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 Proclamations Proc. 7349 pendence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty- fifth. WILLIAM J. CLINTON Proclamation 7349 of September 29, 2000 Child Health Day, 2000 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation As parents and as concerned citizens, we have a profound responsibility to ensure that America's children not only receive a healthy start in life, but also that they continue to grow and develop in a nurturing environ- ment where they have the opportunity to reach their full potential. Recognizing the importance of healthy, happy children to the future of our Nation, my Administration has strived to offer America's families the tools they need to fulfill their responsibilities. In 1997, I was proud to sign into law the Child Health Insurance Program (CHIP), the largest investment in children's health care since the creation of Medicaid 35 years ago. This in- novative program allows States to use Federal funds to provide health in- surance for children of working families whose incomes are too high to qualify for Medicaid but too low to afford private health insurance. Chil- dren with health insurance are more likely to receive the immunizations and other preventive care they need to avoid serious illnesses and to enjoy a healthier start in life. In March of 1997, only 4 States provided such cov- erage for children. Today, 30 States have plans approved to cover qualified children, and I have proposed an additional $5.5 billion over the next 10 years to cover even more children and to raise awareness of CHIP among families who may not realize they are eligible. In addition to quality health care, children need nutritious meals every day. I am pleased that our national school lunch program provides healthy lunches to more than 25 million students in more than 9B,000 schools across our nation, ensuring that some of our most vulnerable children can look forward to at least one healthy meal each day. We can also be heart- ened to know that children enrolled in programs funded under the Depart- ment of Agriculture's Special Supplemental Program for Women, Infants, and Children not only receive the nutritious food they need, but also are immunized earlier, perform better in school, and spend less time in the doctor's office. Since 1965, in addition to engaging parents in the early educational devel- opment of their children, the Head Start program has provided medical, mental health, nutrition, and dental services to more than 17 million chil- dren from birth to age 5. My Administration will continue this investment by increasing Head Start funding in our proposed fiscal 2001 budget by $1 billion--the largest Head Start expansion in history. It is also our responsibility to ensure that our children feel part of a safe, strong, nurturing community. Through our Safe Schools/Healthy Students initiative, my Administration is helping parents, school principals, police, 151

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