Children Now

Federal Action Alert

February 9, 1996
The National Governors' Association
Proposals on Welfare and Medicaid

The National Governors' Association yesterday endorsed plans to overhaul two critical programs for children: Medicaid and welfare. Over 14 million of our nation's children depend upon these programs for health care, food, clothing and shelter.

It is possible to give states increased flexibility in how to design human service programs, while maintaining safeguards for children. The governors' plans, however, do not include essential protections for children and therefore, should be opposed.

ACTION NEEDED

Write, call or e-mail President Clinton NOW and Urge him to VETO any welfare or Medicaid bills that fail to improve the lives of children. Tell the President that risking children's health and safety is no way to balance a budget.

President Clinton
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20500
(202)456-1111
E-mail: president@whitehouse.gov

KEY POINT TO MAKE

Welfare
True welfare reform should help families facing economic difficulties to return to the workforce, while providing assistance so that children's health and well-being are not further jeopardized. The President must stand up for:
  1. Working Families--Help low-income families stay in the workforce by adopting the governors' recommendation for increasing child care funds, and by working on broader solutions that address the child care and health care needs of many low- and middle-income working families
  2. Children's Security -- Ensure basic assistance to children in times of need and do not punish children with time-limited aid when their parents cannot find a job.

Medicaid
Health care services for children are one of the best investments our country can make. The President must stand up for:


Adequate Health Care for Children and Adolescents -- Needy children and adolescents must be guaranteed access to essential health care services.  Established standards of health care should continue to be set a the national level.



Further information and computer updates can be had by contacting Chidren Now at:

1212 Boradway, Suite 530

Oakland, CA 94620

http://www.dnai.com/~children(World Wide Web)

children@dnai.com(E-mail)


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