EXTENDS SCHIP FUNDING TO PROVIDE HEALTH INSURANCE FOR CHILDREN IN LOW-INCOME FAMILIES

Washington, Dec 19, 2007 - "I joined in establishing the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) in 1997 to provide health insurance for children in families that earn too much to qualify for Medicaid, but cannot afford health insurance," said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). "The intent was to cover children in families earning from 100 percent to 200 percent of the poverty level. I am pleased to join the House in extending SCHIP through March 31, 2009, without opening the program to higher income families and to more adults."

Today, the House also approved a measure that would prevent 21 million Americans from paying the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) for the 2007 tax year. Stearns said, "I am pleased to join with the House in voting for this extension that would protect many middle class families in the Sixth District from the additional tax burden of the AMT."