Gary Democrat Warns SCHIP Bill Could Make Indiana A Donor State

State Rep. Charlie Brown, a Democrat from Gary, warns that the SCHIP bill before Congress could result in Indiana taxpayers' money being "donated" to other states. Under that scenario, Indiana taxpayers would end up sending more money to other states than its children would receive back in benefits.

The Washington Post has an overview of the SCHIP program.

Democrats might not have enough votes to override President Bush's veto of the SCHIP bill, according to the AP.

Democrats appeared about 15 votes short in the House heading into Thursday's attempt to override Bush's veto of their $35 billion spending increase for the program.

The SCHIP bill is popular -- according to a CBS poll, 81% surveyed supported expanding SCHIP and 74% supported paying more taxes. See video below.

Senators Evan Bayh and Richard Lugar as well as Representative Pete Visclosky voted in favor of expanding SCHIP payments.

Writes the Post-Tribune:

Even those normally supportive of children's health issues, such as State Rep. Charlie Brown, D-Gary, oppose the House bill and side with Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels, Bush's former budget director.

Brown and the governor's administration say Indiana would be a net loser under the SCHIP bill, which would add a 61-cent cigarette tax increase on top of the 44 cents the General Assembly passed this year. Indiana is one of 14 states to pass state programs that would expand SCHIP and cover more uninsured children and their families.

Brown said Indiana's congressional delegation is split by political divisions and regional loyalties and fears that Indiana would become a donor state under the expanded SCHIP program, which would see an out migration of revenue from the state because of its high number of smokers.

Battle over SCHIP bill in the House of Representatives today.

CIGNA's CEO speaks about SCHIP.