The Honorable Dennis Rehberg
2448 Rayburn HOB
Washington, DC, 20515
April 14, 2009
Dear Congressman Rehberg,
In January you sent a letter to the Speaker of the House expressing support for the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). I commend you for showing leadership on this important issue. Unfortunately, this leadership is now desperately needed back here in Montana.
Last fall 70% of Montana's voters supported children's health care reform by voting for the Montana Healthy Kids Initiative (I-155). Last week, despite the overwhelming public support, State Senate Republicans cut health care for 15,000 kids from the budget and tabled a bill to implement the Healthy Montana Kids Initiative. You and I know this is the wrong direction for Montana.
In the press release that accompanied your letter you stated, "now's not the time to play politics with kids health." I couldn't agree more. I also agree with your statement that "during these tough economic times SCHIP is more important than ever." I am sure you are as committed as I am to these ideas.
Senate Democrats have exhausted every possible avenue of working with Senate Republicans to find a solution that respects the wishes of the voters. Our efforts have been repeatedly rejected. Senate Republicans need leadership - your leadership- to break this impasse.
There are only 11 days remaining in the 61st legislative session but you still have time to make a difference in the lives of 15,000 kids in Montana. I thank you for your past leadership on the issue of children's health care and I urge you to continue showing that leadership by calling Senate Finance & Claims Committee Chairman Keith Bales (R-Otter) and the Public, Health, Welfare & Safety Committee Chairman Roy Brown (R-Billings) and ask them to reconsider their actions from last week.
Thank you for all you do for the people of Montana.
Sincerely,
Senator Carol Williams
The ball is in Denny's court.
