Democracy for New Mexico

Steve Pearce Would Deny Health Care to Children Like This

And he wants to be New Mexico's next Senator? Tell him what you think about his refusal to vote for SCHIP. All the other members of New Mexico's Congressional delegation -- both Repubs and Dems -- support SCHIP. Clearly, the views of Rep. Steve Pearce (NM-02) put him well out of the mainstream in New Mexico and nationally. Only 15 or so Repub votes in the U.S. House stand in the way of an override of Bush's veto of SCHIP legislation. Pearce's is one of them.

Gov. Richardson Urges Pearce to Vote for SCHIP Override

Today Gov. Bill Richardson sent a letter to Rep. Steve Pearce (NM-02) urging him to vote to override Bush's veto and reauthorize the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). He noted the bipartisan nature of the legislation. SCHIP now covers 8,700 children in New Mexico and an additional 11,000 get some SCHIP funding. Pearce, who has announced he'll run for the U.S. Senate in New Mexico, is the only member of the state's Congressional delegation to vote against the reauthorization of SCHIP.

In a statement, Gov. Richardson said, "Reauthorizing the children's health care program is vital for assuring the health of tens of thousands of low-income children in New Mexico, and an opportunity to expand health care for thousands more," stated Governor Richardson. "Of the estimated 94,000 children uninsured in New Mexico, nearly 50,000 qualify for either the Medicaid or SCHIP programs. I urge you to join the rest New Mexico's delegation, and do what is right for the people of our state, and vote to override the President's veto of the children's health care reauthorization legislation."

In September, Gov. Richardson and 29 other Governors urged Bush to sign the SCHIP reauthorization. The State of New Mexico will also file an 'amicus curiae' or friend of the court brief in support of New York's lawsuit to protect the flexibility states in the State Children's Health Insurance Program.

Text of the letter:

October 15, 2007

The Honorable Steve Pearce
Congressman
U.S. House of Representatives
1607 Longworth HOB
Washington DC, 20515

Dear Congressman Pearce:

As you are aware, Congress has a very important vote coming up this week that will determine the future of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).  SCHIP is a vital program for New Mexico's children as it currently covers 8,700 children with an additional 11,000 children benefiting with some SCHIP funding.

I am writing to urge you to vote to override the President's veto of this bipartisan legislation, which Senators Bingaman and Domenici, as well as Representatives Udall and Wilson voted to support.   The SCHIP reauthorization legislation will benefit New Mexico's hard working families who currently lack the health insurance coverage they need to be successful in life.

There are some misconceptions about the SCHIP funding in New Mexico, such as who it covers and how the funding is allowed to be used to cover both children and adults.  I would like to provide you with the facts of the SCHIP program in New Mexico in order for you to have the best information prior to this important vote.

SCHIP in New Mexico covers children between the income levels of 185 percent and 235 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), or up to $40,356 annual income for a family of three.  There are approximately 8,700 children currently in this category.

New Mexico expanded Medicaid coverage for children up to 185 percent of FPL prior to the implementation of SCHIP in 1997, and as such we were prevented from using SCHIP funds for those kids below 185 percent of FPL.

Because of those limitations, New Mexico began to accumulate unspent SCHIP funds.  Legislation introduced by Senator Bingaman helped New Mexico and other states in our situation that were being penalized from using SCHIP funds for lower-income children.  This legislation allows New Mexico to use some SCHIP funds for approximately 11,000 children whose family income is 150 percent of FPL, or about $25,764 for a family of three.

The reauthorization legislation that President Bush vetoed would allow New Mexico to use SCHIP funds for an additional 11,000 children whose family income is 133 percent of FPL or about $22,848 for a family of three.

New Mexico received a waiver from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that allows the state to use the unspent SCHIP funds to cover working uninsured adults ages 19-64 through the State Coverage Insurance Program (SCI).  This public/private partnership operated by New Mexico managed care organizations covers adults up to 200 percent of the Federal Poverty level for approximately 10,000 people.  SCI is an employer-based program where the employer pays a $75 monthly premium per employee, the employee pays up to $35 per month depending on income, and the state and federal government pays the remainder.

In our state the SCHIP program invests $140.0 million ($124.2 million of federal funds) to assure the health of our children, and through the CMS federal waiver our state spends a fraction of those funds, $33.9 million ($27.2 million of federal funds), on working adults. 

The SCHIP reauthorization legislation vetoed by President Bush would allow our state to offer health coverage to the thousands of low-income children who are currently uninsured.  At the same time, the SCHIP reauthorization legislation vetoed by President Bush phases out the use of SCHIP funds for adults, eliminating health care coverage for approximately 10,000 people.

The reauthorization of the current SCHIP program is vital for assuring the health of tens of thousands of low-income children in New Mexico, and an opportunity to expand health care for thousands more.  Of the estimated 94,000 children uninsured in New Mexico, nearly 50,000 qualify for either the Medicaid or SCHIP programs. 

I urge you to join the rest of New Mexico's delegation in doing what is right for the people of our state, and vote to override the President's veto of the SCHIP reauthorization legislation.

Sincerely,

Bill Richardson
Governor                                             
State of New Mexico

Important Legislative Meetings This Week on Health Care Reform

From the Health Security for New Mexicans Campaign:
The Interim Legislative Health and Human Services Committee is scheduled to meet in Española and Santa Fe this week and in Las Cruces the following week.

The Health and Human Services Committee will be discussing the recommendations of the Health Coverage for New Mexicans Committee (the committee that commissioned the Mathematica study). The Health Coverage committee did not recommend implementing any of the three models studied, and its recommendations preserve the private insurance system. If you would like a copy of the Health Coverage committee's recommendations, please contact Josette (see below).

Española
Wednesday, October 17, 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Conference Room, Northern New Mexico Community College
--Public comment at 1:30 PM

Santa Fe
Thursday, October 18, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday, October 19, 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Room 321, State Capitol
--Public comment on Thursday at 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM
--Public comment on Friday at 9:45 AM and 1:00 PM

Public comment is arranged around various topics during these three days. Please take a look at the agenda for these meetings.

Las Cruces
Monday, October 22
We do not have any further details on the Las Cruces meeting at this time. We will pass them along as soon as they are available.

It is really critical that those of you in the Española, Santa Fe, and Las Cruces areas attend these meetings and share your support of the Health Security Act with the committee!

Share Your Support of the Health Security Act with Your Community
Public forums on health care continue to be held around the state. The forums include a presentation on the results of the Mathematica study and allow time for public comment on the models studied and the direction of health care reform in New Mexico. The forums are sponsored by Health Care for All, with other organizations. (Please note that Health Care for All does not support the Health Security Act or either of the other two models studied.)

Alamogordo
Wednesday, October 24, 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM
CAPPED, Inc., 907 New York Ave.

If you live in the Alamogordo area, please plan to attend this forum and speak up in support of the Health Security Act. This is a great way to educate your community about the Health Security Act!

If you have any questions, contact Josette at 505-771-8763 or jhaddad@cableone.net.

New Gore Videos: Is He Running?

Yesterday, Al Gore added three short, campaign style videos to Current.com, the online website of the cable TV channel he helped found. As far as I can tell, he's never done this before. What does it signal? Watch them and then you tell me:

• He's for universal, single-payer health care: Health Care Is a Right
• He thinks we need more protection against government surveillance: Americans Deserve More Protection
• He wants to bring the troops home as quickly as possible: Get the Troops Home

Who Is Michelle Lujan Grisham and Why Is She Running for Congress in NM-01?

Democrat Michelle Lujan Grisham, former Secretary of the NM Department of Public Health, will officially announce her candidacy today for the NM-01 Congressional seat being vacated by Heather Wilson. This is Grisham's first run for public office.

Grisham was appointed to head the state's public health effort by Governor Bill Richardson in September 2004. She served in that role until June of 2007, when she was replaced by Dr. Alfredo Vigil. The press release announcing the change stated that Grisham was resigning to pursue an opportunity involving elected office. She later explained she planned to explore running for Heather Wilson's Congressional seat or another elected office and said "I'm going to need time to raise money."

Grisham's tenure at Public Heath was a rocky one. She endured public controversies over her firings of highly respected infectious disease specialist, Dr. Gary Simpson, and regional director of public health, Albert Esparsen, as well as her alleged mistreatment of the immunization program's Steve Nickell, who resigned. While some department staff apparently found her blunt management style refreshing, others accused her of being bureaucratic, abrasive, a micro-manager and prone to cronyism. Scandals related to life threatening conditions and poor nursing home care at Ft. Bayard Medical Center, as well as problems with client care, oversight and fiscal management at Los Lunas Community Programs, came to light on her watch.

Prior to her work at Health, Michelle was the director of the Agency on Aging, which became the Aging and Long-Term Services during her 14-year career there. A lawyer, Michelle also managed the Lawyer Referral for the Elderly Program with the state bar. Grisham's grandfather, Eugene David Lujan, served on the NM Supreme Court from 1945 to 1959, and was the first Hispanic appointee to New Mexico's top court.

The word is that former Democratic Party of New Mexico Chair John Wertheim will serve the campaign as a fundraising co-chair. By the way, Wertheim's wife, Bianca Ortiz-Wertheim, works in the administration of Mayor Marty Chavez, who's running for U.S. Senate. She was hired in June of this year as the city's legislative coordinator, a position created by Chavez. The job pays $79,000 a year and entails serving as a liason between the Mayor's Office and the City Council.

You can read more about Grisham in my previous post discussing her departure from the Public Health Department.

Our past posts about the NM-01 Congressional race are compiled here.

Today at 2 PM: Join CHIP Veto Override Rally in ABQ

In response to Bush's veto of the children's health insurance bill yesterday:

Please Join
Americans United for Change
NM Voices for Families
Child Healthcare Advocates
To Implore Rep. Wilson and Senator Domenici to
Continue to Stand Up for New Mexico Families and
Vote to Override President's Veto of
Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act
Thursday, October 4th, 2:00 PM
Across the Street from UNM Children's Hospital on Lomas
RSVP Here

Democratic Party of New Mexico Chairman Brian S. Colón condemned President Bush's "reckless and irresponsible" veto of legislation that would have renewed the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) – which currently provides health care coverage to over 6 million children nationwide – and improved it by expanding coverage for more children in New Mexico. President Bush's veto, which will prevent 27,900 uninsured children in New Mexico from gaining health care, comes despite overwhelming support of the American people for expanding SCHIP.

According to recent polls, 86 percent of the American people support reauthorizing SCHIP, with seven in ten saying they support the Democratic plan to expand SCHIP by $35 billion over five years. [Robert Wood Johnson Foundation release, 8/23/07; Washington Post, 10/2/07]

Not only have a bipartisan group of 43 governors called on President Bush to extend and expand the State Children's Health Insurance Program, but seven states filed lawsuits against the Bush Administration challenging proposed federal rules that would "force poor children to lose health coverage." [Associated Press, 10/01/07]

"With this reckless and irresponsible veto, George W. Bush has once again shown that he is more loyal to his extremist ideology than to the priorities of the families of New Mexico," said Colón. "He sees no problem spending over half a trillion dollars to keep our courageous troops mired in an intractable civil war in Iraq, but he refuses to compassionately extend to 27,900 New Mexican children the opportunity to see a doctor, receive preventative care and live healthier and happier lives.  Despite the fact that this bipartisan legislation would not add a dime to Bush's skyrocketing budget deficit, he still refuses to do the right thing for New Mexico's families."

October Community Health Care Forums

Community forums to discuss healthcare reform in New Mexico were held in many parts of New Mexico this summer. Scheduled events continue through October. This is your chance to hear first hand about the results of Mathematica's study on reform options and to speak up about what you'd like healthcare reform legislation to look like when it's taken up in the NM Legislature.

Community Forums: Achieving Healthcare for All, October 2007 - Statewide Cosponsors: Health Care for All Campaign, New Mexico Voices for Children, League of Women Voters NM, AARP, New Mexico Conference of Churches, New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness, Health Action New Mexico, NM Public Health Association, NM Human Needs Coordinating Council, Con Alma Health Foundation, National , Association of Social Workers-NM, CWA.

Upcoming forums:

Torrance County--Moriarty
Date: Wednesday, October 3, 12-2:00 PM

• Location: Teen Center/ Moriarty
• Sponsors: The Partnership for a Healthy Torrance County (Torrance Health Council)
• Local Contact: Billie Clark, Program Manager, Torrance County Project Office 505.832.0332, pmanager@lobo.net

Valencia County:
Date: Wednesday, October 3rd, 5:30-8:00 PM

• Location: UNM-Valencia campus
• Sponsor: Valencia Community Partnership
• Local Contacts: Peggy Gutjahr 385-0160/peggyrae@datasages.com and Sandra Chavez 865-3999, schavez@ydinm.org

McKinley County
Date: Thursday, October 4, 6:30-8:30 PM (time pending)

• Location: UNM-Gallup/ Calvin Hall Auditorium, 200 College Drive, Gallup
• Sponsor: McKinley County Health Alliance
• Local Contact: Ophelia Reeder, 505-863-5107, McKinley County Health Alliance, Ophelia_reeder@pmsnet.org ­

­Otero County/ Alamogordo
Date: Wednesday, October 24, 2 PM and 6 PM

• Location: 907 New York Ave., Alamogordo
• Sponsor: CAPPED, Inc.
• Local Contact: Tresa VanWinkle, RN, Executive Director CAPPED, Inc., tresa@capped.org
  PH: (505) 434-HOPE (4673), FAX: (505) 434-1177

For more information on the health care reform issue and scheduled events visit Health Action New Mexico.

Get the Facts on Medicare Privatization

From Americans United for Change:
Please join Medicare experts and seniors advocates at an informative meeting to discuss ending the privatization of Medicare. Get the facts as a major battle looms in Washington, DC that could effect Medicare coverage:

Thursday September 20th, 1:00 to 2:00
Highland Senior Center, Room 7
131 Monroe NE
Free and Open to the Public
Click for flyer

For more information or to RSVP to reserve a seat call Josh Geise at 505-603-1067.

News from SAGE Council

From SAGE Council:
Jam the Ballot Box Music Fest! Get Out the Vote! The Jam the Ballot Box music fest is an all ages show featuring four Native American rock bands. Come rock out as we celebrate Native voters! Call JR at 260-4696 if you are interested in volunteering at the event!

What: Jam the Ballot Box music fest
When: Saturday, September 15th, 7 PM
Where: The Compound, 3206 San Mateo NE, ABQ
Cost: $10

Native American Voters Alliance (NAVA): Get Out the Vote! Water & Urban Indian Healthcare. NAVA is off to a good start, but we need your help to make it a success! This year, we're concentrating on two issues: water, and urban Indian healthcare.

Water: Currently, Albuquerque uses an unsustainable amount of water. We are exceeding our yearly water budget by at least 18 billion gallons of precious and non- renewable groundwater. We must protect water availabilty for future generations!

Native American healthcare: Although NAVA was successful in securing funding for Urban Indian healthcare earlier this year, it is clear that much more needs to be done to ensure quality, accessible healthcare for Native Americans!

We need your help to get out the Native vote! Come with us as we go out into our community to make positive change! We phonebank Monday-Thursday from 6:00-8:00 PM and we're going doorknocking Saturday and Sunday from10 AM - 1 PM. Call the office at 260-4696 to sign up to volunteer!

We Made Our Debut at NACA! SAGE Council stepped into our first classroom two weeks ago to teach 6th, 7th, and 8th graders the concepts of community organizing. Wow! What an experience! Our class is awesome! The students are truly exceptional and went above and beyond our expectations when we discussed topics like racism and stereotypes. Their knowledge, insight, and ability to see through all the hype was amazing. Our experience so far has been challenging but also very rewarding. We'll keep you updated on how it's going! If you are interested in helping, or if you know of activities that would be fun for the class, please call our office at 260-4696.

Mark Your Calendar for Desert Rock Event! October 5th-7th! Next month after the city elections, SAGE Council will resume our role as supporters of the Dooda Desert Rock (DDR) resistance. DDR has asked SAGE to help with petition-signing and a demonstration at the Shiprock Fair. The details are yet to be confirmed, but SAGE is thinking of taking a caravan or a busload of people from Albuquerque to help gather signatures to oppose the Desert Rock power plant, and to help with the demonstration during the opening parade. Ideas, suggestions, and donations to make this trip possible are greatly appreciated! Call the office if you want to sign up to go with us!

SAGE Council is an Indigenous and people of color-led organization using community organizing to build power through action, education, leadership development and political participation. Our commitment to social change and self determination is based on values that honor the environment and all people. We want to hear from you! Let us know what you think about how we are doing at SAGE. You can sign up for our email newsletter at our website.

SAGE Council Web: https://www.sagecouncil.org
Email:  sage@sagecouncil.org 
Phone: 505-260-4696

PARTICIPATE: More NM Healthcare Community Forums Scheduled

Community forums to discuss healthcare reform in New Mexico were held in many parts of New Mexico this summer. Scheduled events continue from now through October. This is your chance to hear first hand about the results of Mathematica's study on reform options and to speak up about what you'd like healthcare reform legislation to look like when it's taken up in the NM Legislature.

From the NM Human Needs Coordinating Council:
Community Forums: Achieving Healthcare for All, September-October 2007 - Statewide Cosponsors: Health Care for All Campaign, New Mexico Voices for Children, League of Women Voters NM, AARP, New Mexico Conference of Churches, New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness, Health Action New Mexico, NM Public Health Association, NM Human Needs Coordinating Council, Con Alma Health Foundation, National , Association of Social Workers-NM, CWA.

Upcoming forums:

Eddy County
Date: Monday, September 10, 5:30-7:30 PM

• Location: NMSU-Carlsbad, Room 101, 1500 University Drive, Carlsbad
• Sponsors: Eddy County Community Health Council and NMSU
• Local Contact: Candace Autry, cautry@CO.EDDY.NM.US, 505-887-9511

Grant, Catron, Luna and Hildago County/ Silver City
Date: Tuesday, September 11, 6-8:00 PM

• Location: Bayard Community Center, 290 Hurley Avenue, Bayard (about 10 miles from SC)
• Lead Sponsor: SW Council of Governments
• Local Contact: Gloria Terrazas, SW New Mexico Council of Governments, 505.388.1509, gterrazas@gilanet.com

Santa Fe County
Date: Tuesday, September 18, 10 AM-12 PM, 5:30-7:30 PM

• Locations/address:
  • (10 AM-12 PM) Forum Building at College of Santa Fe Campus, 1600 St. Michael’s Drive, SF
  • (5:30-7:30 PM) Santa Fe County Courthouse/BCC Chambers, 2nd floor, 102 Grant Street, SF
• Cosponsors: Santa Fe County HHS Department, League of Women Voters, Results-Santa Fe CWA Local 7076
• Local Contact: Steve Shepard, Santa Fe County, 505.992.9840 sshepher@co.santa-fe.nm.us

Chaves County/Roswell
Date: Thursday, September 20, 2-4:00 PM

• Location: ENMU- Roswell, Occupational Technology Center Building, Room 124, Roswell
• Local Contact: Barbara Thompson 505.623.6173Thom-mom@zianet.com

Los Alamos County
Date: Thursday, September 20, 7-9:00 PM

• Location: Fuller Lodge, 2132 Central Ave, Los Alamos
• Sponsors: League of Women Voters-Los Alamos, Los Alamos Community Health Care Roundtable
• Local Contact: Chris Chandler, 505.662.5900, cchandler@cybermesa.com

Torrance County--Moriarty
Date: Wednesday, October 3, 12-2:00 PM

• Location: Teen Center/ Moriarty
• Sponsors: The Partnership for a Healthy Torrance County (Torrance Health Council)
• Local Contact: Billie Clark, Program Manager, Torrance County Project Office 505.832.0332, pmanager@lobo.net

Valencia County:
Date: Wednesday, October 3rd, 5:30-8:00 PM

• Location: UNM-Valencia campus
• Sponsor: Valencia Community Partnership
• Local Contacts: Peggy Gutjahr 385-0160/peggyrae@datasages.com and Sandra Chavez 865-3999, schavez@ydinm.org

McKinley County
Date: Thursday, October 4, 6:30-8:30 PM (time pending)

• Location: UNM-Gallup/ Calvin Hall Auditorium, 200 College Drive, Gallup
• Sponsor: McKinley County Health Alliance
• Local Contact: Ophelia Reeder, 505-863-5107, McKinley County Health Alliance, Ophelia_reeder@pmsnet.org ­

­Otero County/ Alamogordo
Date: Wednesday, October 24, 2 PM and 6 PM

• Location: 907 New York Ave., Alamogordo
• Sponsor: CAPPED, Inc.
• Local Contact: Tresa VanWinkle, RN, Executive Director CAPPED, Inc., tresa@capped.org
  PH: (505) 434-HOPE (4673), FAX: (505) 434-1177

For more information on the health care reform issue and scheduled events visit Health Action New Mexico.