Heller votes against SCHIP

U.S. Rep. Dean Heller is taking grief for his Jan. 14 vote against the State Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (H.R. 2). Heller had twice previously supported the program, which provides matching funds to states for health insurance to families with children.

“Despite having his own health care paid for by the taxpayers, Rep. Dean Heller is still telling hardworking families struggling to make ends meet that they are on their own when it comes to affording health care for their kids,” said Jennifer Crider, communications director for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee in Washington, D.C.

Heller said he objected to some provision of the measure, including one helping to pay for it.

“I support the SCHIP program and have voted for its extension. However, the majority party has missed a real opportunity to work in a bipartisan manner to craft a responsible bill that insures children of the working poor. This legislation still provides free taxpayer funded health benefits to illegal immigrants, covers adults, and includes an unnecessary tax increase. At a time we are experiencing a record deficit, Congress has decided to needlessly grow the size of government to extend free healthcare to illegal immigrants.”