Contact your representative regarding the SCHIP Program TODAY! (please.)

As many of you know, our president recently vetoed the SCHIP bill, which was written to ensure that low-income families receive the insurance coverage they need for their children. He did it in a closed meeting in the middle of the night ... you know, because he is a classy fellow.

In 2007, researchers from Brigham Young University and Arizona State found that children who drop out of SCHIP cost states more money because they shift away from routine care to more frequent emergency care situations. The conclusion of the study is that an attempt to cut the costs of a state program could create a false savings because other government organizations pick up the tab for the children who leave SCHIP and later need care.

Democratic leaders have delayed a vote to override the veto until October 18, in hopes that grassroots, television, and radio publicity will persuade fifteen Republicans to cross party lines to override the veto. This is where you come in, dear family and friends. We would like you to take a moment to call your representative to give voice to concerns regarding this legislation. The PICO national network, with whom Joshua's work (CCOP) is a affiliated with, a leader in fighting this veto.

We realize we all have different political views and feelings, so all we ask is that you read the available information on the bill and decide for yourself if you would like to support. Obviously our love for you will not change depending on how you act, but maybe the amount we spend on you at Christmas will. Really, our intention is not to offend anyone, but to simply share something that we feel is important.

Please click any of the below links for more information such as how your representative voted, who the staff person is, their contact information, and some facts about the SCHIP bill.

PICO is targeting this Sunday, October 14th as Compassion Sunday II and asking that people call representatives on Monday, October 15th (or before the 18th). Let us know if you are interested and want any more information. If you have any questions and or concerns about this, Joshua would be happy to chat with you.

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• A factsheet


• Who voted NO or failed to vote on SCHIP but who PICO and others believe are open to pressure to reconsider their position.


• For more information visit http://www.coverallchildren.org/compassion.html.


• Use http://ga3.org/campaign/coverallchildren and (866) 633-6432 to contact wavering Members of Congress. The U.S. House votes to override the President's veto on October 18.