Votes Against Children’s Health Care, Medicare Not in Interests of 13th Congressional District

SARASOTA, FL – May 31, 2008 – The campaign of Christine Jennings, Democratic candidate for Florida’s 13^th Congressional District, issued the following statement today:

“It’s clear that Representative Vern Buchanan, Senator Mel Martinez and the Bush Administration are out of touch with the values and needs of Florida’s families. In 2007, Rep. Buchanan voted against the authorization of $86 billion over five years for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (S-CHIP)[1], while Sen. Martinez repeatedly voted against legislation to expand this vital program.[2] In 2006, more than 816,000 of Florida’s children lacked health insurance.[3] Their votes against bills that would have offered as much assistance as possible to Florida’s uninsured children are simply shameful,” said Jennings spokesperson Melissa Smith.

“Not only did Rep. Buchanan vote against the interests of children in HR 3162, but he also voted against the interests of seniors – the bill also would have expanded Medicare funding for low-income beneficiaries and eliminated the late enrollment penalty for the Medicare prescription drug program.

“We need a change from the same old politics of the last eight years,” continued Smith. “Christine Jennings will bring an honest voice to Washington and can be counted on to work hard for the real interests of the voters of the 13^th Congressional District.”