Blunt Wrong to Support Bush Veto of S-CHIP Reauthorization Bill

JEFFERSON CITY, MO -- Attorney General Jay Nixon today criticized Gov. Matt Blunt for supporting President Bush's veto of a bill passed by Congress to reauthorize the State Children's Health Insurance Program (S-CHIP).  If reauthorized, the program could bring insurance to more than 56,000 Missouri children who had their coverage slashed by Gov. Blunt in 2005.

"Governor Blunt opposes a program that could potentially reinstate health care for thousands of Missouri children who -- because of his massive cuts -- don't have it today,' said Attorney General Jay Nixon.  "We now have more than 127,000 children in our state without insurance. That is unacceptable.  But instead of supporting a program which could bring coverage to thousands of those children, Matt Blunt is touting a health care plan that ignores them completely.  These kids don't have lobbyists in Jefferson City like the big insurance companies do, so it's up to our elected leaders to stand up for their needs. It's a shame that the Governor refuses to join me in doing so.'

Gov. Blunt's position may come as no surprise considering the fact that, as a percentage of the population, Matt Blunt has kicked more people off S-CHIP than any other governor from June 2005 to June 2006.  Following Blunt's massive health care cuts in 2005, there are now more than 127,000 Missouri children without health insurance. 

According to Families USA, more than 56,000 Missouri children could receive health insurance if S-CHIP is reauthorized.  However, Gov. Blunt supported President Bush's decision to veto that reauthorization. Missouri Senators Kit Bond (R) and Claire McCaskill (D) both voted to reauthorize S-CHIP.

Two weeks ago, Gov. Blunt announced his latest health care initiative to expand health coverage. However, the Governor's plan does nothing to bring coverage to the more than 127,000 children in Missouri who don't have health insurance.