“Would have,” unfortunately, may not become reality. Last week, President Bush vetoed reauthorization of the federal children’s health insurance program (S-CHIP) that helped support our state’s efforts. Before the President’s veto, federal money from the new S-CHIP bill would have secured our vision of Minnesota as a place where all kids can see a doctor when needed. Since its beginning in 1997, S-CHIP has provided health care coverage for close to 7 million children nationwide, including 36 thousand in Minnesota. If this veto stands, our state is predicted to lose $88 million next year, causing the number to swell beyond the 70,000 Minnesota children who are currently uninsured.

Affordable health care is not only an issue for poor families. We all know that middle class families and small business owners are being squeezed by increasing health care costs. Middle class families are paying 75 percent more for their share of insurance premiums and their share of other out-of-pocket costs has increased over 50%. The most recent report showed that premiums in Minnesota again went up at nearly triple the level of inflation.

Minnesotans understand that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed in life. Only a healthy child who has appropriate access to preventative and wellness care can succeed in school. Healthy, cared-for children are essential to our communities. Morally, economically, educationally: covering all kids is the right thing to do.

State Representative Terry Morrow, St. Peter