Letter to the House of Representatives

October 15, 2007

Dear Representative:

On behalf of the National Education Association's (NEA) 3.2 million members, we urge you to VOTE YES to override the president's veto of the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (H.R. 976), which would reauthorize and expand the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Votes associated with this issue may be included in the NEA Legislative Report Card for the 110th Congress. 

Quality health care is essential for the well-being of our nation's children and families. NEA members care deeply about children's health issues and believe that all children deserve the chance for a healthy start in life. Children's access to quality health care can impact on their ability to learn and succeed in school. Children without health insurance forgo the regular checkups and doctor visits that every child needs, leading to unnecessary illness and increased school absenteeism. Yet, too many families lack insurance to cover needed health services. 

In vetoing this important legislation, the president has jeopardized the health and well-being of millions of children. We urge Congress to take a stand on behalf of our nation's most vulnerable by overriding the SCHIP veto.

Sincerely,

Diane Shust, Director of Government Relations

Randall Moody, Manager of Federal Advocacy