A bill increasing State Children’s Healthcare Program, or SCHIP, enrollment from six to 11 million children passed the U.S. House on Wednesday.
“This is a pro-family and pro-work bill that will provide health coverage to 11 million children of working families,” said U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco. “This program is especially important for Texas families since our state has the highest percentage of children without health care coverage in the nation.”
House members passed the bill by a 225-204 vote despite a veto threat from President Bush. The program, created in 1997, must be reauthorized by Congress by Sept. 30. SCHIP provides coverage to children of working families who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid, but cannot afford private insurance.
The bill also increases the federal cigarette tax by 45 cents to increase SCHIP coverage for children.
“Encouraging Americans to quit smoking is a small price to pay to protect their health and provide health care coverage for five million uninsured children,” Edwards said.
Local News
Child healthcare bill passes House
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May/June 2012 Community Life magazine
The May/June 2012 edition of Community Life magazine is available for online viewing. Click here to view.
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Primary election today
Because of redistricting as required by the 2010 Census, Johnson County experienced some changes effective Jan. 1, said Patty Bourgeois, Johnson County Elections administrator. Primary election day hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters must vote at their precinct location. For information visit the Johnson County Election Office’s website at www.JohnsonCountyElections.com or call 817-556-6197.
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Officials, residents remember those who gave it all
A robust breeze alleviated the heat somewhat Monday morning at Cleburne Memorial Cemetery, but also played pandemonium with the setting up of a memorial table for POW and MIA veterans. Wind tipped a vase holding a single rose shattering it on the pavement. A hastily retrieved replacement held out but at one point toppled causing water to spill inches shy of the public announcement speaker.
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A mother’s love, one day at a time
To everyone else, it was a regular Thursday. It was almost the weekend, almost summer break, time for vacation or time with family.
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Candidates vie for Pct. 2, 3 seats
County voters will weigh in on three Johnson County Commissioners Court seats up for election on Tuesday. In addition to the five-candidate Precinct 1 race, voters living in precincts 2 and 3 will also vote for the commissioner of their choice.
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Primary could decide constables
Ten candidates, all Republican, compete in their four respective precincts in the May 29 primary. With no Democratic opponents to face in November’s general election, the primary should decide the winner of all but one possible race.
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Voters urged to check for possible precinct changes
Because of redistricting as required by the 2010 Census, Johnson County experienced some changes effective Jan. 1, said Patty Bourgeois, Johnson County Elections administrator.
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Early voting numbers well short of ’08
Early voting turnout in Johnson County’s Democratic and Republican primaries totaled 3,914 as of Friday morning. That total includes 309 votes in the Democratic Primary and 3,605 in the Republican Primary.
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Yellow Jackets headed to finals
GRAHAM — The Wichita Falls Rider pitching staff swam with sharks for most of five innings Friday, avoiding all but a few love taps and playful nips from Cleburne batters.
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Changes at Splash Station
Splash Station officially opens for the summer season this weekend, and those who frequented the park in years past may notice some modifications.
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