SCHIP organizing

[Discussion list for COMM-ORG]

[ed:  some of you may have been following the effort to pass the SCHIP 
children's health insurance bill, which has had a fair amount of 
grassroots organizing.  This is an update from the PICO National Network 
about that effort.]

From: PICO National Network <news at piconetwork.org>

This week the House and Senate passed strong SCHIP bills that
offer hope to millions of uninsured children. The House bill
would cover 5 million uninsured children; the Senate bill would
reach 4 million children.

While much work remains, including the House and Senate
resolving their differences and the President signing
legislation, this victory for children shows that people of
faith, organized, powerful and prayerful, can change the
fundamental priorities of our nation.

The House and Senate passed SCHIP bills in the face of stiff
opposition from tobacco companies and the health insurance
industry, and the threat of Presidential veto. The bills have
won strong support from senior groups led by the AARP, child
health experts, the medical community, faith communities and
both Republican and Democratic Governors.

This deep bi-partisan grassroots inter-generational support has
been decisive in this fight. Let's keep up the momentum to get
the job done for our children before SCHIP ends on September 30!


PICO's goal now is to make sure that when Members of Congress
head home for recess next week, they hear a strong message that
they must put the needs of children above the pressures of
special interests.

Our network will be working with groups representing seniors,
children, labor and the faith community to see that the final
legislation negotiated by the House and Senate includes full
funding to reach all five million uninsured low-income children,
and that the President ultimately signs legislation to cover
America's uninsured children.

PICO will keep open our toll free number 877-367-5235 and
maintain www.coverallchildren.org as a source of information and
a tool for people to contact their members of Congress.

Thank you for being part of this important movement.

PICO National Network
www.piconetwork.org

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