Senate Passes Health Legislation for Low-Income Children (Finally!)

By Melissa McEwan, Shakesville
Posted on January 30, 2009, Printed on May 27, 2012
http://www.alternet.org/story/124104/senate_passes_health_legislation_for_low-income_children_%28finally%21%29

With President Mondo Fucko no longer around to veto it, the Senate has "overwhelmingly approved legislation yesterday to provide health insurance to 11 million low-income children, a bill that would for the first time spend federal money to cover children and pregnant women who are legal immigrants. ... The House approved similar legislation on Jan. 14, and President Obama is expected to sign a final version as early as next week."

The bill is being paid for by "raising the cigarette tax from 39 cents a pack to $1." Back when I was still a smoker, I would have happily paid extra for my habit to provide healthcare to poor kids.

I'm guessing the (hugely Republican) tobacco industry does not share my enthusiasm.

Melissa McEwan writes and edits the blog Shakespeare's Sister.

© 2012 Shakesville All rights reserved.
View this story online at: http://www.alternet.org/story/124104/