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Supporters of Kids' Health Care Join Senator Klobuchar To Speak Out for Override of President's Veto

October 7, 2007

Minneapolis, MN -- U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar was joined this afternoon by Minnesota Children’s Hospital President Dr. Alan Goldbloom – as well as doctors, nurses, educators and other supporters of children’s health care – to urge a Congressional override of President Bush’s veto of legislation to provide health coverage for millions of children in low-income working families.

The State Children's Health Insurance Program (known as SCHIP) provides coverage for kids from families who live above the poverty level but cannot afford private health insurance. It currently provides over six million children with health coverage. The legislation would expand coverage to an additional four million children, by providing an extra $35 billion in funding over the next five years.

"SCHIP is a proven, effective program that has helped ensure health care for kids across our country," said Klobuchar. "Because of its success, SCHIP has broad, bipartisan support. Its expansion would bring health care to millions of American children who currently lack coverage. A vote by Congress to override the president’s veto will be a vote for America’s kids and for America’s future."

Besides Klobuchar and Dr. Goldbloom, other speakers at the event included Dr. Mary Braddock, a pediatrician and Director of Child Health Policy at Minnesota Children’s Hospitals; Linda Lindeke of the Minnesota Nurses Association; Marc Kimball of Children’s Defense Fund Minnesota; and Fred Storti of the Minnesota Elementary School Principals Association.

Legislation to expand SCHIP passed the U.S. Senate with a 67-29 vote, enough to override the president’s veto. The U.S. House passed the legislation with a 265-159 vote. However, about 20 additional House votes are needed for a veto override.

A Washington Post/ABC News poll recently found that 72 percent of Americans support the planned $35 billion spending increase, with almost half of all Americans saying they "strongly" support the expansion. 81 percent of Democrats, 69 percent of independents and 61 percent of Republicans are in favor.

According to the Census Bureau, 47 million Americans now lack health insurance coverage. Historically, Minnesota has had one of the nation’s best rates for health insurance coverage, but that rate has eroded in recent years. Currently, an estimated 86,000 Minnesota children have no health coverage.

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