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Wilson Statement on SCHIP

January 14, 2009
Press Release

Program Should Fund Low-Income Children First

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 14, 2009

Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) issued the following statement today after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 2, the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009. This legislation expands the program to cover adults, higher-income families, and potentially illegal aliens. Congressman Wilson opposed H.R. 2 calling on his colleagues on the other side of the aisle to support legislation that will put low-income children first.

“The State Children’s Health Insurance Program needs to be reauthorized and funded so that it can continue to serve children who cannot afford private insurance. I have consistently been in favor of fully funding SCHIP to meet the needs of low-income children. I supported legislation in previous Congresses and a Republican alternative today that would have ensured SCHIP focused on low-income children first. Unfortunately, House Democrats hastily brought a bill to the floor that raises taxes, expands SCHIP coverage to adults and higher-income families, and makes it easier for illegal aliens to fraudulently apply for coverage.

“Democrats have chosen to pay for their expansion of the SCHIP program, by raising the federal tax on cigarettes. This is a tax increase that unfairly targets lower-income individuals. Moreover, it requires an increase in the number of smokers to raise adequate revenue. This is poor health care policy and terrible fiscal policy. How do the Democrats plan to pay for an ever more expensive program while relying on a decreasing funding source? The math does not add up.

“What is most disappointing, however, is the blatant budgetary gimmick in this bill which allows for a massive funding cut to occur to the program in 2014. It makes the accounting sheets look good today, but it will pull the rug out from underneath millions of children that this expansion will enroll – many of whom are already covered by private insurance. Again, that is poor health care policy and terrible fiscal policy."

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