Etheridge to Vote for S-CHIP

I just received the below press release from my congressman, Rep. Etheridge, and he is going to vote for S-CHIP. What a great turn of events. Congrats to everyone who wrote, called, emailed, and railed. Here is the press release:

Etheridge to Vote for S-CHIP Veto Override

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington) today announced that he will vote to override the President’s veto of H.R. 976, the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007. Etheridge strongly supports the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, but voted against the legislation on September 24 because it would be funded by a 61-cent tobacco tax increase.

“After careful consideration, I have decided to vote to override the President’s veto of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. As the only former state schools chief serving in Congress, my life’s work has been to provide for a better future for the next generation, and health care is critically important to that effort,” said Etheridge.

“S-CHIP is an effective initiative to extend health insurance to working families who otherwise cannot afford to send their children to the doctor when they are sick. The Congressional Research Service reported this week that unless Congress increases funding, North Carolina will run out of S-CHIP money in May 2008.

“I remain concerned that a tobacco-tax increase could harm North Carolina’s rural economy. However, as a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee and the Chairman of a key subcommittee, my efforts are best focused at this time on working to secure a disaster relief package for farm communities devastated by the drought.”