Here’s an undisputed fact: as the economy continues to struggle, America’s working families feel the financial squeeze. And what has Washington done about it?
Well, on Wednesday, a minority of those in Congress once again proved how truly out of touch they are with the working families whom they claim to serve by killing the attempt to over-ride the President’s veto of legislation to expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) to cover more children. This is only the latest example of the growing divide between Washington and those of us forced to live with the results of their "leadership" out here in the real world.
Today, two out of every three uninsured children in the United States that are eligible for assistance under SCHIP are not enrolled in the program. In New York, where I’m running for Congress, renewal of this program would secure coverage for over 650,000 children.
As elected officials, every Member of Congress and their families receive taxpayer-subsidized insurance through the Federal Employee Health Benefit Program (FEHBP).
Apparently Congress has forgotten that it’s OUR hard earned money that allows them to drive this Cadillac of health care plans. FEHBP relies on the federal government's might as an employer to leverage better rates and those covered have their choice of private insurers. Those insured enjoy the widest selection of health plans in America, and competition between the dozens of available plans has led to a reduction in premium growth of about 1% each year. Those insured are not subject to waiting periods or pre-existing condition limitations, and 72% of the average premium is paid for using our federal tax dollars.
A vast bi-partisan majority of 260 representatives in the House voted to do the right thing and allow for renewal of SCHIP. Unfortunately, they fell 15 votes short of the two-thirds majority required to over-ride the President’s veto. My opponent, Tom Reynolds (NY-26) once again backed President Bush and voted against funding the Children’s Health Insurance Program. It was his fourth such vote against funding this program.
Rank-and-file Congressmen make over $169,000 per year, while those in leadership positions can make more than $188,000 per year. There is simply no reason a politician that WE pay over $169,000 should have access to one of the best health care plans that money can buy, only to deny struggling families health care for their children.
If world class health care is good enough for Members of Congress, shouldn’t they be able to come together and provide disadvantaged children at least some form of coverage? It is time to change the priorities in Washington, by changing who we send there.
Jon Powers