Since the 1900s, America’s medical system has been on the decline in comparison to other industriali…

[Charles Gonzales-SAC]

Since the 1900s, America’s medical system has been on the decline in comparison to other industrialized countries. However, by the 1950s, multiple acts concerning health insurance had been passed. Emphasis on universal healthcare began to grow when Americans began to have more confidence in modern scientific institutions. Through the years, though, the growth in employment-based insurance benefits and the passage of Medicare and Medicaid eventually lead to rapid inflation in the economy and by the 1970’s, the American medical system is now seen as “in crisis.” Until this day, many people go without health insurance. Congressman Charles A. Gonzales believes that we must take a stand, according to his official website, to “invest in programs that will both expand coverage for Americans and increase the quality of care that is currently available" (The Online Office...Gonzalez). Gonzales would have voted to increase funding to the SCHIP program from $35 billion to $60 billion over a five year period, since he believes that our first order of business should be to take care of the millions of uninsured children in our nation. Unfortunately, President Bush vetoed the bill, and the override veto failed to reach a two-thirds majority. According to Gonzales’ official website, he stated: “The President and his allies in Congress squandered a historic opportunity to insure 10 million children whose families can't afford health insurance. Sadly, their rejection of a broadly supported bipartisan bill highlights the realities of their misplaced priorities.” On October 25, 2007, after new legislation was passed that would insure almost 10 million children, Rep Gonzalaz issued another statement saying: “We have a responsibility to make certain the ten million children in America, including almost half a million in the state of Texas, receive the healthcare coverage they rightfully deserve. This legislation is a historic investment in our children, their health, and accordingly, our nation's future" (The Online Office...Gonzalez). This bill will also grant $35 billion dollars into the Children’s Health insurance program. How will this be financed, you ask? Well according to the Common Wealth Fund, there are many options for raising funds to support this program. A few of them being; making better use of existing funds, making improvements within the current structure of the SCHIP, and changing the SCHIP’s financing structure by changing the spending limit to accommodate the enrollment increase and encouraging enrollment into the SCHIP and Medicaid program instead of other programs that require higher federal funding. Gonzales is right; children’s healthcare is of great importance, and the Republican’s are too caught up in politics to see that. I believe that we must take action against the health care crisis in America, but to do that, we need everyone to agree to it. We should promote programs like SCHIP, that bring America towards a more efficient healthcare system. Works Cited 1. "Rep. Gonzalez Issues Statement...Override Vote." The Online Office of Congressman Charles a. Gonzalez. United States Cong. 10 Nov. 2007 option=com_content&task=view&id=204&ltemid=1>. 2. "PBS-Healthcare Crisis: Healthcare Timeline." PBS. 2007. 9 Nov. 2007 . 3. "State Children's Health Insurance Program." Wikipedia. 15 Nov. 2007. 10 Nov. 2007 .

[Cristina Blangiardo]

Congressman Gonzalez has a great outlook on the health care system, and he has some good ideas to help improve it. Children are the future says Congressman Gonzales, he is working very hard to improve kids health care. Also the health care programs help individuals get the treatment they need.

[Brandon Cruz]

I do agree with Congressman Gonzales, our health care system is ready for a major improvement and I feel he can help lead the way. Starting with the children of America is very important to me, it’s like Mr. Gonzales says they are our future and we need to do all we can to insure them in any kind of situation. Ya it’s true many of the children which fall under the statistics given are illegal aliens; however they’re in the country now and I feel that we must take anyone into consideration. I won’t even go into my thought about President Bush vetoing the bill for the SCHIP, all I can say it that it was not a good move on him. My hope now goes to the kids of America and wish we can all come to an agreement.

[Elizabeth Mata]

I totally agree with your essay. I would also like to state the fact that if Congressman Gonzalez does get this program approved how would he know if he is insuraning official residents. Most of our uninsured population are illegal immigrants. Also I am little bit iffy on how will they get the funding to better support the SCHIP and MEDICAID program. I can at least say this, this man is at least trying to improve our healthcare program.