insurance to all children. Congress and President Bush must make our nation’s children their first priority and support SCHIP.” 

Fedor’s resolution urges Congress and President Bush to act in a responsive and responsible manner by passing legislation to support our children’s health. To date, however, Bush has opposed SCHIP legislation as passed in separate House and Senate versions. 

Current SCHIP funding expires on September 30, 2007.  According to Fedor, if SCHIP is not reauthorized or is vetoed by President Bush, Ohio could face a budget shortfall of $6.8 million in Fiscal Year 2008 and a shortfall of almost $100 million in Fiscal Year 2009. This would leave about 145,000 children currently enrolled in the program, as well as thousands of potential new SCHIP recipients, without adequate health insurance. 

Congress will take further action on the House and Senate SCHIP bills when it reconvenes in September, 2007.