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Veto Yesterday, Tour Today

Dec 05, 08:34 AM CST

Today, as President George W. Bush uses the One World Health Center as a prop to justify taxpayer expense for his trip, Nebraskans question his record on health care for the poor.

In his most recent budget request, Bush offered only a minimal hike in funding for Community Health Centers. When Congress increased the amount of funding by $224 million, he vetoed the bill.

The same bill included funding for programs that train health workers, nurses and therapists who generally go to work in Community Health Centers.

In addition, by vetoing SCHIP, Bush has greatly affected the health of Omaha’s poorest children, many of whom go to One World for assistance.

“With actions like this, it is no wonder George W. Bush is one of history’s least popular and least effective presidents,” said Matt Connealy, Executive Director of the Nebraska Democratic Party. “Mike Johanns stands proudly next to the President, yet he tries to run from the Bush policies he once supported. Nebraskans will hold Johanns accountable today and throughout the campaign.”

– by Eric Fought | Send this to a friend

1. The UNO College Democrats held a protest this morning, which focused on health care.
   
   We made plenty of signs for the community and for Mr. Bush to see.
   
   The chant of the day was “Can’t Wait ‘til ‘08”!
   — Karlee Coleman    Dec 05, 01:38 PM CST #
2. My sign:
   
   “Honk if you like Healthcare!”
   — Mike Nellis    Dec 06, 10:12 AM CST #
3. My sign said “Don’t Have Healthcare” because I DON’T Thanks President Bush! I’ll be sure to send you my bill when I go to the hospital because I got a cold when I protested against you in Omaha.
   — Luke Peterson    Dec 06, 04:40 PM CST #
4. Got a letter from Rep. Adrian Smith today telling me he went along with Bush’s veto b/c there was alot of pork in that bill. Anyone in the know was that the case?
   — andy stadler    Dec 11, 09:05 PM CST #