Apr. 01, 2004

Statement on CHIP

AUSTIN - Kathy Walt, press secretary to Gov. Rick Perry, issued the following statement today regarding calls for increased spending on CHIP:

"Gov. Perry recognizes and shares the health care concerns of Texas families.

"The fact of the matter is that last session, the Texas legislature increased spending on health care by $1 billion - despite a $10 billion budget shortfall.

"Suggestions that a pool of money is available for CHIP are incorrect. The Texas legislature used a portion of the federal fiscal relief funds to partially restore proposed Medicaid rate cuts to doctors providing health care to the poor. The legislature set aside the remaining federal fiscal relief funds to meet health care needs in the second year of the budget cycle.

"By setting priorities during the last legislative session, Texas took steps to ensure that those most in need are continuing to receive services."