Oklahoma Independent Media Center

SCHIPS veto flier

Parents, Kids and Local Groups in Oklahoma City to Rally For Children’s Health Care

As Billions Are Spent In Iraq, Rep. Mary Fallin Voted With Bush To Block Health Care for Kids In Oklahoma.

Congress Passed Children’s Health Care Bill; MoveOn Members Call On Rep Mary Fallin To Override Bush’s Veto

[Oklahoma City] – On Thursday, October 4, at 5 PM, local groups, parents and kids will hold a “Rally For Our Children’s Health” outside of Rep. Fallin’s Oklahoma City office. They will urge Fallin, all other representatives of Congress and President Bush to stop blocking health care for Oklahoma children. 225 similar events are happening around the nation.

Congress recently passed the “Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act.” Fallin voted against this bill, which would ensure that many Oklahoma children have health insurance and can see a doctor when sick. President Bush vetoed the bill this week, and local MoveOn members are urging Fallin and all Congress members to vote to over-ride Bush’s veto.

The Oklahoma City event is cosponsored by RESULTS of Oklahoma and the Peace House. Speaking for those groups, Nathaniel Batchelder said, “This is a question of priorities. Bush and the Republicans are spending billions per week on the war in Iraq, but they won’t protect the health of our kids back home? We need Rep.Fallin to over-ride Bush’s veto and stand up for our kids.”

This legislation passed the House on September 25, by a 265 to 159 vote -- approximately 290 votes are needed to over-ride a veto. It passed the Senate September 27 with a 67-29 veto-proof majority.

A new Washington Post-ABC News poll reveals 72 percent of Americans support the Democrats’ proposed $35 billion for children’s health care, including 61% of Republicans. The poll also shows Americans trust Democrats over Republicans on health care by 56% to 26%.

Who: Parents, kids and organizations from Oklahoma area, members of MoveOn.org
What: “Rally For Our Children’s Health” outside of Rep Fallin’s office.
When: Thursday, October 4 at 5:00 PM
Where: 101 N. Broadway, between Park and Main - downtown Oklahoma City. 73102


Vote count on the Democratic “Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act” are here:
House: http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2007/roll906.xml
Senate: http://www.moveon.org/r?r=3022
Washington Post-ABC News Poll:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/polls/postpoll_100107.html