SCHIP advocates shift focus toward economy

[Lone_Star_Dem]

Recognizing that the House cannot advance children’s health insurance legislation this week, supporters of the measure intend to refocus their message and highlight the effects of a potential recession on low-income and middle-class kids.

Although the debate on the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) bill itself may well conclude on Wednesday with another failed attempt to reverse the president’s veto, advocates hope to keep the issue alive heading into the November elections by linking children’s health insurance to the broader discussion about the economy.

The gathering signs of a downturn could strengthen their case, and negotiations beginning this week on an economic stimulus package present the first opportunity to make the broader point.

Special interest groups were heavily active in lobbying, advertising and grassroots outreach during the first several rounds of House and Senate floor votes on SCHIP legislation last year. That more targeted approach is less likely to be found this week.

http://thehill.com/business--lobby/schipadvocates-shift-focus-toward-economy-2008-01-22.html