California State PTA Issues Statement Regarding President's Veto of SCHIP L...( SACRAMENTO Calif. Oct. 3 -- Pam ...),Health

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Oct. 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pam Brady, President of the California State PTA, issued the following statement regarding this morning's veto of federal legislation to expand the State Children's Health Insurance Plans (SCHIP) program:

"The President's veto this morning of legislation to expand the SCHIP program is a historic setback for millions of children and families, including approximately 800,000 in California, who need medical insurance. It is unfortunate for these children that the President doesn't share the Congress' bold bipartisan commitment to ensure that as many children as possible have access to quality medical care. The public, as well as the Congress, overwhelmingly supported this legislation. By vetoing the increased funding for SCHIP, the President's action especially damages California's ability to address the critical health care crisis for families. We know without question that healthy children are much more likely to succeed in school, and to be strong contributors to our democratic society and economy -- our leaders must do whatever it takes to give all children the best chance to succeed."

For more information, please contact Carol Kocivar, Vice-President for Education, California State PTA, at (415) 577-1125.

The mission of the California State PTA is to positively impact the lives of all children and families by representing its members and empowering and supporting them with skills in advocacy, leadership, and communications.