SCHIP in 2009? Legislation Likely to Return But its Timing Remains Unclear

International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association (IPCPR)

The Fate of SCHIP Bill Rides on Results of the Upcoming General Elections 

October 29, 2008 - According to recent news reports and IPCPR's federal lobbyists, SCHIP will likely be a priority for the House Democratic Leadership, regardless who wins the presidential election. The question remains how high a priority?

IPCPR's lobbyists, following conversations with Steny Hoyer (Democrat from Maryland's 5th district), it may be one of the top three bills when the new Congress jumps out of the starting blocks. However, the current economy and the economic outlook could alter the bill's positioning on the Democratic Leadership's list. 

Understanding SCHIP is a priority for the new Congress (the current extension for the program expires March 31, 2009), IPCPR and its allies continue pressing forward to ensure the industry compromise reached and agreed to previously is included in any SCHIP legislation.

We will keep you posted as news and updates become available.

The International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association (IPCPR) is a not-for-profit trade association organized as the advocate for the independent retail tobacconist and recognized as the "Voice of Authority and Reason" on premium tobacco related issues.