SM 16

Page 1

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

A MEMORIAL

URGING CONGRESS TO REAUTHORIZE AND ADEQUATELY FUND THE STATE

CHILDREN'S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM.

WHEREAS, the health of New Mexico's children is of

paramount importance to families in the state; and

WHEREAS, the poor health of children is a threat to the

educational achievement and social and psychological

well-being of the children of New Mexico; and

WHEREAS, protecting the health of children is essential

to the well-being of the youngest citizens and the quality of

life in the state; and

WHEREAS, the state children's health insurance program

is an integral part of the arrangements for health benefits

for the children of the state of New Mexico; and

WHEREAS, the value of the state children's health

insurance program in preserving child wellness, preventing

and treating childhood disease, improving health outcomes and

reducing overall health costs is well-recognized; and

WHEREAS, federal funding available for the state

children's health insurance program is indispensable to

providing health benefits for children of modest means;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE

STATE OF NEW MEXICO that New Mexico's congressional

delegation be urged to ensure the timely reauthorization and

SM 16

Page 2

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

adequate funding of the state children's health insurance

program; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the legislature urge the

governor to use his best efforts to work with New Mexico's

congressional delegation to ensure that the state children's

health insurance program is reauthorized in a timely manner;

and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the legislature urge all

components of state government to work together with

educators, health care providers, social workers and parents

to improve health benefits for uninsured children; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the legislature urge the

governor to use his best efforts to provide meaningful

assistance to help identify and enroll children who qualify

for medicaid or the New Mexico state children's health

insurance program; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be

transmitted to the New Mexico congressional delegation and to

the governor.