Nationwide push for SCHIP funding bill
(In Texas we usually refer to SCHIP State Childrens Health Insurance Program as "CHIP")

___ In recent weeks both the House and Senate passed bills that increase SCHIP finding by $35 billion, which would allow about 6.6 million additional children to get assistance. About 9 million children nationwide have no health coverage, and the number is rising as employers cut health care benefits. Texas has the largest number of uninsured children of any state.
___ The bill passed the House and Senate by strong majorities, but was vetoed by President Bush on October 3.
___ The bill passed in the House by 265 to 159. An additional 25 votes are needed to override the veto in the House.
___ Our national union, the Communications Workers of America has joined with other unions in a national campaign to override the veto. Unions across the country are mobilizing members to tell Congress: We want CHIP funding. Override the veto.

How the Texas Delegation voted

House: Texas House members voted 19 against and 12 in favor in a straight party line vote. One Democrat was absent for the vote, but is committed to vote for a veto override.

Senate: Hutchison votes YES! Texas' two Republican senators split, with Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison supporting the SCHIP funding and Senator John Cornyn against. Members should contact Sen. Hutchinson and thank her for her courageous vote to support Texas kids in defiance of Republican leaders.

What to do:

1. Contact your Congress member (Representative) today. Call them all, D's and R's! Ask him/her if they plan to vote to override President Bush's veto of SCHIP funding. If they say yes, thank them for their support. If they say no, ask them to reconsider. A vote to support the veto is a vote against health care for Texas kids. Tell them you are a member of Texas State Employees Union/CWA.

2. Call Sen. Hutchinson and thank her for her support. Tell her office that you are a member of Texas State Employees Union/CWA.

3. Pass this message on. Forward it to TSEU members and non-members, state employees and non-state employees. This issue matters to all Texans, and thousands need to make their voices heard.

4. Making calls count by counting them. After you call your representatives in Congress, send an e-mail to TSEU Vice President Mike Gross. Put "CHIP veto vote" in the subject line and describe who you called, who you actually talked to, and what you were told. We will post results on the TSEU web site. TSEU should be able to turn out hundreds of calls that we can confirm. If you don't have email, call any TSEU office to report the results of your calls.