February 4, 2009

Dear Partners,

When NEACH was launched in September 2006, we decided to make SCHIP reauthorization one of our top priorities.  We have now spent almost two and a half years working together to make this goal a reality.  Finally, thanks to you and your hard work, and to the work of advocates across country, SCHIP is going to be reauthorized.  Congratulations!

Earlier this afternoon, the House passed the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009.  The House voted favorably on this version of the bill—which had been slightly amended by the Senate—rather than send it to a conference committee. The final vote was 290-135, with 40 Republicans voting for the bill and 2 Democrats voting against (click here for the roll call vote).  President Obama will sign the bill this evening.    

Passing SCHIP was a great first step to ensuring that children and families across the county have access to health coverage.  We are excited to continue our work with all of you on national health reform efforts.

Action Step

If have not yet called to thank your members of Congress who voted for the SCHIP bill, please consider doing so.  It is very important to let our delegation know how thankful we are for their votes.  Click here for contact information for the New England Delegation.

Thank you again for your incredible work on SCHIP reauthorization.  Today is a huge victory and you should all be very proud. As always, please feel free to contact me (617-275-2929, arosenthal@communitycatalyst.org) directly with questions.

Sincerely,

Amy Rosenthal
Project Director