230,000 Ohio Children will Continue to Receive Health Insurance Coverage with Passage of Space-Supported SCHIP Legislation

Press Release

230,000 OHIO CHILDREN WILL CONTINUE TO RECEIVE HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE WITH PASSAGE OF SPACE-SUPPORTED SCHIP LEGISLATION

Achieving a legislative victory for the children of Ohio's working families, Congressman Zack Space (OH-18) proudly cast his vote to reauthorize and expand the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP.) This legislation will provide coverage to over 11 million children nationally whose parents would not have been able to afford it otherwise. In Ohio, 230,000 children will continue to receive coverage, and an addition 36,000 could potentially receive coverage.

This bill specifically prohibits illegal immigrants from receiving benefits under the SCHIP program.

"It is a shame that we have neglected the segment of the population most in need of protection - our children - for so long," Space said. "We have an obligation to see to it that our children receive the care they need to grow into healthy and happy adults."

"The fact is that healthy children have a better chance to succeed, and that is always a worthwhile goal. My constituents overwhelmingly support this program, and I am very happy that we are going to be able to provide this much-needed coverage our children," Space said.

Similar legislation was twice vetoed, denying millions of additional children health insurance coverage. President-Elect Obama has been a strong supporter of this legislation and is expected to sign it in the first weeks of his administration after it receives Senate approval.

Congressman Space has represented Ohio's 18th Congressional District since 2007. He is working to restore integrity to the office, expand Ohio's economy, and support renewable energy.

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