CHIP on his shoulder

Photo traqair57

Still trying to figure out why President George W. Bush will vote to veto a program that would ensure millions of children recieve health care early on. The Texas Early Childhood Education Coalition seems stumped, too.

Below are step-by-step, word-by-word directions printed in their e-newsletter this month on how to call your Senator or representative.

"Recently, President Bush vetoed legislation that would reauthorize the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and expand health coverage to millions of uninsured children. On October 18, the House will vote to override the President’s veto. Stand up for children lacking health care access by letting your representative know you support the health needs of Texas’ children and families!

As you know, without additional funding, more low-income working families will lose child care and more child care providers will continue to struggle to keep their doors open. Further health care funding is also critical in order to ensure that children receive the proper health coverage necessary to thrive in life. Please make sure that your voice is heard by calling your members of Congress today.

To speak to your Senator or Representative, call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask to speak to your Member of Congress, or click here to look up the name and contact information of your Senator or Representative.

Talking Points for Calling Your Representative

My name is _________. I am a constituent, and I am requesting that Representative __________ sign the Dear Colleague letter being circulated by Representative Rosa DeLauro, in support of including the $75 million increase for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) in the final Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Bill.

I also request that Representative __________ supports a $200 million increase for Head Start.

In addition, I am requesting that Representative ___________ vote to support the health care needs of millions of uninsured children in response to the veto of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

Talking Points for Calling Your Senators
My name is _________. I am a constituent and I am requesting that Senator _______ supports a $75 million increase for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) and a $200 million increase for Head Start increase in the final Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Bill.