Title: ELCA Presiding Bishop Writes in Support of Children's Health Care Program ELCA NEWS SERVICE
October 16, 2007
ELCA Presiding Bishop Writes in Support of Children's Health Care Program 07-167-AL
CHICAGO (ELCA) -- In a written message to members of the U.S. House of Representatives on Oct. 16, the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), expressed his support for the reauthorization of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).
"Our Christian faith calls us to act for vulnerable people, especially children," Hanson wrote. "SCHIP is a straightforward and sensible way to provide coverage for millions of low-income children who lack health insurance."
Vetoed by U.S. President George W. Bush but expected to come up for a veto override vote in the House this week, the legislation would expand the SCHIP program by $35 billion over five years to $60 billion annually. The bill was originally passed by bipartisan majorities in both the House and the Senate, and it had been endorsed by governors of 43 states.
"Millions of children are counting on this program, many with working parents who can't afford health care," wrote Hanson. "This significant funding increase for SCHIP means the renewal of a successful program for the millions currently enrolled and enough funds to cover an additional 3.8 million currently eligible but uninsured children."
The ELCA Conference of Bishops, which met Oct. 4-9, acknowledged and expressed appreciation to Hanson for writing the letter, which was also made available to the bishops to use in writing their own letters.
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The complete text of Presiding Bishop Hanson's SCHIP letter is at http://www.ELCA.org/advocacy/issues/health/07-10-16- schipletter.html on the ELCA Web site.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org http://www.elca.org/news ELCA News Blog: http://www.elca.org/news/blog