Smith Continues to Rally for Children`s Health Care

“We need solutions, not more partisan rhetoric.” - Senator Gordon Smith

Republican U.S. Senator Gordon Smith of Oregon

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Senator Gordon H. Smith joined health, child advocacy and public policy organizations in Oregon today to call on Congress to put partisanship aside and pass an important children’s health care measure.

The measure, the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), provides health care coverage to approximately 40,000 of Oregon’s children of low-income families. Reauthorization of the program would provide the funds needed to double the number of uninsured children in Oregon able to receive care.

“The future health and well-being of Oregon’s thousands of uninsured children depends on us finding a solution that provides our kids with affordable and meaningful health care,” said Senator Smith.

“We need solutions, not more partisan rhetoric. The Governor and I intend to work together to ensure that both the federal and state leaders get their work done to help Oregon’s children get access to the health care they need.”

“The children of Oregon are counting on Congress,” said Governor Kulongoski. “We cannot allow these kids to lose the health care that is keeping them safe and strong.”

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“We're too close to turn back now,” said Robin Christian, Executive Director of Children First for Oregon.

“Senator Smith has led the way and serves as an example of a congressional leader rising above partisan politics and taking strides to advance children's coverage. It remains up to every member of Congress to become a hero for America's kids and finish the job to cover 10 million uninsured children.”
Source: Gordon Smith media release