Statement By New York Governor Eliot Spitzer Regarding Bush Veto Of SCHIP

October 3, 2007 -- The President's veto of legislation that would expand access to health insurance for children is squarely out of line with the values of the American people.

The American people supported this bill overwhelmingly, because they understand that denying children health coverage is not only morally wrong, it is profoundly bad public policy. Parents, educators, and health care professionals know that without check-ups, immunizations, and developmental screenings, children become far more vulnerable to preventable conditions. This compromises their health and ends up costing taxpayers far more.

Yet, with his veto, the President has demonstrated that he prefers to ignore the realities facing America's 9 million uninsured children and their families. In his view, children already have health care because “they can go to the emergency room.”

The New York State Legislature, Congress, and states across the nation have come together across party lines to support expanding health care to America's uninsured children. I urge Congress to override the President's veto. Without Congressional intervention, millions of children across America will continue to rely on the oldest and most precarious health insurance policy of all: hoping and praying you don't get sick.

Source: New York Governor