U.S. Poised to Take Back $1.1 Billion Despite Bush's Vow - WaPo

[Clinton Crusader]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A48703-2004Sep24.html

U.S. Poised to Take Back $1.1 Billion Despite Bush's Vow

By Ceci Connolly
Washington Post Staff Writer

In his convention address in New York, President Bush announced a new $1 billion initiative to enroll "millions of poor children" in two popular government health programs. But next week, the Bush administration plans to return $1.1 billion in unspent children's health funds to the U.S. Treasury, making his convention promise a financial wash at best.

The loss of $1.1 billion in federal money means six states participating in the State Children's Health Insurance Program face budget shortfalls in 2005; it is enough money to provide health coverage for 750,000 uninsured youngsters nationwide,according to two new analyses by advocacy organizations.

"If the Bush administration really cared about covering uninsured children, one of the things it could do immediately is make sure this $1 billion is used for SCHIP," said Debra Ness, president of the National Partnership for Women and Families. "The irony is this president talks constantly about not leaving any child behind and how he is going to cover so many kids. In truth, that ended up being false. He's just moving money around."

Over the objections of the National Governors Association and a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers, Bush opposes giving states more time to spend the money. In previous years he supported an extension, but he struck it from this year's proposed budget. Even if Bush belatedly endorses a bill extending the SCHIP spending deadline, it will come at a price: Congress is required to trim $1.1 billion elsewhere in the budget if it lets states keep the money.
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[DemocracyInaction]

1. When do the people realize that the only thing the republicans/Bush

are spewing in this campaign are "lies". They literally have nothing else to run on. They cannot tell the truth or even their mothers wouldn't vote for them. Kerry is telling them not only what Bush has done to this country but what Bush will do and Kerry is telling them programs and ideas he intends to persue. This slop of Bush's is the same he slopped all over them in '00----how can they belive it again. Oh, and last night Bob Woodward said what I've been arguing with republican family members about. He predicted Bush WILL raise taxes if he gets back in (he learned from his Dad not to mention or do it before an election).

[PATRICK]

2. Make a nice short tally of undelivered dough

that matches every critical or compassionate promise. In Texas Bush typically promised late, money well short of the mark, then didn't spend it due to the strings attached, then campaigned taking full credit for everything he dragged his feet on and underfunded. Once in real power don't even expect that sorry show.

I'll bet the Florida hurricane funds are slow, especially to non rich non white citizens.

[Supersedeas]

3. making the convention promise a financial wash--Headlines where?

[Thrill]

4. WAY too much ammo for Kerry

coming out today unreal