Gov. Edwards issues statement about government shutdown, Louisiana impact

(Image Source: John Bel Edwards for Louisiana / MGN)
(Image Source: John Bel Edwards for Louisiana / MGN)(KALB)
Published: Jan. 20, 2018 at 10:46 AM CST
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Governor John Bel Edwards issued a statement on Saturday about the government shutdown and its impact on the state of Louisiana.

In the statement, Gov. Edwards calls on Congress to reauthorize the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) independently of the Continuing Resolution (CR) or as part of a grand bargain to end the shutdown.

Here’s a look at his full statement:

“Today, we find ourselves in the midst of another frustrating partisan battle. Both parties are spending more time blaming one another than finding common ground. Caught in the crossfire are the more than 122,000 Louisiana children who depend on CHIP for health care and the thousands of families who look to the National Flood Insurance Program for coverage. A nation this great should never have its citizens lay awake at night wondering if their children or property are protected. Both programs have bipartisan support and should be reauthorized immediately - either as standalone measures or as part of a grand bargain to end the shutdown. But the fact that Congress seemingly cannot manage to pass even the most essential legislation supported by clear majorities of both parties is further evidence of its dysfunction. The people of Louisiana and the United States deserve better.”

For more information on CHIP, check out the attached link.