Statement by Edward J. McElroy, President, American Federation of Teachers, Supporting “Kids First Act of 2005”

Washington, D.C. – Sen. John Kerry’s KidsFirst legislation creates a true federal-state partnership to provide healthcare coverage for disadvantaged children, a much-needed remedy at a time when as many as 67 percent of uninsured children eligible for Medicaid or their State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) are denied coverage.  It also addresses the reality that states are struggling to fund healthcare for our youngest and most vulnerable citizens as the Bush administration is threatening to cut Medicaid assistance to states.

KidsFirst would create an affordable, reliable and comprehensive system of care for all children that would be paid for by eliminating the excessive tax cuts for the wealthiest one percent of Americans.  Early estimates show that KidsFirst would save states $6 billion annually and would expand healthcare coverage for over 11 million more children and young adults up to 21 years old.  This legislation would go a long way in supporting states’ ability to provide adequate healthcare, which in turn will reap lasting, positive economic and social benefits for their citizens. 

The AFT urges Sen. Charles Grassley (R- Iowa), chair of the Senate Finance Committee, to hold congressional hearings on this important bill. 

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