More Political Opportunism please

Commenter Lawrence Krubner recently asked about the possibility of starting Universal Healthcare at a state level if it is not politically viable at a national level. Well, he will be interested to hear that Governor Blagojevich of Illinois just began a program that will offer insurance coverage to all children in the state:

CHICAGO, Nov. 15 - Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich signed a measure on Tuesday intended to allow all children in Illinois, including those in working-class and middle-class families, to obtain health insurance.

National experts on health care said the new law, which will offer discounts on premiums for those who qualify, was the broadest plan to insure children by any state. (...)

Mr. Blagojevich, a Democrat, said he hoped that the move would lead the way for a nation that needs to face a growing problem of middle-income families who cannot afford insurance premiums.

"It's about time that the middle class get some help and the working class get some help," he said in an interview. "Our kids come first, and what's the most important thing for kids? That they're safe and healthy." (...)

Although few people here wanted to be viewed as opposing children's having insurance, a concept that one skeptical legislator compared to siding against motherhood or apple pie, Mr. Blagojevich has his doubters.

Sure, you can be cynical and say that Blagojevich is desperately trying to associate himself with somthing positive so that he can seek re-election. And you'd probably be right. But hey, that's how democracy is supposed to work -- we reward our representitives with re-election when they do right by us, and especially our children. Let's hope that the program is a success and people in other state start demanding the same care for their children, and even themselves.