ELCA Presiding Bishop Writes in Support of Children's Health Care Program

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
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