THE OHIO STATE CHILDREN'S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM UPDATE

Members of COHHIO’s Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) headed to Washington D.C. last month to ask Congress to support reauthorization and expansion of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). The YEP youth delivered “band-aid” signature petitions collecting in support of SCHIP. Ultimately, YEP’s efforts paid off in a big way!

The U.S. House voted in favor of a reauthorization and expansion of SCHIP on September 25, by a 265-159 vote. “Yes” votes included Wilson, Pryce, Jones, Regula, Ryan, Space, Sutton, Tiberi, LaTourette, Kaptur, Hobson and Turner. “No” votes included Kucinich, Schmidt, Jordan, Boehner and Chabot. The bill expands SCHIP by $35 billion over the next five years, paid for in large part by a 61 cent tobacco tax on cigarettes. The expansion will provide coverage to nearly 4 million uninsured children across the United States, most of those from low-income families who are already eligible but are not currently receiving benefits.

Passage of this bill ensures that Governor Strickland’s plan to expand coverage in the state to families up to 300 percent of the poverty level will become a reality. President Bush has vetoed the bill and the House vote was 24 votes shy of a veto-proof majority. YEP is partnering with other organizations right now to fight to override the president’s veto.

The Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) is a statewide council of homeless youth ages 12- 21 that have joined together to improve the lives of all children.

Through YEP, homeless youth become active community members and productive citizens by participating in community service, leadership training, and advocacy activities.

These youth put their own ideas into action and are able to make significant changes to local state and national policies.

OUR MISSION

YEP will empower youth by increasing opportunities for them to take control of their situations while building self-esteem and improving their quality of life through advocacy, leadership, community service and education.

FACT: More than 60,000 children and youth will experience homelessness in Ohio this year.

FACT: 40% of persons living in poverty are children. (U.S. Bureau of Census)

If you would like more information on YEP or to order a YEP VIDEO, please contact Angela Lariviere at cohhioal@aol.com.