Gov. Bill Ritter today sent letters to all nine members of Colorado
Here is the complete text of Gov. Ritter's letter to the delegation:
Like most Governors, I am disappointed by President Bush's veto of the bipartisan SCHIP reauthorization bill. I am writing today to encourage you to vote to override this puzzling veto.
At a time when the entire country is focused on finding ways to provide health coverage to the uninsured, and at a time when Congress has come together and found bipartisan common ground over this issue, President Bush's priorities are just plain wrong.
States need maximum flexibility to determine how to address the particular needs of their most vulnerable populations, especially our children. With his veto, President Bush has put up a road block that interferes with our ability to improve health care in this country. The veto also undercuts our state efforts to provide coverage to the 180,000 Colorado
A budget – whether a state budget or a federal budget – should reflect our values. We should value our kids enough to invest in their health care and ensure a healthier future for our state and our nation.
Thank you for your attention to this matter, and please let me know if I can provide additional information about SCHIP's importance to Colorado and the states as you consider your vote on the effort to override this veto.
