South could be hit hard by SCHIP veto

This year, the U.S. House and Senate both passed legislation to expand the State Children's Health Insurance Program, with broad bi-partisan support. But this morning, White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said the president would be vetoing the legislation -- "quietly" and "without a ceremony."

No surprise for the low-key axing -- SCHIP expansion is supported by 70% of the public, and the veto will deny health coverage to four million kids.

We've reported before on how the South would be uniquely impacted by cuts to the successful SCHIP program. More evidence comes from the U.S Census Bureau, which shows which states have the highest number of kids at 200% of the poverty level without health coverage:

STATE AND % KIDS UNINSURED

(1) Texas -- 14%
(2) Arizona -- 11.6%
(2) New Mexico -- 11.6%
(4) Mississippi -- 10.8%
(5) Florida -- 10.7%

(Above chart courtesy of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities)