House Concurrent Resolution 52

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE MISSISSIPPI CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO DO ALL WITHIN THEIR POWER TO ENSURE THAT CONGRESS TIMELY REAUTHORIZES THE STATE CHILDREN'S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM (SCHIP).

WHEREAS, the health of our children is of paramount importance to families in the State of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, poor child health is a threat to the educational achievement, social and psychological well-being of the children of our state; and

WHEREAS, protecting the health of our children is essential to the well-being of our youngest citizens and the quality of life in Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), which has enrolled thousands of uninsured children in Mississippi since its inception in 1998, is an integral part of the arrangements for health benefits for the children of this state; and

WHEREAS, SCHIP is a valuable program in preserving child wellness, preventing and treating childhood disease, improving health outcomes, and reducing overall health costs; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature considers that federal funding for SCHIP is indispensable to providing health benefits for children of modest means in Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That the Legislature urges the members of the Mississippi delegation to the United States Congress to do all within their power to ensure that Congress timely reauthorizes the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) to assure continued federal funding for the SCHIP in Mississippi.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Legislature urges the Governor to use his best efforts to work with the Mississippi congressional delegation to ensure that SCHIP is reauthorized in a timely manner.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Legislature declares that all components of state government should work together with educators, health care providers, social workers, and parents

to ensure that all available public and private assistance for providing health benefits to uninsured children in this state is used to the maximum extent possible.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Legislature urges the Governor to use his best efforts to provide meaningful assistance to help identify and enroll children who qualify for Medicaid or SCHIP.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the members of the Mississippi congressional delegation, the Governor and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.