Perriello criticizes tobacco tax in SCHIP bill

Congressman Tom Perriello’s remarks on the House Floor on the Reauthorization of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (H.R. 2), as prepared:

“Madam Speaker, today I rise in support of H.R. 2, the State Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009, a bill which will provide much needed health care coverage for 11 million children. This legislation will preserve coverage for the 7 million children currently covered by SCHIP and will extend coverage to 4 million uninsured children who are currently eligible for, but not enrolled in, SCHIP and Medicaid. This will include coverage for 55,000 additional Virginia children of working parents.”

“Every American regardless of age deserves access to quality healthcare. Thus, ensuring health care for the most treasured and vulnerable among us – our children – isn't just good public health policy; it's morally right and economically vital. This program targets working families who are climbing their way out of poverty, who make too much to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to afford private insurance. These are the families that are doing everything right to better their lives, and they deserve to be able to provide health care to their children.”

“At a time of growing unemployment and when more Americans are losing employer-sponsored health care for their children, this bill is needed urgently for the 150,000 Virginia children currently insured by the program, and the 55,000 more who will be covered.”

“While I am in full support of the underlying legislation, I am disappointed to learn that the Senate bill includes a disproportionate increase in the excise tax rate on tobacco products. The proposed tobacco tax, which amounts to a 156% increase on cigarettes, is likely to have a dramatic impact on jobs and state revenues in every state in the country. Because 99% of smokers make less than $250,000 a year, imposing such an onerous excise tax on tobacco will unfairly punish tobacco consumers – many who are members of the working poor – hard-working men and women living from paycheck to paycheck. We must all make sacrifices for our children; this means that every American must share the cost of the SCHIP program – not just consumers of tobacco products.”

“As the son of a pediatrician, I'm so pleased to have the opportunity to vote in favor of this critical legislation, and in favor of children in the 5th District. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in putting America’s children first and cast a vote in favor of this important legislation.”