Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf denounced the Congress for failing to reauthorize the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
Last year, CHIP provided health coverage for more than 8.9 million children. The states administer the program. The federal government provides 90% funding for CHIP. The states shoulder the remaining 10%.
Yesterday, the Congress passed a stopgap spending bill, which was signed by President Donald Trump, to prevent a government shutdown. The law included a temporary funding for CHIP until March.The federal government’s funding for the program expired at the end of September.
On Friday, Gov. Wolf noted that the total funding for CHIP was $430.72 million in Pennsylvania during FY 2016-2017.
Gov. Wolf says Congress shows lack of compassion
In a statement, the Pennsylvania governor said, “Yesterday, Congress passed a continuing resolution of $3 billion for the CHIP program. But, this partial funding is not the answer and Congress’ failure to do the right thing and fully fund this critical program is appalling.
