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Published: Tuesday, October 10, 2017 09:09 AM
With the uncertainty of affordable healthcare looming, as of yesterday, Congress allowed the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which provided low-cost health insurance to nine million children, to expire. The program is credited with keeping more than 300,000 Illinois children healthy.
Members of the Illinois Legislative Senate Black Caucus are voicing displeasure and pushing Congress to act before it’s too late. Assistant Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood), who also chairs the joint Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, delivered a clear message: “I can’t believe Congress let this expire. The Children’s Health Insurance Program is perhaps one of the most effective bipartisan success stories to come out of Washington in recent years. The program needs to be renewed now. I suggest they act swiftly.”
The caucus has stayed busy this summer continuing to focus on social justice for our most vulnerable populations. The caucus was instrumental in ensuring the education funding reform legislation was passed, in addition to delivering veto override votes for the first budget the state has seen in years.
“It’s simply irresponsible for our leaders on Capitol Hill to allow CHIP to expire. The health of our children is crucial not only to their success in the classroom, but to their overall well-being. I urge Congress to take the necessary steps to provide the federal funding for this program,” said Assistant Majority Leader Donne Trotter, (D-Chicago).
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Category: News