Adler: SCHIP decision victory for NJ Families

(Mt. Laurel, NJ) -- John Adler, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Congress in New Jersey's 3rd District released the following statement today regarding President Bush's decision on Friday not to enforce an August 2007 directive to cap State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) eligibility requirements:

"Friday's decision is a victory for hardworking New Jersey families throughout the state. I am glad to see the President change his mind for the benefit of lower and middle income families who are struggling to cover the cost of healthcare for their children.

"The State Children's Health Insurance Program is designed to cover uninsured children in working poor and middle class families that are slightly above the income level for Medicaid. Last year the President vetoed re-authorization of the program twice, and left hundreds of thousands of kids nationwide vulnerable to living with no healthcare. Likewise, the President imposed illegal and immoral regulations that would have immediately resulted in over 10,000 children losing their healthcare coverage.

"Keeping this program alive is vital for making sure that thousands of New Jersey's children continue to receive the care that they need. Cuts to the program planned by the President last year would have been disastrous for New Jersey.

"In October of last year, I stood with leaders from across the state to urge Congress to override the President's veto of this important legislation, because it was both morally and fiscally wrong. Now, months later, I am gratified that the President has acknowledged his mistake and sided with the children and families who will benefit from this program. This is precisely the kind of issue that prompted me to run for Congress. Our working families need leadership in Washington that recognizes their needs and responds to them. As the 3rd District Congressman, I will fight to keep critical programs like SCHIP alive for all families in New Jersey and across the country."

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