I’ve seen a lot of information recently on the news and across the web about SCHIP, which is the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. Basically, this program was designed for families who earn too much money and do not qualify for Medicaid and also can’t afford to buy private insurance. I believe the program was created by Republicans about 10 years ago.

Currently there are two versions of this bill to reauthorize this program, one in the U.S. Senate and one in the U.S. House. They both passed their respective chambers and now they must be reconciled in conference and sent back to their respective chambers for final passage. Then the bill will be sent to the President for his signature to make it a law. Of course the President has his own thoughts on how much should be spent on this program.

Therefore they will need to compromise. The “political” angle that someone who voted against either the senate or house bill is against children is ridiculous.

The Senate bill which is said to be crafted partially by our own Senator Max Baucus passed 68-31. It increases the program by $35 Billion. The House bill increased the funding by $50 Billion. Yes that is “Billions.”

Where do they plan on getting this money? The answer is by raising taxes on tobacco. Yep, a can of chew or a pack of smokes will cost you more if this bill is passed. The senate wants a $1.00 per pack more and the House wants 84 cents per pack more. Tobacco is now taxed at 39 cents per pack. The House also wants to reduce federal subsidies paid to insurance companies who offer private health plans to Medicare beneficiaries.

As I have said before, everything done in Washington, D.C., is about winning the next election. The Democrats are already running some radio ads against some House Republicans who voted against the bill. They are also running automated telephone messages.

Here in Montana, Congressman Denny Rehberg has taken some hits for his vote against the House version of the bill. He wrote an Opinion Piece to try and get his message out. His only opponent in 2008 (so far), Bill Kennedy, decided to jump in and say Rehberg was against kids and a rubber stamp for Bush. Kennedy, as you may remember, lost to Brad Johnson last election for Secretary of State.

Rehberg writes, “…the bill repeals a long standing provision banning benefits from going to non-U.S. citizens. Coupled with relaxed documentation requirements needed to qualify in the bill, taxpayers will be left paying for the healthcare costs of illegal and legal immigrants.”

If this is the case, then his NO vote was correct. I don’t need to hear any other reasons.

Dear Congress:
We’re sick of the games that you play with every piece of legislation. Grow up and quit acting like rich bratty millionaires.
With love,
Jack

This bill will be worked out. It will be reauthorized and everyone will have to give some because that’s called COMPROMISE. Members of Congress need to write this word on their hands or place it on their desks so they can see it every day. Neither the Republicans nor the Democrats have a supermajority, so do it right and compromise for the children.