Leaders to override Bush

The Children's Defense Fund is calling on Congressional leaders to override President G.W. Bush's veto of the Children Health Insurance Program (CHIP), according to their press release.

"Texas has the highest rate of uninsured children in the United State, with one in five children - 1.4 million - lacking coverage," said CDF media spokesperson Barbara Best.

Currently, Texas receives $2.64 in federal funs for every $1 in state funds invested in CHIP, but in spite of a 67-29 Senate vote to expand the program, the president vetoed it.

Best said, "Nearly 90 percent of uninsured children have at least one working parent... (but) the average cost of private family coverage is $900 a month and out of the reach of many low-income working parents."

For more information, go to www.childrensdefense. org.