Phillip Morris USA Unfairly Targeting Senator Hutchison

Texas children’s advocates today criticized Big Tobacco for undermining Congressional efforts to provide healthcare for millions of uninsured children. Texas Impact, the Center for Public Policy Priorities and other nonprofit groups said recent efforts by Phillip Morris USA, including direct mail and a grassroots lobby website, encourage Congress to consider monied interests ahead of the public interest.

Congress may vote on as early as tomorrow on legislation increasing the number of low-income children covered by the federal-state SCHIP program. The increase is completely paid for by an increase in tobacco taxes.

“Tobacco companies are shamelessly pressuring Congress to protect their industry instead of children,” said Bee Moorhead, Executive Director of the interfaith group Texas Impact.

The groups cited a recent direct mail campaign by Phillip Morris USA to Texas smokers singling out Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison for supporting an increase in the federal excise tax on tobacco. The tax increase would go to support continued funding for the State Children’s Health Insurance program.

Recipients of the postcard mailing are directed to Phillip Morris’s website http://www.stopthefetincrease.com/, which includes a toll-free call-in number and information about impacts of cigarette taxes on smokers.

Advocates for Texas children protested the targeting of Senator Hutchison, and ask what role the tobacco industry is playing in the President’s veto threat. “Texans should thank Senator Hutchison for her leadership on CHIP. With the highest rate of uninsured kids in the nation, Texas more than any other state needs the ability to grow our Children’s Health Insurance program that this bill provides,” said Anne Dunkelberg, Associate Director for the Center for Public Policy Priorities.

The Texas Legislature recently voted to increase Texas CHIP enrollment, but advocates warn that Congressional action is needed to allow that growth.

“CHIP is a successful program providing cost-effective health care through private insurers for low-income working Texas families,” said Barbara Best, Director of Children’s Defense Fund for Texas. “Our legislature paved the way to health care for 127,000 more children to enroll, but now the Texas Congressional delegation must stand for Texas children.”

“Our leaders need to understand that this is a true compromise that makes sure that CHIP programs will target low-income uninsured children,” said Susan Craven, Executive Director of Texans Care For Children. “With nearly a million uninsured Texas children in the CHIP income group, we need this legislation to win the battle to get Texas children the health care they need.”

President Bush has threatened to veto the SCHIP reauthorization compromise. Advocates said strong bipartisan vote for the compromise might prevent a veto, or would strengthen Congress’ hand in the negotiations with the Administration after a veto.