MELLOW BLASTS BUSH FOR VETOING CHILDREN’S HEALTH INSURANCE HARRISBURG, October 3, 2007 – Senate Democratic Leader Robert J. Mellow today released a statement that harshly criticized President George Bush for vetoing bipartisan federal legislation that would have made more children from low to moderate income families eligible for free health care. “With the stroke of his pen, our president today took action that may deprive thousands of children the opportunity to receive the kind of basic and preventative care that all children need to be healthy. “Established by our late Governor Robert P. Casey, Pennsylvania’s CHIP program has been a sparkling national model for the past 15 years. I was proud to sponsor legislation last year in our state Senate that would have expanded this invaluable program to more children. “Regrettably, the president turned his back on our nation’s most precious resource – our children. “I urge Congress, which overwhelmingly voted in favor of this legislation, to work together and overturn today’s disgraceful veto. # # #