In the 1990s, Florida Education Commissioner Betty Castor worked with then-Gov. Lawton Chiles on developing a health insurance program for Florida’s uninsured children. Florida Kidcare became the model for the national State Children’s Health Insurance Plan (SCHIP) which was enacted on the national level in 1997. Betty’s daughter, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, later took up the mantle and became a leading Florida advocate for families’ access to affordable health care under SCHIP. Rep. Castor was invited by President Obama to the White House to join him today as he signs the children’s health care expansion bill into law. Read more »

Congresswoman Kathy Castor announced today that the economic recovery plan will direct at least $4.3 billion in health care investments to Florida. Castor is a member of the Energy & Commerce Committee which is marking up the economic recovery plan today. The $4.3 billion investment comes from an increased federal match for Medicaid which is one of the largest boosts in the country. Castor has been pushing for this increase in health care investments since last year. Read more »

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, an early leader on affordable children’s health legislation, moved the SCHIP reauthorization bill out of the Rules Committee last night and onto the House floor, where she spoke this morning and championed the importance of affordable health care. The bill includes several provisions from the first bill she filed as a member of Congress that were later blocked by President Bush. President-elect Obama has pledged to sign this bill. Read more »

As Congress works on renewing the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), U.S. Congresswoman Kathy Castor and state Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink proposed a plan today that will expand health insurance coverage to more of Florida’s and the nation’s children. The plan was outlined in a letter to President-Elect Obama. Read more »

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Congresswoman Kathy Castor was appointed last night to the exclusive House Energy and Commerce Committee. The committee directly focuses on issues vital to Tampa Bay area families, including providing access to quality, affordable health care, new energy solutions and consumer protection. Castor and the Energy and Commerce Committee will work with President-Elect Barack Obama, Speaker Pelosi and Health and Human Services Secretary-Designate Tom Daschle to shape policy and expand access to quality, affordable health care for families, veterans, seniors and children. Read more »

With many businesses cutting back or even laying off, the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital has announced a new program that officials hope will provide good paying jobs, alleviate the nursing shortage and take care of wounded veterans. Read more »

A new nursing academy will help alleviate the state’s nursing shortage, offer care to wounded veterans and create high-paying jobs in the Tampa Bay area, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor said today. Read more »

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor announced today she is continuing to push for quality, affordable health care with an immediate increase of Medicaid dollars to Florida and other states suffering from the economic downturn. As Congress considers a second economic stimulus package, Castor will fight to focus the package on jobs and health care. Read more »

Madam Speaker, in recognition of Women’s History Month, I rise today to honor Delia P. Sanchez, a champion for children in Florida. Ms. Sanchez is a wonderful example of the power of women to shape future generations and make a difference in their communities. Read more »

''This is a significant loss of revenue that could affect the disabled, nursing home residents, mothers and children,'' said Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Tampa, who is leading efforts within the delegation to find a fix. Read more »