Governor Perdue to Preserve PeachCare for Kids

Atlanta - Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that $49 million in state funds previously earmarked for the planned DaimlerChrysler development in Pooler, GA will now be used to lessen the impact of budget reductions on programs that affect children in Georgia. For example, Governor Perdue is directing that $18 million be used to preserve PeachCare for Kids (PeachCare) for this fiscal year (FY04) to prevent reductions in enrollment or services.

"Even when faced with difficult budget circumstances, we must make every effort to keep our commitment to Georgia's kids," said Governor Sonny Perdue. "The legislature failed to fund the full enrollment projections for PeachCare during the last session resulting in an $18 million shortfall. I will fill that gap."

In July, Governor Sonny Perdue ordered a review of proposed changes to PeachCare. Budget shortfalls and a lack of appropriated funds from the Georgia General Assembly caused the Department of Community Health (DCH) to announce policy changes which would have reduced enrollment in the program. Governor Perdue ordered that those policy proposals be reexamined and asked for a complete review of all available options to provide the best possible health insurance for Georgia's children.

"Difficult decisions remain and cuts to government programs across the board are going to have to be made, but this is not going to be a bidding war for where the rest of these funds will go," added Governor Perdue. "They are going into the general fund to help lessen the budget impact on Georgia's kids."