WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., and Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., Monday introduced a measure to fix the current funding shortfall for the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) that supports Georgia’s PeachCare program.
The senators filed an amendment to the Continuing Resolution legislation, H.J. Res. 20, being considered this week by the U.S. Senate that provides budget authority for federal agencies and programs to continue in operation until the regular appropriations acts are enacted.
Chambliss and Isakson have also filed their proposal as a stand-alone bill. Georgia is one of several states experiencing a funding shortfall in Fiscal Year 2007. Both senators have been working tirelessly to find a short-term funding solution as well as a long-term solution that addresses the current flaws in the SCHIP formula when Congress reauthorizes the program this year, said a press release from their offices.
“Time is running out on this funding issue for Georgia's children," Chambliss said. “Hard-working Georgians who qualify for this program don't need to wonder how they are going to pay for their children's healthcare. We must bridge the gap so that these children can continue to be insured, and I hope the Democratic leadership will allow this amendment to be considered. While we need a short-term solution now, we've got to find long-term solutions that address the current flaws in the SCHIP formula when we reauthorize the program this year.”
"Senator Chambliss and I have been working every day and exploring every opportunity to find a solution to the shortfall that Georgia and many other states face under the State Children's Health Insurance Program,” Isakson said. “We believe this approach is the best option to ensure that Georgia's children do not lose their health insurance, and we urge Democratic Leader Harry Reid and all of our colleagues to support it. We also must re-authorize the program this year and permanently fix a funding formula that penalizes states such as Georgia that do such a good job providing health insurance for underprivileged children.”
The Chambliss-Isakson measure would redistribute Fiscal Year 2005 and Fiscal Year 2006 funds from states that have an excess of more than 200 percent in federal SCHIP funds to cover the estimated $745 million shortfall for the 14 states in need for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2007. If the money is not used, it will be returned to the federal treasury. Under the Chambliss-Isakson measure, Georgia would receive an estimated $131 million to prevent a funding shortfall for Fiscal Year 2007.
The bill also includes a provision that would provide less funding for states that currently provide adults healthcare with SCHIP funding. Georgia is not one of these states.
Local News
Chambliss, Isakson offer bill to fix PeachCare
- Local News
-
-
The Class of 2012 moves on
Colquitt County High School bid farewell to its 2012 seniors during graduation exercises Saturday morning at Mack Tharpe Stadium at Tom White Field. Scheduled for graduation were 471 students.
-
After high-speed chase, driver eludes police … for now
A Moultrie police officer failed to catch his quarry after a high-speed chase Thursday night, but a passenger in the vehicle gave him the name of a suspect.
-
Group works toward accountability court here
-
Students win for perfect attendance
-
Dough Boys Pizza open for business
-
Barber Tucker Inn reopens
-
Case ready for Jury
The 16 jurors in the trial of five alleged gang members finished hearing all of the evidence in the case Friday afternoon and could begin deliberating as early as Tuesday.
-
City pools to open Monday
-
Tragedy to keep Ryan James from graduation
Ryan won’t walk after all.
A hue and cry went up earlier this week when the Colquitt County Board of Education refused to let a senior with a developmental disability walk at today’s graduation. The board reversed its decision on Wednesday, but tragic events will prevent Ryan James from joining his classmates at Mack Tharpe Stadium. -
'Farewell Concert' set for Sunday
- More Local News Headlines
-
Jimmy Carter Endorses Egypt's Election Results
Biden Addresses West Point Graduating Class
Dozens of Children Killed in New Syria Attack
Raw Video: Activists Allege Massacre in Syria
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes
Raw Video: Fight Erupts in Ukrainian Parliament
Texan Ranchers Remain Wary of Drought
Raw Video: Soldiers Plant Flags at Arlington
Police: Man Arrested in Etan Patz Disappearance
NYC Protests: the Revolution Will Be Scripted
Chicago U.S. Attorney Fitzgerald Resigns
