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Partnership Lauds House Vote on Tobacco Tax, SCHIP |
Statement of Corinne G. Husten, MD, MPH
Interim President, Partnerhsip for Prevention
RE: House Approval of Children's Health Bill
The new Congress is off to a great start on health issues with the House’s prompt approval of a bill that would increase federal tobacco taxes to fund an expansion of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). This approach combines a proven method of discouraging tobacco consumption – raising the price – with increased benefits for children’s health care, it’s a big step toward a healthier America.
We understand that the Senate intends to also move quickly to consider the bill and have it ready for President-elect Obama to sign into law. We hope this is a sign of the type of focus and cooperation that we can expect in a year where health issues are at the top of the list of important domestic issues to be addressed.
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