What About the Children? Bush takes back promised health care funds. : Indybay

With Health Care topping the issues of concern among voters this November, its no surprise that President Bush made mention of it in his recent acceptance speech at this summers RNC. Promising to increase the number of children participating in government health insurance programs.

"In a new term, we will lead and aggressive effort to enroll millions of poor children who are eligible but not signed up for the government's health insurance programs." - G.W. Bush

But according to a recent finding by Families USA this is just another one of his empty promises.

"At midnight on September 30, 2004, according to a new report issued today by the consumer health group Families USA, approximately $1.1 billion in federal funds previously allocated for the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) will be taken back from the states and returned to the U.S. Treasury. Those funds approximate the annual cost of providing health coverage for 750,000 of the 8.5 million children who are currently uninsured."

Or perhaps he meant it when he said "In a new term" and is holding out until he is re-elected. Either way, one must ask if he really has the childrens' interests at heart?

In another study recently released by Families USA, it was found that Workers' health premiums have increased over 35% in the last four years, compared to only a 12% increase in average earnings during that same period. Though we know that the 12% increase in earnings went largely to the top tier employees, while the 35% increase in health care premiums was felt by us all, making this even more devastating to lower income employees than the numbers suggest.

I recommend that you read the report, there is even more damaging evidence contained with in. And then ask yourself

"Are we better off than four years ago?"

California | Labor & Workers