House panel OKs bill to boost CHIP funding

Members of a House committee passed a bill Friday that would add $3.3 million each year to the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

HB114 passed unanimously after representatives listened to members of the public give tearful testimony about the impact of CHIP in their own lives — and the lives of their children.

"CHIP has made it so basically we all (in my family) can live," said Copper Hills High School senior David Turley. Two years ago, Turley had a heart surgery paid for through CHIP.

Sponsoring Rep. David Hogue, R-Riverton and leading advocate for CHIP in the Legislature, applauded the committee's

action.

"This offers some stability to families and creates an opportunity for dignity," he said.

HB114 now goes to the full House for a vote.