FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 19, 2018

Contact: Kathy Melley, 617-791-0708

 

BOSTON, MA) — Statement of Robert Restuccia, executive director of Community Catalyst, regarding the continuing resolution passed last night in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“Last night, House Republicans pushed through a stopgap funding measure to keep the government running through mid-February that includes six years of funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). However, the measure falls short by excluding a solution for young immigrants and any funding for community health centers or other health programs that are running out of federal support. It is very disappointing that the House did not do better for our families and our communities.

“Guaranteeing coverage for nine million children across the country. Developing a permanent solution for the more than 800,000 DREAMers whose parents brought them to this country when they were children in the hopes of providing them a better life. Extending funding for local community health centers and other vital health programs that provide care for millions of families. There is majority support in Congress, and among the public, to resolve all of these issues—and they should be resolved quickly.

“Congress can and should do better, and we call upon members in both chambers to immediately enact a bipartisan solution that reflects a pro-family agenda: long-term funding for CHIP, funding for community health centers, and a solution for DREAMers that gives these young people the opportunity to continue contributing to our culture and economy.”

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About Community Catalyst
Community Catalyst is a national, non-profit consumer advocacy organization founded in 1998 with the belief that affordable quality health care should be accessible to everyone. We work in partnership with national, state and local organizations, policymakers, and philanthropic foundations to ensure consumer interests are represented wherever important decisions about health and the health system are made: in communities, courtrooms, statehouses and on Capitol Hill. For more information, visit www.communitycatalyst.org. Follow us on Twitter @healthpolicyhub.