This month, Congress will consider reauthorization of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), which provides funding for the Healthy Families Program, one of California's low-cost health insurance programs for children. Health reform proposals by Governor Schwarzenegger and legislative leaders rely on SCHIP funds to increase the number of children covered by Healthy Families. A new California Budget Project Budget Brief, "SCHIP Reauthorization: Congress Can Help California Provide Health Coverage to More Children," shows that if Congress does not substantially boost funding, California will not have sufficient funds to cover the 800,000 children who rely on Healthy Families, much less reach more uninsured children.

This Budget Brief is available at www.cbp.org.