The Texas Catholic Conference, along with several statewide organizations, released the following joint statement on the legislative process regarding SB 841 and HB 2962 -- strong, similar Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) bills which passed their originating chambers of the state legislature with bipartisan sponsorship and support. Each of these bills, currently delayed in the legislative process, would allow more families without meaningful access to private health insurance coverage to insure their children by paying monthly family -income-based CHIP premiums.

"We are counting on leadership from Lt. Governor Dewhurst and Speaker Straus to ensure that either SB 841 or HB 2962 passes both chambers and becomes law. The House and Senate each overwhelmingly passed strong, similar children's health coverage bills, but battles around other issues now threaten to kill this legislation and keep roughly 80,000 children from seeing a doctor. With the clock running out on this legislative session, our state leaders must not hold children hostage to politics.

"The Texas Senate can move this legislation forward regardless of House action today, and the Lt. Governor has often stated his support for children's health coverage. The House also has multiple options to move CHIP. We urge Senate and House leaders to act swiftly and forcefully to ensure CHIP legislation passes.

"This isn't about political parties and their priorities. It is about the priority shared by an overwhelming majority of Texas families and business leaders on both sides of the aisle: covering uninsured children. We need legislators on both sides of the aisle to put partisan differences aside and do what's right for Texas kids and families, and for Texas' economy."

The following organizations released the preceding statement: AARP, Advocacy, Incorporated, Any Baby Can, Center for Public Policy Priorities, Children's Defense Fund - Texas, Christian Life Commission of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, Coalition for Nurses in Advanced Practice, Community First Health Plans, DePelchin Children's Center, Greater Houston Partnership, Harris County Hospital District, League of Women Voters of Texas, La Fe Policy Research and Education Center, March of Dimes, Mental Health America of Greater Dallas, Methodist Healthcare Ministries, National Council of Jewish Women,Texas State Public Affairs, One Voice, San Antonio Nonprofit Council, Seton Family of Hospitals, Superior HealthPlan Inc., Tarrant County CHIP Coalition, Teaching Hospitals of Texas, Texas ACORN, Texas Association of Community Health Centers, Texas Association of Health Plans, Texans Care for Children, Texas Catholic Conference, Texas Children's Hospital, Texas Finish Line Campaign, Texas Hospital Association, Texas Impact, Texas Medical Association, Texas Pediatric Society, United Ways of Texas