Go read it: Top posts from around the 'Net: Tssking and Tasking Palin, Explaining S-CHIP in states

There have been some fantastic blog posts recently about topics you may or may not be familiar with. If you can, take a few minutes and read these fantastic posts that I highly recommend:

"Let’s talk Emmenak, Sarah"---OmegaMom, an Alaskan resident, takes Sarah Palin to task for ignoring the humanitarian crisis in the Alaskan village of Emmonak. The crisis is due to extreme cold and high fuel prices. A local resident says his community needs heating fuel and food. OmegaMom writes:

Dear Sarah:

I understand that you currently have more public relations than policy people on your administrative payroll.  Perhaps it’s time to review how well they’re doing?

I know you’ve been awfully busy giving interviews lately wherein you chastise “anonymous bloggers” for spreading lies and innuendo–I’m guessing related to the whole “is she really Trig’s mom?” question, which is only being followed by hardline nutcases–but don’t you think your PR people might mention Emmenak to you?  It’s been big news in the Alaska blogosphere these past few days, but there hasn’t been a peep out of your office about it.

I would think this would be an excellent chance for you to show your “Alaska mom” instincts, being Mrs. Compassion and Mama Bear, fighting for the health and welfare of the people of your state.

Go read it!

And what else do I suggest that you read?

We've been talking about the recent S-CHIP vote, but largely at the national level. What happens now that the S-CHIP reauthorization bill has passed the House and Senate? Can the states fun this program for their local citizens?

Past history matters on this because the federal government will only fund a portion.

My state has a bad history of not funding, so most of our money has been redistributed to other states.

Charles Kuffner of Off the Kuff wrote wrote a post and conducted an interview with Rep. garnet Coleman (D-Houston) that explains how S-CHIP works at a state level, with specifics for Texas.

I strongly urge you to become knowledgeable about this because passing Federal Congress is only the beginning.

Definitely take a few minutes to listen to Charles interview Rep. Coleman here: MP3 of Charles Kuffner interviewing Rep Garnet Coleman. (The S-CHIP discussion is in the first half of the interview. The subsequent portion covers other topics and issues, largely Texas-specific, although very interesting so if you can listen through, do.)

What should you do? Contact your local elected officials and ask them about your state's ability to fund and distribute the health care S-CHIP can provide for uninsured children, and state your support for the program.

I urge you to call because all calls are logged, and entered into a record, which can count for floor discussion. Emails and letters may not carry the same weight.

I'll be writing more about S-CHIP and the states. If you've written about S-CHIP this week, or very recently, especially as it specifically works in your state, please feel free to add the link or send it to me and I'll add it in.

Comments

[Vegas Shopper]

I merely mentioned on Twitter that S-CHIP is a business as well as a social issue. As a small business owner, I was fortunate to be able to afford 100% health coverage for my employees but there was no way I couldn't extend those benefits to their families. S-CHIP enabled them to get medical care for their children.

[Julie Pippert]

That's so true Vegas Shopper---great point. In fact, there's a conference in March to address that very issue. I should have said, so thanks for bringing it up.

[Jonard Reyes]

Great Article post some more...