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CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, The Legislature of the State of Texas is pleased to |
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recognize "Cover the Uninsured Week 2007" and declare April 24 |
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through 29, 2007, as "Cover the Uninsured Week 2007" at the State |
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Capitol; and |
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WHEREAS, "Cover the Uninsured Week 2007" is being |
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commemorated across the nation to demonstrate broad support for the |
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reauthorization of the State Children's Health Insurance Program |
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(SCHIP) and the need to cover the millions of uninsured children in |
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America; and |
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WHEREAS, Created 10 years ago by congress to provide health |
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coverage for children living in families earning too much to |
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qualify for Medicaid but not enough to afford private insurance, |
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SCHIP has significantly reduced the rate of uninsured children; and |
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WHEREAS, Since its implementation in Texas in 1997, the |
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percentage of uninsured Texas children has dropped significantly; |
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these young Texans now have greater access to a doctor when they are |
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sick and are more likely to receive treatment and preventive |
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screening to remain healthy, avoiding more costly medical |
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interventions later in life; and |
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WHEREAS, Even so, it is estimated that nine million children |
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in the United States remain eligible for SCHIP but are not covered, |
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and the number of Texas children who are eligible but not yet |
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receiving SCHIP coverage is 689,000, after adjusting for |
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undocumented children; and |
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WHEREAS, The SCHIP block grant is scheduled to sunset in |
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August 2007, and congress is currently preparing to consider |
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reauthorization of the program; in light of its tremendous success |
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to date, but recognizing its continuing necessity, "Cover the |
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Uninsured Week 2007" comes at a perfect time to demonstrate to |
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congress that the country is eager for the reauthorization of |
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SCHIP, and it is fitting that the Texas Legislature affirm its |
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support at this time; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the 80th Legislature of the State of Texas |
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hereby recognize "Cover the Uninsured Week 2007" and declare April |
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24 through 29, 2007, as "Cover the Uninsured Week 2007" at the State |
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Capitol. |