| Congressman Eric Massa showed his support for child health care when he voted to support the final version of the State Child Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) Reauthorization Act of 2009. When it passed the House, it was sent to President Barack Obama who signed the expansion into law.
Today, Congressman Massa commended President Obama for signing this important piece of legislation into law.
The passage of this bill initiates a four and a half year reauthorization (through FY 2013) of the Children's Health Insurance Program, which is called Child Health Plus in New York. H.R. 2 will also strengthen the program's financing, increase health insurance coverage for low-income children, and improve the quality of healthcare children receive. Currently SCHIP covers about 7.1 million children, but this expansion is projected to cover a new total of 11.2 million. In 2007, SCHIP was reported to cover about 651,853 children in New York.
With approximately 402,000 uninsured children in New York, the SCHIP expansion is estimated to cover an additional 267,000 kids - a 66% reduction in the number of uninsured children in New York.
"We fought hard for this moment and now we can celebrate a great victory for America's children," said Congressman Eric Massa. "After spending years fighting for this expansion to children's health care, with one stroke of the President's pen, we have raised the standards for America. We absolutely must take care of our children first, and today we have made a commitment to do just that. Right here in New York, we can provide an additional 267,000 children with access to healthcare. This will help us reduce the number of uninsured children in New York State by 66%."
Massa also showed his gratitude by writing a piece on Huffington Post, calling this a "day to celebrate." In that post, he discusses the importance of SCHIP and the importance of this expansion becoming law.
As a freshman member of Congress that made the expansion of children's healthcare a cornerstone of my campaign, this is a truly powerful and emotional moment for me. I have debated this issue for years and the bottom-line has remained the same - If we don't take care of our children, then what do we stand for? I believe in an America that makes our children's health and safety a top priority and now it's not just a belief, it's law.
Also, Massa announced today that he has been appointed to two Homeland Security subcommittees. Massa, who is a member of the House Homeland Security Committee, will serve on the Border, Maritime and Global Counterterrorism Subcommittee and the Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection Subcommittee.
"As a 24-year Navy veteran, I welcome the opportunity to continue serving and protecting our great country. My placement on the Border, Maritime and Global Counterterrorism Subcommittee as well as the Transportation Security and Infrastructure Subcommittee ensures that I will be deeply involved in Homeland Security issues," stated Rep. Massa. "Homeland Security is an environment in which I am very familiar and I welcome the opportunity to share my knowledge and expertise in this area in service to my country. I can think of nothing more important than serving to protect my country."
A lot of news from Massa today. And remember, Massa will be holding a telephone town hall meeting tonight from 6 to 7 p.m. If you are interested in taking part, call (877) 229-8493 and use the code "14608" when prompted. |
