SRC-TJG H.C.R. 57 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.C.R. 57
By: Delisi (Nelson)
Health & Human Services
4/28/2003
Engrossed


DIGEST

Federal funding for the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP),
enacted in 1997 by the United States Congress, is provided through
state-specific, annual allotments.  Several states have been unable to use
all of their allotments, while other states spent all available funds.
Absent a statutory change, states with excess funds from prior years would
lose millions in funding and put underserved children's health in
jeopardy.  The State of Texas's two-year appropriations cycle delayed the
initiation of the SCHIP program, presenting barriers to the full
utilization of early-year SCHIP allotments.  The State of Texas began the
2002-2003 biennium enrolling more children in SCHIP faster than any other
state in the country.  The State of Texas, specifically, stands to lose
$248 million in unspent SCHIP funds. 

PURPOSE
 
Provides that the 78th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby
respectfully urges the Congress of the United States to enact legislation
amending Title XXI of the Social Security Act to extend the availability
of allotments for fiscal years 1998 through 2001 under the State
Children's Health Insurance Program.  Provides that the Texas secretary of
state forward official copies of this resolution to the president of the
United States, the speaker of the house of representatives and the
president of the senate of the United States Congress, and all the members
of the Texas delegation to the congress with the request that this
resolution be officially entered into the Congressional Record of the
United States of America.